Something to Celebrate by Virgina

Well it doesn't happen very often does it? But today we have something to celebrate. Powersharing restored at Stormont, the bitterest of enemies sitting down together in devolved government, and Ian Paisley LAUGHING with Martin McGuinness. Who'd have thought it? It seemed as if the violence and anguish of Northern Ireland would always be with us. The killings from all side of the conflict, the collusion of the British government, the sectarian hatred, it could have gone on for ever.

But it didn't and it hasn't because people took a risk for peace. The IRA initiating talks, John Major agreeing to them, all the parties sitting down to negotiate the Good Friday Agreement, the people of Northern Ireland for voting on that agreement. Tony Blair, Mo Mowlam, John Hume, David Trimble, Gerry Adams, Martin McGuiness, Ian Paisley and many more have argued, listened, shifted position, compromised and learnt to live with their differences.

We salute their courage tonight and we wish them well. Shared government will not be without it's problems, but if Ian Paisley can sit down with Martin McGuiness after all these years of bitter violence - well anything's possible.