Northern Ireland 'a beacon of hope'

Northern Ireland can serve as a beacon of hope to the rest of the world wishing to learn the lessons of its peace process, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown claimed tonight.

In an address to top American business executives attending a dinner at Hillsborough Castle, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the North's politicians for the way they had bedded down power-sharing over the last 12 months.

And he also congratulated the new Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, on his first full day in office.

“Northern Ireland stands for the shining example of what can be achieved when local people are in charge of local decisions about local needs,” Mr Brown said.

“I think we saw a new sense of dynamism today.”

Mr Brown also paid tribute to US President George Bush and other leading American politicians, including New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, for the support they had given the peace process over the past decade and the new push to revitalise the North's economy.

He told the dinner: “British-Irish relationships have never been stronger. When we have Britain, Ireland and America working together, nothing can stop us.”

Mr Cowen said the peace process had been a great story which had resonated around the world, showing how conflict could be overcome.

“From my point of view, from the Irish Government’s point of view and from the people I represent, looking at the people of Northern Ireland from all traditions, we will work together.

“We will make this work.

“We are so proud of what has been achieved so far.

“We will work with you to make sure you get returns on your investment.”