Archbishop Eamon Martin Calls For a United Ireland

The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Eamon Martin, has called for a united Ireland. In a revelatory Hot Press interview, the Archbishop is extremely forthright in his nationalism.
"I do believe that Ireland should be one," he tells Hot Press writer, Jason O'Toole. "And I would like to work for that, and continue to work for that, by peaceful means and by persuasion, recognising that there are many people on this island who do not want that. At no point whatsoever would I have believed in the use of violence in order to achieve that."
His rejection of violence notwithstanding, his comments are nonetheless likely to ruffle feathers within the Unionist community, who may feel that the Archbishop’s very direct views on the issue are unhelpful.
"The vision of a united Europe was one in which political borders would be less important," the Archbishop elaborates, in a highly revealing in-depth interview, "and we'd work more on our common humanity, on our common economic needs, on our common social needs as a people of Europe and I think that has largely happened. To the extent I think the border between Northern Ireland and the rest of Ireland has become increasingly less important. I would like to see that trend continuing."
The frank and wide-ranging discussion also covers his reflections on the marriage equality referendum, and his opposition to any attempt to repeal the 8th Amendment.
"I can't understand why Ireland, having voted so strongly for what was termed a marriage equality referendum, would now be seeking the views and the people of Ireland to vote for life inequality, when it is human life. And, quite simply, the 8th Amendment expresses that. It expresses the equal right to life of a mother and her unborn child."
In what is a truly extraordinary interview, he also discusses his upbringing in Derry, his dating history, his chances of becoming Pope, and even his musical loves, including his local knowledge of The Undertones – who famously wrote about 'Teenage Kicks'.
To read it in full, pick up a copy of the new issue of Hot Press, on sale now.

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