While this result is disappointing, the fact that well over 200 public representatives in the House of Commons and House of Lords voted against the regulations is encouraging – Pro Life Campaign.

I welcome this news and like other priests in Ireland I am greatly looking forward to celebrating public Mass and the sacraments soon with our congregations – Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland.

“Cautious approach” adopted by the Executive, prioritising health and wellbeing, particularly of those who are most vulnerable, welcomed.

"We urge you to take steps to formulate new regulations that will reflect more fully the will of a significant majority of the people in this jurisdiction to protect the lives of mothers and their unborn children.”

Northern Ireland now has “one of the most liberal abortion regimes anywhere in the world” in which “some unborn children will be left completely defenceless”.

“Catholic charities have first-hand experience of how the limit can put essentials such as food, rent and utility bills beyond reach, with devastating consequences,” says Bishop Moth.

In a post election reflection for the island of Ireland, Church of Ireland Primate, Rt Rev Dr Michael Jackson says "politicians owe it to their citizens to ensure peace and to build flourishing societies.”

Bishop Treanor said that while he was always wary of drawing over simplified conclusions, religions and churches had a role in promoting peace and understanding in Northern Ireland in the recent past and in particular during the past year when the political institutions were not functioning there.

Prince William honoured Fr D’Arcy for services to cross-community relations in Northern Ireland at the ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday 14th January 2020. The New Year Honours list recognises the achievements of a wide range of people in the world of the arts and show business, sports, business and charitable, public service and community work across the United Kingdom.

Peace cannot and should not be taken for granted and is a precious value that requires cultivation and tending in every generation.

While we acknowledge that points of difference obviously remain, the goal of restoring devolution remains within reach – Ireland’s church leaders.

"We need our very best young people to join the police – and serve the community with generosity, concern, respect and courage,” says Archbishop Eamon Martin.

"Voters have a duty to inform themselves on the position of election candidates in respect of their willingness to support and cherish equally the lives of mothers and their unborn children" – bishops in Northern Ireland.

"We are indebted to the continued support from the GAA clubs and supporters in Co. Antrim in helping brighten the festive season,” said Pauline Brown of the SVP.

I was one of those people who was middle of the road. I didn’t really know what happened during an abortion procedure. When Abby described it I just thought how blinded I had been – Ashley Bratcher.

During the last three months, the bishops and tens of thousands of people have been calling on political representatives to restore the NI Assembly to address the normal pressing democratic issues but especially to debate and halt the abortion legislation.

In a strong statement on the right to life, the Bishop of Clogher asks political representatives in Northern Ireland to set their differences aside.

It’s time to get Northern Ireland moving again – DUP leader, Arlene Foster MLA.

‘We are very excited. We hope it will be a moment of grace for us here in the North and for all of Ireland as well’ – Manuel McGivern, spokesperson for Focolare.

“The Word of God neither ages nor ceases to be relevant, no matter what changes occur in our society.”

“The pro-life people of Ireland have suffered greatly in recent years, fighting against the culture of death, against misinformation and seemingly against the tide of public opinion,” says Abby Johnson, protagonist.

Archbishop Eamon Martin appeals to the faithful to join him in commemorating two papal visits at the Papal Cross near Drogheda, Co. Louth.

"More than 20,000 people, from every tradition, attended the March because people are outraged that Westminster has hijacked our democratic process and has sought to impose abortion on Northern Ireland."

“We believe that through sharing our stories, our cultures and our histories – getting to know each other – we can lay the foundation for a more united Europe,” say organisers of event.

“Citizens deserve the fullest participation in the democratic debate about the legislation which governs it.”

“Decision-making should take place as close to the people as possible. This proposal is an imposition enacted by a parliament which is overwhelmingly not from Northern Ireland.”

“The direct and intentional taking of the life of any innocent human being is always gravely wrong – we must avoid becoming desensitised to the value of every human life.”

“For the sake of the most vulnerable in our society, for the sake of the victims of our past, for the sake of children in our schools and for the sake of people who need improved health and social care services, now is the time to find a resolution to the political impasse.”

Fr Magill, PP, St John’s Parish, Falls Road, Belfast, prayed that “Lyra’s murder may be the catalyst needed for parties to start talking, to reform that which was corrosive in previous Assemblies and to begin anew.”

“I would argue that our success is in delivering a holistic education profile to young people so they are well equipped for the world of work, university or contribution to society.”