The Secret Peacemaker charts the fascinating story of Father Alec Reid’s ambitious plan to bring an end to violence in Northern Ireland.
This feature-length film explores how Father Reid’s principles of dialogue, justice, mutual respect and consent – which he championed throughout his long mission of mediation – would be adopted many years later in the historic Belfast/Good Friday Agreement of 1998.
Father Reid, a Redemptorist priest, came to international attention in 1988 when he was pictured with a dying British corporal following an incident at an IRA funeral in west Belfast. The haunted face of Father Reid as he delivered the Last Rites became symbolic of conflict and its devastating effects.
Unknown to most, the photograph also captured a secret peacemaker at work. In Fr Reid’s jacket pocket were papers that outlined a fledgling plan that he hoped might help bring an end to the Troubles.
Based on tapes recorded with Father Reid in 2010, this documentary describes his role as a peacemaker and the many challenges he faced in persuading others to adopt his ‘stepping stones to peace’ strategy. It tells the story of his engagement with people from different backgrounds and the role that he played in helping to facilitate dialogue and an end to violent conflict.
Father Alec Reid died a decade ago aged 82.
The Secret Peacemaker airs tonight at 11pm on BBC One Northern Ireland.
