Haass hopes for deal in the North

Former US special enjoy Richard Haass has called on the main parties in the North to provide leadership and strike agreement on the contentious issues that still divide the communities.

He said the North must not be forced to choose between peace and justice as one without the other “will not endure”.

Dr Haass was presented with the 2013 Tipperary International Peace Award yesterday in recognition of his efforts as chairman of the multi-party talks which sought to bring resolution last year to the issues of parades, flags, and the past.