I cannot speak about the new outbreak of violence in Northern Ireland without also expressing my concern yet again about further episodes of gangland violence in and around Dublin.  Violence begets violence.  We are witnessing the incongruous situation in which one revenge-killing begets further revenge, and precisely those who think that violence is an answer end up being the most vulnerable to the next round.  This absurd violence and disregard for human life has been going on for too long.  It has to stop.

The violence will not stop by one criminal group thinking that they have come out best. The battle is greater; it is about definitively defeating that trade in death and exploitation of human weakness which is the drug trade and all who support it in any way.

We need to send an urgent and unambiguous message that as one community, North and South, without distinction of belief or of political allegiance, we are united against anyone who takes the path of violence.

Saint Patrick’s Day, provides a moment to reflect on the fragility of our times and our future if we place our trust in egoism and self centeredness.  Ireland faced and came through even harder times in the past through the strength of community and solidarity.  We need these values today.  They cannot be imposed from above.  They must be constructed by each of us, each day, in each new situation.  We must help ensure that the idealism and generosity of the younger generation can be welcomed and channelled into a new culture of solidarity.