Taoiseach Makes Historic Address To The Joint Houses Of Parliament

In the first such address by a Taoiseach, he spoke of the new partnership of common interests between Ireland and Britain - partnership of people, culture, business, sport and above all of peace.

During his speech the Taoiseach said "The depth and complexity of the relationship between Britain and Ireland defies summary or platitudes.

"Let us consign arguments about the past to the annals of the past," adding, "as we make history instead of being doomed to repeat it."

Opening his address to Members of the Houses of Lords and Commons, the Taoiseach said, "Today is a new and glad departure in an old and extraordinary relationship.

"This generation is leaving the past behind, building friendship and laying the foundation for a lasting partnership of common interests."

Mr. Ahern said that the Good Friday Agreement had changed everything, stating, "It represents the triumph of common interests over inherited divisions.  It is not an end of history.  But it is a new beginning."

He also stressed his commitment to Irish unity but his absolute opposition to the use of violence, "It is my passionate hope that we will see an island of Ireland united in peace, but I will continue to oppose with equal determination any effort to impose unity through violence or the threat of violence."

He spoke of his respect for the unionist community in the North and the value the Government attaches to "their voice, their vision and their future contribution to the life of the island of Ireland."

He also recalled the many victims of the Troubles - over 3700 dead and thousands more seriously injured - adding, "In these days of hope and promise we know the deep hurt and pain that linger in the hearts of so many and for whom the journey of healing and reconciliation will never be easy."

The Taoiseach paid tribute to the exceptional contribution to the peace process of British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Saying that the relationship between Britain and Ireland had changed fundamentally for the better, he said that we have "built a remarkable foundation for a whole new level of co-operation between our two countries."

Recalling the words of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the Taoiseach concluded his speech by saying, "Ireland's hour has come: a time of peace, of prosperity, of old values and new beginnings."