The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr David Andrews, was in positive mode in his address to the United Nations in New York last evening. Some, closer to home, might think his overview of the Northern Ireland peace process a shade too rosy just yet. But the Minister was right to take the opportunity to underscore the progress which has been secured and to bring it to the attention of the community of nations. It is likely, in addition to describing the strides towards peace which have been made since last May, that the Minister's words were reflecting what may be important movement over the past 24 hours on the decommissioning question.
Following his meeting with the Taoiseach on Tuesday night and an earlier session with Mr Gerry Adams, the First Minister, Mr David Trimble, appeared to open an opportunity for compromise on decommissioning. He did not repeat earlier demands that weapons must have been decommissioned before Sinn Fein can participate in the Executive. Rather, he said, he would want to know when it would happen and he would "want to see it begin in a credible way". The Taoiseach had earlier set the scene with a call to Sinn Fein to set out a schedule along which the IRA could operate for the decommissioning of its weaponry.
There may be room within these positions for the head of the independent body on decommissioning, General de Chastelain, to produce a formula which confirms that decommissioning is in process while yet allowing the IRA to hold to its line that it will not surrender its arms until a new, agreed settlement is in place. But the procedures, the timing and the verification devices require the setting up of a complex model. Mr Trimble is indicating that he can be flexible and constructive. Regrettably, the initial response from Sinn Fein has been negative and hostile. It is now up to them and the IRA to show comparable flexibility in order to allow the new institutions to come into operation.
It was appropriate too that Mr Andrews should acknowledge and pay tribute at the UN to the international community for its solidarity in furthering the peace process on this island. The commitment of the United States has been steadfast. Mr Andrews singled out Senator George Mitchell and acknowledged the very special interest of President Clinton. He thanked General de Chastelain and former Finnish Prime Minister, Mr Harri Holkeri. He referred to the continuing support of the EU and the encouragement of the United Nations itself - both in General Assembly and through its Secretary General. It was an occasion for Ireland to say thank you to the international community and Mr Andrews took the opportunity well.
It was also timely that he should indicate Ireland's willingness to reciprocate. The experience which has been built up and the skills which have been developed among the peacemakers of these islands in this process should not be underestimated or undervalued. Ireland should be willing, as Mr Andrews said, to share these lessons and experiences in any way that might be considered helpful elsewhere. The peace process is by no means complete and the attainment of a full and lasting settlement is some way off. But it is not too soon for Ireland to start considering what it can do for the wider human family with its achievement when the prize of peace has been secured.