PM hails architects of Irish peace deal

David Cameron said the 1998 political accord, which brought about devolved governance from Stormont after the IRA and loyalist paramilitaries declared ceasefires, heralded a new beginning after decades of division and terrorism.

However, he warned more remained to be done to build a new Northern Ireland.

"It represented a massive step forward from what has gone before, a clear manifestation that politics and democracy would triumph over violence," he said.

"The architects of the Agreement, and those who displayed remarkable political courage in pushing it forward, deserve our thanks."

The Good Friday Agreement was reached after nearly two years of talks and 30 years of conflict.

Former premier Tony Blair and the Republic of Ireland's leader Bertie Ahern brokered the deal, known by many unionists as the Belfast Agreement, on April 10, 1998, following talks chaired by former US Senator George Mitchell.

Mr Cameron said: "I have no doubt the Agreement was a truly momentous event in the history of Northern Ireland.

"After decades of division and terrorism, the Agreement heralded a new beginning ... Fifteen years ago people decided overwhelmingly that the future would only ever be determined by democracy and consent, never by violence."

Contextual targeting label:

Read the rest here:
PM hails architects of Irish peace deal