Northern Ireland power-sharing deal announced
February 6th, 2010 - 1:00 am ICT by BNO NewsELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND (BNO NEWS) – An accord to transfer the remaining powers from London to Belfast has been agreed at Hillsborough Castle, announced the Northern Ireland Office on Friday.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his Northern Irish counterpart Taoiseach Cowen agreed that the complete devolution of policing and justice powers will take place on April 12. This hasn´t been an easy road but negotiations were held in order to reach an outcome that will provide the essential framework for peace and stability to the region.
The devolution of powers has enabled Northern Ireland’s leaders to enact a range of needed reforms, from health to housing to environmental safety.
“The agreement is essential for social stability and economic advance,” said Taoiseach Cowen. “It is critical to secure overseas investment,” he added in his statement.
During the period known as “The Troubles” more than 3,500 people were killed while protesting against the British rule. With this agreement the Northern Ireland Office said that it sends a clear message to those few who still want to undermine peace that they cannot and will not succeed.
Overseas there has been a reaction mainly in the U.S.
“Northern Ireland has taken another important step toward a full and lasting peace,” said the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. “The accord they announced today will help consolidate the hard-won gains of the past decade.”
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Tags: belfast, bno, british prime minister, british prime minister gordon brown, cowen, devolution of powers, economic advance, gordon brown, hasn, hillary clinton, irish counterpart, lasting peace, negotiations, northern ireland office, overseas investment, peace and stability, prime minister gordon brown, secretary of state, social stability, taoiseach