"Better Now Than They Have Ever Been"

Taoiseach Lauds "Extraordinary" Progress In Anglo-Irish Relations

Addressing the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body on Monday evening, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, T.D., said that relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom had never been better.

"I am pleased to say that relations between Ireland and Britain are better now than they have ever been.

"Today, our two countries work together as partners in so many different areas: at European level where we share many common interests; in the international arena in organisations such as the UN and the WTO; and, of course, in the economic sphere with such significant levels of bilateral trade and investment, and more potential to be tapped in the future," he told the delegates assembled for the body's 34th session, held in Castleknock.

Referring to last week's history Six Nations rugby international between Ireland and England at Croke Park and the commemorations of the 1916 Rising and the Battle of the Somme, the Taoiseach said, "Last Saturday week's game in Croke Park gave clear witness to this transformation.

"So, too, did last year's commemoration of the 1916 Rising and of the Battle of the Somme.  We must continue to work together in every way that we can to preserve and build on this extraordinary progress."

Though he was positive about the present, he warned that the current healthy state of relations between the two countries was a work-in-progress and he thanked the British Prime Minister Tony Blair and highlighted the importance of their close relationship: "We live with the legacy of our complex and interwoven history.

"But while mindful of the history that has affected and shaped us in so many different ways, we must also work for a future anchored in understanding and mutual respect.

Pointing out that nothing about the two country's relations should be taken for granted, the Taoiseach continued: "Given all that has gone before, and all the progress that has since been made, it demands priority treatment and our closest attention.

"I am proud of the contribution that I have been able to make over the last ten years.   "Working with Prime Minister Blair, cooperation and partnership between our governments has been brought to a new level. 

"This also has to be the way of the future."

The Northern Elections

"Last October, after talks with the parties, the two Governments published the St. Andrews Agreement. 

"That agreement focused on support for policing and support for power-sharing as the two sides of the one road we need to travel to get the institutions up and running again.

"Since St. Andrews, we have seen welcome progress on policing.

"The landmark decision by Sinn Féin opens up the prospect for the first time of inclusive policing across the entire community in Northern Ireland. 

While praising Sinn Féin for their decision on policing, he also warned that "We also need all-party support for the structures of an inclusive power-sharing government," and said that power sharing must be restored after the elections.

"What is clearer now than it has ever been at any point is that the people want their locally elected politicians to sit together in government and take decisions on these issues.

"Direct Rule is not what the people of Ireland, North and South, endorsed in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement referendums."

"It would be unconscionable and deeply regrettable if this agreed deadline was missed and if the opportunity to govern was not taken. Patience has already been stretched and I do not believe that the people would take kindly to further delay. The war is over. The key issues are sorted."