Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

RC head calls for IRA to halt violence

Sunday 19 January 1997 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland last night challenged the IRA to have the courage to halt its violence and seek a negotiated settlement in Northern Ireland.

The call by Archbishop Sean Brady came after two police officers and a motorist narrowly escaped death in a double mortar bomb attack in County Down, and a police patrol foiled a similar attack in Londonderry.

Archbishop Brady said: "I think it takes great courage to negotiate, probably more courage than maybe to do acts of violence. I would appeal to people to think about that. There is no road through violence ... The only way forward is through dialogue and negotiation and it will have to come some day."

Two mortar bombs were fired simultaneously from a twin-tube launcher at an Royal Ulster Constabulary car on the outskirts of Downpatrick late on Saturday night. The missiles just missed the vehicle, and a woman driving in the opposite direction. Ronnie Flanagan, chief constable of the RUC, said the attack was carried out with "total disregard" for the lives of civilians.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in