ABSTRACT
The conflict in Northern Ireland was for the most part caused by socio-economic inequality which in turn fuelled violence within deprived communities. Because peace and justice are inexorably intertwined, a positive peace could only be established in Northern Ireland through the creation of a just society in which socio-economic inequality was a thing of the past. Much of Daly’s work on this issue was based upon consciousness raising, with his sermons and papers being a clarion call for the establishment of a society based upon the inherent and God-given dignity of the human person. This chapter demonstrates how Daly combined his twin goals of spiritual and communal salvation to create an alternative possible future for the people of Northern Ireland. This was to be achieved by members of the laity building upon the prayer and interaction outlined in Chapter 2, to develop a social spirituality in which love of neighbour permeated every aspect of their lives. Much of Daly’s thinking in this regard focused upon the economy, and he taught that it was incumbent upon those with material goods to provide for the needs of those who found themselves without enough to meet their basic needs. However, this was not to be achieved through charity but through a commitment to justice and payments towards the social mortgage that is held on all material goods. The chapter concludes by exploring two policy areas – housing and the treatment of prisoners – which were particularly important in the crucible of Northern Ireland. Here, Daly speaks directly to policy-makers and politicians again, asking that they put human dignity at the heart of their decision-making and outlining the degradation suffered by those living in poverty.
