Barack Obama would consider whether a special US envoy to Northern Ireland was still necessary if elected president, a statement from the presidential candidate said today.
Ten years after the Good Friday peace accord which enshrined political power-sharing in the North, the Illinois Senator said he would review whether an envoy or senior administration official would be most effective.
As Democrats gathered in Denver, Colorado, for their national convention, Mr Obama said the crisis for Northern Ireland had passed and that local people were in charge of their own destiny.
A statement on behalf of Mr Obama said: “Barack Obama understands that US attention and support will be required to solidify the peace.
“But he also recognises that the crisis period for Northern Ireland has passed and that the people of Northern Ireland are now in charge of their own destiny.
“He will consult with the Taoiseach, the British prime minister, and party leaders in Northern Ireland to
determine whether a special US envoy for Northern Ireland continues to be necessary or whether a senior administration official, serving as point person for Northern Ireland, would be most effective.
“As president, Barack Obama will personally engage on Irish issues whenever necessary.”
The Bush administration has used a series of special envoys including current incumbent Paula Dobriansky.
The Clinton administration also took up the practice, with Senator George Mitchell credited with helping break the political deadlock and establishing principles of non-violence characterising Northern Ireland politics.
Today’s Obama campaign statement was issued through the non-partisan US-Ireland Alliance, a non-profit body dedicated to cementing transatlantic relations.
It said: “Barack Obama will continue the tradition of welcoming the Taoiseach to the White House on St Patrick’s Day, and he intends to visit Ireland as president.”
In April Mr Obama reiterated his call for the devolution of justice and policing and noted the need for reconciliation so that Northern Ireland’s people could live together as neighbours instead of being segregated by peace walls.
He recognised that the Bush Administration continued to support the peace process, endorsing a US investment conference aimed at attracting businesses to Northern Ireland.
President George Bush visited Northern Ireland in June as part of his European tour.
PA