The Situation in Northern Ireland

This remains one of the most difficult political problems for any administration.

I have been involved in the margins during some of the recent events surrounding the Good Friday Agreement. ike many people who have been dispassionate observers over the years, it has take direct involvement in the negotiations to fully understand why the problems seem so difficult to solve.

The lessons learned in Northern Ireland also help in my understanding of the Middle East peace process and why simplistic solutions are not easily achieveable.

I have always supported the Good Friday Agreement and have worked to see it fully implemented by both sides. It is much better to be talking around the table in Stormont than maiming and killing on the streets.

I have supported the messy compromises that have been inevitable as part of the reconciliation process. I understnd that it must hurt deeply for those affected by terrorism over the last 30 years, but better than putting another generation through the same anguish.

Updated May 2003

I was deeply disappointed by the need to vote in the Commons to suspend the elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly, but I do agree it is necessary for Sinn Fein and the IRA now to take the final step to confirm the end of violence. I knwo they accept that the poltical process is the only way forward, but they must spell this out. The Unionist Community have accepted many compromises along the way and this has to be about balance. I look forward to further clarification over the coming weeks which I hope leads to elections taking place later this year.

Updated May 2003