Ahern, Brown Express Hope For The North's Future

A joint statement released by the two leaders said that the political parties have been working together in a sustained manner to tackle the essential  political, economic and social issues facing the North and that their elected leaders have been putting the case for greater investment at the highest levels in the United States and in Europe.

They also expressed satisfaction with the smooth running of the North-South and British-Irish Institutions which they said were delivering tangible benefits both on the island of Ireland and across these islands;

"It is therefore with genuine confidence that we look forward to the continued success of these institutions," read the communique.

"We also look forward to participating in the Northern Ireland Investment Conference on 8 May. 

"This will be an opportunity for Northern Ireland to demonstrate to the world that the peace and stability it now enjoys is here to stay, and to look forward with confidence to a prosperous future.

"Having seen the huge progress made, we are convinced that the time is right for the parties to move forward and take the final steps towards full devolution and full normality."