VIDEO: PMS savers deserve 'proper redress'
SAVERS in the stricken Presbyterian Mutual Society deserve "proper redress", according to the Church's newly-elected Moderator.
The Rev Norman Hamilton, a north Belfast cleric, was speaking on Wednesday after being unveiled as the Moderator-Designate of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
The 63-year-old will take up his new position in June, succeeding the Rev Dr Stafford Carson.
Commenting on the current plight of PMS savers, Rev Hamilton said: "I would hope the savers would find proper redress in the shortest possible timescale but having been a civil servant for many years, I am well aware the wheels of government move slowly."
The minister was referring to media speculation of a possible takeover by a bank - the preferred option of Ulster's poltical leaders.
The PMS has been in administration since the late autumn of 2008.
However, the incoming Moderator admitted he does not have any insight into the current discussions on the matter.
"I don't have a timescale - except like everybody else I wish it could be resolved properly," he said.
The Rev Hamilton also expressed his "real concern" at the ongoing threat posed by dissident republicans and admitted issues concerning contentious parades remain "very difficult".
On Monday night, Lurgan-born Mr Hamilton defeated Newtownards Minister, the Rev Norman McAuley, 11-8 in a vote of the Presbyteries around Ireland.
As Minister of Ballysillan Presbyterian Church in North Belfast, Mr Hamilton has been prominently involved in peace and reconciliation work along the peace line in that area for the past two decades.
The Moderator-Designate admitted his elevation "came out of the blue".
He added: "I am hugely humbled and hugely privileged to be asked to serve the whole (Presbyterian) Church."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
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Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
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