US reaction:The United States government and leading politicians welcomed yesterday's agreement and promised the US would help to ensure a new executive could succeed.
Paula Dobriansky, president George Bush's special envoy on the North, congratulated the people of Northern Ireland for demonstrating that a new era had started. "We also congratulate, in particular, UK prime minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, whose leadership throughout the process was critical to bringing a successful conclusion. As 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," she said.
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton described yesterday's agreement as "the culmination of a long and historic journey" that would transform the lives of the people of Northern Ireland.
"Today's agreement means that the Northern Ireland peace process will serve as a model to the world in resolving differences and restoring lasting peace through powersharing and the promotion of common interests among diverse groups . . . I know all Americans stand ready to do whatever is needed to help reach a governing consensus and a way forward toward a more prosperous Northern Ireland. I am grateful to everyone involved and I know the world will view this agreement as a momentous time in the history of this great country and its people," she said.
Republican senator John McCain said that, although the term "historic" was almost a cliche, the agreement between the DUP and Sinn Féin was just that.
"There is still a great deal to be accomplished between now and May 8th, when the powersharing executive is to resume operations, but the weekend's developments augur well. At long last, after so many decades of violence and pain, old enemies are seated at the same table, talking about a future of peace and prosperity," he said.
Congressman Richard Neal, chairman of the Friends of Ireland in the US House of Representatives, said that the agreement was one of the most significant developments on the island of Ireland in more than a century.
"I would like to congratulate both Rev [ Ian] Paisley and Gerry Adams on this remarkable achievement. The historic compromise they reached today took courage and vision. They took a genuine risk for peace. And thanks to their efforts, a new era in Northern Ireland is about to begin," he said.
Mr Neal, who will lead a bipartisan congressional delegation to Ireland on Friday, said he would tell Northern politicians that the US is ready to help.
"We can see what economic growth has done for the Republic of Ireland and there's no reason why that couldn't take place in the North," he said.