Statement by Ambassador Louis B. Susman on Northern Ireland Agreement on Policing and Justice

05 February 2010

Today’s agreement on the devolution of policing and justice powers by the political leadership of Northern Ireland is an important step in Northern Ireland’s path to peace, security, and prosperity. It is what the people of Northern Ireland deserve. The United States reaffirms its commitment to helping the people of Northern Ireland build on this agreement to ensure they are able to enjoy the dividends of peace – for which so many have sacrificed.

I congratulate First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness for demonstrating the political leadership necessary to conclude this agreement through long and difficult negotiations. Their willingness to work through their differences to bring about this result is an abiding example of Northern Ireland’s new spirit of cooperation.

I would like to pay tribute to the efforts of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Shaun Woodward and Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin for their resolve and support in assisting this process to its successful conclusion. I also want to recognize the leadership of Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Taoiseach Brian Cowen, whose personal commitment to the negotiation process helped maintain the momentum necessary to reach the agreement the parties have today.

As Secretary of State Clinton said this afternoon, the accord reached today will help consolidate the hard-won gains of the past decade, but it also calls upon the leaders of Northern Ireland to accept the increased responsibilities that come with new authority. The United States will continue to support Northern Ireland’s political leadership and its people to consolidate the benefits of peace and to address themselves to the challenges of the future.