Peace deal must be struck, says Jackson

UNIONISTS and republicans must not allow a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strike a peace deal in the North slip away, the Rev Jesse Jackson said last night.

The veteran US civil rights campaigner pleaded with the rival political parties to reach a settlement that would restore devolution as he attended a special awards ceremony in Belfast.

The fierce critic of racism also issued a stark warning that the North’s economic growth could be wrecked by spiralling attacks on ethnic groups.