The Most Reverend Dr Robin Eames Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of all Ireland

The Christian message of Easter is one of hope, love and new life. Those words stem from the Resurrection of Jesus on that first Easter when death and sin were overcome by the empty tomb.

This Easter in Ireland hope, love and new life are words of immense meaning and urgency.

Ireland needs hope for the future: hope that peace will be permanent and lasting so that new generations will be born into a land at peace with itself - a land where fear of violence, fear of the intentions of other communities and fear that what is important to any community will be threatened will cease to exist.

Ireland needs love: not in any sentimental manner but love which is based on new respect for the feelings and cultures of each community and the right of other communities to enjoy equality, justice and freedom under the law.

Ireland needs new life: too many of the old ways have failed us and led to misery and suffering. A new beginning to understanding where others stand, a new beginning in which the dark days of division are pushed back into history and a new beginning in which real trust can be born and grow between our communities.

This Easter let all Irish people of goodwill make hope, love and new life their prayer.