Tolerance required in North to overcome divisions - Ahern

The Taoiseach has said more must be done to foster true tolerance and reconciliation in the North and to overcome sectarian divisions and tensions.

Speaking at the American Ireland Fund dinner in Washington last night, Bertie Ahern said the shadow of violence persists in the North.

Most of his speech concentrated on the Good Friday Agreement and the current status of the peace process.

Referring to the policing impasse, he said the people deserved a force which they could support and in which they could have confidence.

Unfortunately, he added, a position has not yet been reached where nationalists feel able to give that support.

He also discussed the issue of paramilitary weapons, welcoming the IRA statement, and looking forward to agreement to put arms completely and verifiably beyond use.

Peace would complement and underpin prosperity throughout the whole island, he said.