Ahern urges Northern Irish to use their vote

Bertie Ahern has called on the people of Northern Ireland to use their vote in tomorrow’s Assembly elections, stressing the importance of the Good Friday Agreement.

He said it was now time for the governments to stand back and allow voters to consider their political options.

The electorate should make choices “based on an assessment of their own best interests, the future security and happiness of their children and the overall welfare of wider society in Northern Ireland”, he said. Speaking in Dublin, he added: “There is a democratic imperative for the holding of elections.

“I hope that people in Northern Ireland will turn out to vote and that they will do so in large numbers. It is important that they do so.”

The Taoiseach also confirmed he would be meeting Tony Blair at the British-Irish Council in Cardiff next Friday.

“The close relationship between the two governments is of fundamental importance and will continue to be vital,” he said.

“And as governments in close partnership, we look forward, after the elections, to working with all parties of constructive purpose and intent.”

Mr Ahern said his priority after the elections was to achieve rapid agreement on the setting up of an inclusive executive and to press on with the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

“Ten years ago the Irish and British governments laid the foundation stones for an inclusive peace process,” he said. “That peaceful environment has largely been achieved.

“Many of the old fears and animosities have substantially receded, even if people still have residual doubts and suspicions.”

He said those elected this week will carry “enormous responsibilities” to build on this progress.

“Each precious step that we have taken on the road to peace and stability must be preserved and built upon.

“I believe that the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland whether they are unionist, nationalist, republican or loyalist simply want to move on.

“They want an end to violence and sectarianism. They want an end to stop start institutions.

“What they want is real politics with their leaders making their institutions work in the interests of all the people of Northern Ireland.”

The implementation of an executive must not be confused with the approaching four-year review of the Agreement, he said.