It is understood that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will attend church mass in Armagh on Thursday to mark the centenary of partition and the founding of Northern Ireland.
Mr Johnson will join Queen Elizabeth at the commemorative celebration organized by the five major Christian churches in Ireland.
Last month, President Michael D. Higgins declined an invitation from the Church Leaders Group because he believed the address was politicized and it would not be appropriate for him to attend.
The Reconciliation and Hope Service will take place at St Patrick’s Irish Cathedral in Armagh, to mark the centenary of the Partition of Ireland and the formation of Northern Ireland.
Secretary of State Simon Coveney and Whip Chief Jack Chambers will represent the government.
President Michael D. Higgins declined an invitation from a group of church leaders because he believed the address was politicized and that it would not be appropriate for him to attend. Photo: Maxwells
Government buildings declined to comment on Tuesday night on Mr Johnson’s attendance, only confirming that ministers would attend and saying that «any calls to serve is a matter for regulators».
A spokesperson for Áras an Uachtaráin also declined to comment.
Also in attendance will be the Northern Ireland Secretary, Brandon Lewis, and other representatives from the Northern Ireland office.
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North Korea’s first minister, Paul Jeevan, is also expected to attend, as is his party colleague, Democratic Federalist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson. UCA leader Doug Petty, Alliance leader Naomi Long and Democratic Party leader Collum Eastwood will also be present.
Sinn Féin said he would not accept an invitation to the event, with junior Stormont minister Declan Kearney saying President Higgins was «right» when he decided not to attend the service.
Other representatives of civil society known for their work in the field of peacebuilding and reconciliation were also invited.
In a statement earlier this month, church leaders said they «felt a responsibility as Christian leaders to explore the opportunity to deepen the work of reconciliation in the context of respectful dialogue.
«We cannot undo the past, but we can learn from it, and we all have a responsibility to contribute to repairing relationships from our different perspectives,» they said.
Armagh Catholic Archbishop Dr Eamonn Martin told The Irish Times on Tuesday that he could not think of «celebrating» the centenary of Northern Ireland and the partition of Ireland, but that the event would see people «from diverse backgrounds and traditions, with different beliefs and aspirations coming together to pray for a healing.» the wounds of the past and asking God’s guidance in the spirit of hope for the future.”
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