Today the Edmund Rice Centre mourned the death of David Ervine, leader of the Progressive Unionist Party and key figure in the Easter Agreement.

“David was a man of peace” said Director Phil Glendenning.

“He drew on his experiences as a young man to inform his struggle for peace in Northern Ireland. He transformed violence and hatred into a commitment to peace that was an inspiration to everyone around him. 

“We worked closely with David. He welcomed us to Northern Ireland, working in partnership with Australian Indigenous leaders to explore the connections between the conflict in his homeland, and the continuing conflict between black and white in Australia. 

“He visited Australia on a number of occasions as a guest of the Edmund Rice Centre. He addressed the National Treaty Conference in 2002, challenging us to genuinely work with, listen to and learn from those with whom we disagree. Peace, he told us, was hard work – no one ever gets what they want.

“He was a man of great compassion and vision. He was a true statesman, not only for his own communities in Belfast and Northern Ireland, but for the world.  His wisdom and leadership were invaluable. 

“Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his colleagues. We are much the poorer for his loss. From Belfast to Sydney, he will be sorely missed. The Edmund Rice Centre has lost a good friend” Mr Glendenning said. 

For media interviews contact Phil Glendenning call 0419 013 758.

Edmund Rice Centre for justice and Community Education, 9 Alexandra Ave., Croydon. NSW. Australia. 2132. Tel: +61.2.97459700; Fax: +61.2.97459770; email: [email protected]