The Church Of Ireland
Press Release

30 October 2000

At the Annual Dinner of Worshipful Company of Shipwrights at the Mansion House, London tonight, attended by leaders of the Shipbuilding Industry and Government Representatives, Lord Eames said, "I pay a warm tribute to Dr John Parker as he commences his year as Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights.

"He is well remembered in Northern Ireland for his leadership of Harland and Wolff during years of immense change and challenge. His career at the Belfast Yard spanned a period when traditional certainties for shipbuilding in Belfast underwent vast change. The competition from the east, changes in demands for ships, diversification in the industry and world economic pressures demanded radical re-thinking throughout the British ship-building industry. Harland and Wolff saw rapid reductions in the workforce from thousands to hundreds of workers. This process had devastating social consequences for Belfast and the whole of the Northern Ireland economy. But the challenge was met. Today we are thankful for the recent announcements of two new orders which hold out hope for a brighter future.

"Nowhere in this industry will we find greater expertise or greater pride in the craft of shipbuilding than in Belfast. As Northern Ireland comes to terms with a new era for all it's people I appeal to the Government and to overseas as well as British shipowners to give urgent and sympathetic consideration to the Belfast Yard.

"New levels of employment at Harland and Wolff will not only bring hope to many families not least in east Belfast, but will have a great influence on the economic and social stability of the entire Province. So many of us yearn to see a new dawn of peace and stability for Northern Ireland. The Belfast Yard is a vital key to that future. I am confident that given a fair chance this traditional part of Northern Ireland's economy can yet again find a place of pride and excellence in the world of shipbuilding."