Washington, DC
U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal said in a release that he welcomes in the “strongest possible terms” today’s agreement among Northern Ireland’s Stormont government, British officials and the Irish Republic to maintain home rule in the North, and to further advance the Stormont House Agreement for it.
A Fresh Start for Northern Ireland is the result of weeks of negotiations over paramilitary, economic and issues related to killings during the worst years of the sectarian conflict. Its agreement by the negotiating parties would seem to avoid the imposition of direct rule, and the stabilizing of the current power sharing government that has lasted eight years. It will need approval by the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont in Belfast.
“I welcome today’s agreement in the strongest possible terms. It proves devolved government can work, consensus can be reached, and that politics is the only way forward,” Neal said.
“It is another significant step on the road to a shared future. After 10 weeks of negotiations, the elected representatives put the people of Northern Ireland first, and established a plan towards a more prosperous and peaceful society. The power-sharing institutions now have a fresh start, and the hard work of building a more inclusive, stable and bright future on the island of Ireland continues.”
Secretary of State John Kerry’s also released a statement saying the “United States welcomes the announcement today of an agreement among Northern Ireland’s political parties to strengthen Northern Ireland’s devolved institutions.”
”Northern Ireland’s party leaders deserve credit for the considerable work and political courage they demonstrated to resolve difficult budgetary issues, implement institutional reforms outlined by the Stormont House Agreement, and develop a framework to counter residual paramilitaries,” Kerry’s statement said.
“I commend the U.K. and Irish governments for patiently and steadfastly facilitating this successful outcome. I also urge all of Northern Ireland’s political leaders to support and fully implement this agreement. It was carefully constructed to deliver better and sustainable governance, as well as to advance Northern Ireland’s peace process for the benefit of all the people of the region.”
Kerry said the “United States will provide continued political support for Northern Ireland’s peace process” and that his personal representative, retired Senator Gary Hart will “continue his deep engagement in support of a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland.”
Neal co-chairs the Friends of Ireland Caucus in the United States House of Representatives
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