US welcomes North devolution deal

The United States government tonight welcomed the deal which will see Sinn Féin and the DUP share power in the North from May 8.

President George Bush’s special envoy on the North, Paula Dobriansky, said: “Today’s agreement demonstrates a new era in Northern Ireland and augurs well for the successful establishment of a fully functioning Northern Ireland Assembly.

“As a special envoy, I will do all I can to assist the people of Northern Ireland in moving into full and effective government that fully implements the Good Friday and St Andrews Agreements.

“My discussions with political leaders, policing officials and community groups during St Patrick’s Day events have convinced me that all in Northern Ireland are committed to working towards a better future. These discussions will continue in the critical weeks ahead.”