Deal will kick-start agreement, says Ahern

THE Taoiseach remained optimistic last night that a deal will be struck tomorrow to get the Good Friday Agreement back on track.

Speaking after his meeting with US President George W Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Northern Ireland’s pro-agreement parties, Bertie Ahern said the proposals being put forward by the Irish and British governments would not be an easy option for any parties. But the three leaders placed even greater pressure on the IRA to state that the war is over or dispose of a substantial quantity of weapons.

In a strongly worded joint statement, the President, the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach said there can be no place for paramilitary activity or capability.