Latimer hails 'leader' McGuinness

Published Friday, 09 September 2011

History was made at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis on Friday evening when a Presbyterian minister addressed the party conference, which is being held in Northern Ireland for the first time.

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The Reverend David Latimer hailed Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness as one of the "true great leaders of modern times" during his keynote address at Belfast's Waterfront Hall.

The former Army chaplain, who addressed delegates in Irish on a number of occasions, described Mr McGuinness as his friend.

He received a standing ovation as he took to the stage and joked how he had received a warmer welcome there than at the Presbyterian General Assembly.

He said he also hoped to see a similar reception for a Catholic priest at the forthcoming Unionist party conferences.

"Recognising we have hurt each other and that we have been hurt by each other and that we all need to forgive would undeniably be liberating for all 32 counties, I think, of this island," he said.

We must not let the peace die, we will not let the peace die and with a man at the helm like Martin we can be sure of that.
Reverend David Latimer

The clergyman said differing religious and political beliefs should be respected and should no longer be the source of suspicion.

"They shouldn't be sufficient to make one side fearful of the other," he added.

"So with our prevailing political and religious beliefs - these, compared to the benefits of peace, I think we have to acknowledge, make our differences relatively trivial.

"Therefore, for the sake of our children we will keep moving forward together."

Mr McGuinness praised the minister's bravery in accepting his invitation as he introduced him to the conference.

"In my experience of recent years many within the unionist community are up for a journey of reconciliation and dialogue," he said.

"Tonight one of those, the Rev David Latimer from First Derry Presbyterian church, has demonstrated that by his courageous decision to accept our invitation to address this Ard Fheis."

"It is our duty to continue to reach out to unionists and it is our duty to persuade them of the merits of a new Republic and of their treasured place in it," he said.

Mr McGuinness embraced Rev Latimer when the minister finished his address, with Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams shaking hands with him on stage.

TUV leader Jim Allister described his speech as an "episode of abject obeisance towards IRA leader McGuinness."

"In describing McGuinness as a 'great leader' he trampled on the graves and memories of all the victims of his IRA," Mr Allister said.

Comments

69 Comments

Esdale in Belfast wrote (254 days ago):

Mark O -- It does my heart good to read an intelligent and accurate comment and I salute you for doing just that.

Mark O in Londonderry wrote (254 days ago):

@ Charlie Martin's Victims will never get to the truth until he has gone to meet his maker. @Kevin, Rugby team has nothing to do with this topic however if it keeps you happy! The IRU have declared Belfast not to be in Ireland and don't play the ROI anthem when playing up here which is good enough for most peoplw who has a grasp on reality (1 island, 2 Countries only 10% of NIs population want it changed and tails don't wag dogs) Now1 last point and food for thought for the "Move on Brigade". Would Rev Latimer have been so warmly recieved by The Shinners if he had been wearing his British Army Officers Uniform to give his speech?

lorna in limavady wrote (254 days ago):

also Paddy. I real spirit of forgivness is that you do not return evil of evil . In other words I will not go after anyone to take life. But what they are asking is that we should forget. My husband was the most precious person to me and it is not in me to forget

Paddy. this was my answer to you "hope this one passes the utv.SF is so delighted to hear this Protestant minister giving them excuses for the violence they dished out by making referances to the "sins of the fathers " and the Plantation of Ulster. I was not born then when history was being made. I never instructed my children to take life for a cause. But I was around when they took my husband's life and I saw his mother carry grief to her grave...You say a true Christian will forgive. Where does that leave Sinn Fein ? Does forgiveness not apply to them ? otherwise noone would have lost their lives..My mother in law would not have had the vote either years ago. they had no property.Protestants were no better off the Catholics.

Eleanor in Belfast. wrote (254 days ago):

I should like to add my voice to all those who have expressed annoyance at the attendance of the Rev David Latimer ( a Presbyterian Minister ) at the IRA/Sinn Fein Conference. I too found it most objectionable. By his presence and over the top address which he made to those in attendance he insulted the many victims who have suffered as a result of a cowardly IRA Terrorist Campain waged for over 35 years throughout Northern Ireland and further afield under the command of Martin McGuiness and the likes of his ruthless, bombing and murdering terrorist scum. The way I see it, the Rev. Latimer is an affront to the Presbyterian Church and is "GOOD" for nothing and unfit fit to wear a dog collar.

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