The people of Northern Ireland should remember the progress that has been made in the four years since the signing of the Belfast Agreement on Good Friday, 1998, the Secretary of State Dr John Reid insisted today.
In a statement marking the Agreement's fourth anniversary, Dr Reid said while there had been problems in the peace process, there were many positives.
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"It is always possible to dwell on difficulties facing the peace process and focusing on what has yet to be done but we should also remember just how far we have come over the last four years," he commented.
"Belfast has the confidence to bid for European Capital of Culture 2008. Northern Ireland has two new cities.
"There are more people in employment than ever before. Manufacturing output has risen here while it has fallen in the UK generally. More people are visiting Northern Ireland and revenue from tourism has risen significantly since 1998."
Dr Reid added that the fact there were constructive political debates on health issues, education, and transport was also healthy. That was a sign of "normal politics" taking hold in Northern Ireland.
"I firmly believe that four years ago we laid the foundations for a new Northern Ireland, he said. "If everyone applies themselves to the task and shows the will and commitment on all sides that has been shown over the last four years, it is within our grasp to build a better Northern Ireland for this and the next generation."
Dr Reid was speaking after the inaugural meeting of an implementation body for the Agreement ended in controversy last night after the Ulster Unionist leader Mr David Trimble claimed the accord was being undermined by "side issues".
The First Minister warned attempts to resolve the issue of around 30 paramilitaries on the run and plans to give Northern Ireland politicians speaking rights in the Dáil were counterproductive.
"We don't need things that are not in the Agreement and that specifically refers firstly to the question of a form of amnesty for on-the-run terrorists," he declared. "That's not in the Agreement. There is no amnesty ... and there is no need, therefore, to extend outside the Agreement.
Dr Reid denied any deal had been struck between the Government and Sinn Féin on the issue of paramilitaries on the run.
The Sinn Féin president Mr Gerry Adams also challenged Mr Trimble's assertion. "The two governments have acknowledged that there is an anomaly which is this issue of a small handful of people against whom warrants have been issued. So it isn't a side issue," the West Belfast MP responded.
PA