Former prime minister Tony Blair has called for a return to the political leadership that produced the Good Friday Agreement
Three years later, with hopes of breakthrough fading, the two prime ministers engaged with parties in a three-day negotiation.
"I am pleased to announce that the two governments and political parties of Northern Ireland have reached agreement," he said. His widow Daphne Trimble said:"He knew that it was a big leap into the dark, he was taking a step that had never been taken before, but it was one that he felt had to be taken.
"The fact is it happened, it's over, it's finished, those who pursued armed actions from the republican point of view felt they had no alternative, we provided an alternative, they embraced that alternative, the IRA went away," he added.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Good Friday Agreement: Peace deal still example to the world - Tony BlairTwenty five years on, former PM Tony Blair tells ChrisPageTV the 1998 Good Friday Agreement is 'a lesson for peace processes everywhere' Read more:
Read more »
Good Friday Agreement: Peace deal still example to the world - Tony BlairThe former PM says NI is an example of the only peace process that 'really did come to fruition.'
Read more »
Weather fine for Good Friday - but not so good on Easter MondayA good start to the Easter weekend - but rain by Monday
Read more »
The Good Friday Agreement 25 years onOn its 25th anniversary, Sky's senior Ireland correspondent David Blevins and political journalist Aoife Moore are in Belfast to examine the legacy of the historic deal on the Sky News Daily
Read more »
U2 Belfast gig helped secure Yes vote in Good Friday Agreement“It created a positive image in those final few days'
Read more »
Thousands of holidaymakers face disruption as Dover aims to reschedule coach times around Good FridayCoach travel at Dover will be limited on Good Friday as thousands of holidaymakers face disruption on their Easter getaway.
Read more »