Governor-General issues statement on the Passing of David Ervine

- Virtual Pensacola

I have heard with great sadness of the death of David Ervine.

His has been a voice of reconciliation and of common sense. His remarkable contribution to the search for a lasting peace on the island of Ireland was shown in his courageous support for the Good Friday Agreement. David had worked patiently for years to restore Loyalism and to forge a strong new voice for his community. But he will be remembered and respected for his readiness to reach out to others and for his commitment to peace and hope in place of violence and old hatreds.

The Samaritan on the road to Jericho expressed no greater concern for those who once thought themselves his enemies than did David Ervine. As that good man in a troubled land so long ago sought to bind the wounds of a traveler, so David sought to bind the wounds of a people in a troubled land today.

All of us who seek a durable peace will sorely miss this man who brought a unique humanity and vitality to the ongoing deliberations. His loss at this time of intensive effort to restore the institutions of civil government under the Crown will be keenly felt by his many friends, and all those in the Commonwealth who wish to see a lasting and just peace on the Islands.

To the members of his family foremost, and also to all those associated with Loyalism and the peace process I extend my deepest condolences on their bereavement.

May our Lord receive unto Himself this great man of peace, and bring to those who are now left to face the world without David Ervine a calm assurance of restoration at the Last Day.


Robert, Duke of Florida, Lord of St. George, GSB
Her Majesty's Governor-General in and for the
Dominion of British West Florida.