Ahern thanks press for peace process coverage

The story of Ireland’s peace process has inspired troubled areas across the world, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said today.

He thanked the international press for keeping Irish communities everywhere informed about developments in Northern Ireland.

Speaking to more than a 1,000 media chiefs at the 56th World Newspaper Congress in Dublin, Mr Ahern said: “The story of Ireland’s peace efforts has been covered across the world.

“It is a positive story of vision and courage which has also given inspiration to other troubled locations.”

He said the gap that still had to be closed was narrow in relation to the one that had already been bridged.

But he added: “It is a vital gap and one that cannot be left open.

“It is proving difficult to get the commitments now required to ensure trust and confidence among the parties.

“Elections have been postponed. Frustration is evident and understandable.”

Mr Ahern said the people of Northern Ireland would benefit greatly from overcoming these difficulties in terms of economic stability and increased investment.

He said the Government remained “100% committed” to the task of helping the political parties out of the current impasse.

“We greatly appreciate the role that the international media has played in ensuring that Ireland’s extensive communities in other countries have remained informed about developments in Ireland particularly in relation to the peace process,” he said.

“Indeed the support of the Irish abroad has been an enormous boost to our efforts.”

Mr Ahern was addressing newspaper delegates from 88 countries as they began a three-day conference addressing the role of newspapers in society.

He said newspapers were the “fabric” of Ireland’s culture and that they contributed enormously to the civic life of a society.

He also voiced his support for Irish rock star Bono, who also addressed the gathering.