We the undersigned call on the Taoiseach and the Irish Government to use all available diplomatic influence with the British Government and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to help prevent the situation at Drumcree from escalating and to protect the peace that people across this island have worked so hard to build.

For almost three decades, a generation has grown up on this island knowing an Ireland very different from that experienced by those who came before us.

That peace is precious. It cannot be taken for granted.

The proposed parade at Drumcree has the potential to reopen old wounds, heighten community tensions and undermine the enormous progress that has been made since the darkest days of our past.

We believe that the decision to permit this parade was a serious mistake. Whatever our individual political traditions, however, our appeal now is a simple one: do not allow this situation to drag our society backwards.

We recognise that the British Secretary of State must operate within the law and respect the institutions and processes for which he is responsible. Equally, political leadership sometimes demands difficult decisions when peace and community relations are at stake.

We therefore call upon the Taoiseach to use the influence of his office and of the Irish Government in its engagements with the British Government and, in particular, with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

We ask both Governments to explore every lawful and peaceful avenue available to prevent confrontation, reduce tensions and protect the communities most directly affected.

Hundreds of thousands of people across this island have grown up without experiencing the violence and division endured by previous generations. We owe it to them, and to the generations that will follow, to ensure that nobody succeeds in turning back the clock.

Too much has been achieved.

Too much has been sacrificed.

Too much is at stake.

Protect our peace. Do not allow Drumcree to set us back 30 years.