Ahern welcomes end to British Army operations in North

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern has welcomed the impending cessation of British military operations in the North.

From midnight tonight, full security control will pass to the PSNI after 38 years of British army activity.

Mr Ahern says the move is a further step towards the realisation of a normal, peaceful and prosperous society.

Politicians in the North are also welcoming the move, although there are still deep differences between unionists and nationalists over the British army's record and performance.