Ahern: 'Scourge of sectarianism still exists'

The Good Friday Agreement was a watershed in the history of Ireland but the scourge of sectarianism still exists in the North, Bertie Ahern said today.

Just a day after announcing he would stand down from office next month the Taoiseach addressed a conference marking the 10th anniversary of the signing of the historic accord.

While Mr Ahern said it signalled a new era of peace and political and economic progress, he added there were still elements on both sides of the divide working to destroy what had been achieved.

To rapturous applause from those at the University College Dublin conference, the outgoing leader said none of the violence of the past was justified.

“The scourge of sectarianism is still all too evident in Northern Ireland,” he said.

“The peace walls still stand as an affront to our aspiration for a peaceful democratic society.

“There are no easy answers. This will be the work of a generation – perhaps more than one – to overcome.

“This problem must be tackled,” he said.

Signed on April 10th, 1998, the Agreement marked an historic step forward in the path to peace and stability in the North.

The 'From Conflict To Consensus – The Legacy Of The Good Friday Agreement' conference formed part of a series of events to mark the historic anniversary.

It was also addressed by Northern Ireland Secretary of State Shaun Woodward.

Mr Ahern will host former British prime minister Tony Blair and ex-US Senator George Mitchell – two key figures in the Agreement talks in 1998 – in Dublin next week.

The Taoiseach said today that while a lot had been achieved in the last ten years there were still fringe elements on both sides of the political divide committed to destroying the work.

“They will continue to face the full rigour of the law, on both sides of the border,” he said.

Mr Ahern reiterated that the time was now right for the devolution of justice and policing powers to the North’s politicians.

He received a round of applause when he spoke of the unjustified violence of the last 30 years which he said did not advance the interests of either community.

“Whatever the circumstances, whatever the motivation, whatever the hurt felt before hurt was caused, none of that violence was justified.

“It was the ending of violence that allowed progress to happen. Let us honour the dead by ensuring that never, never again do we see violence used to advance political aims in our country.

Mr Ahern, who stands down from office on May 6, just a week after he address the joint Houses of Congress in Washington DC, received a standing ovation as he left the podium.

The Taoiseach has faced mounting political pressure over the controversy surrounding his personal finances but he claimed this did not influence his decision to stand down.

It is thought a successor to Mr Ahern could emerge as early as next week with Finance Minister and current Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) Brian Cowen tipped as the hot favourite.

Mr Ahern previously voiced his support for Mr Cowen and a number of cabinet members today also gave him their backing.

The leadership is on the agenda for a meeting of Fianna Fáil's national executive due to take place later this evening.

The party’s 77 TDs, excluding Ceann Chomhairle John O’Donoghue, will vote for the new leader.

Senators and MEPS will not have a vote.