PRESIDENT'S LEGACY IS RENEWED PEACE PUSH
President's legacy is renewed peace push
By Martina Purdy
Political Correspondent
PRESIDENT Clinton, sombre in the wreckage of Omagh, and euphoric in the celebration of peace, has left Northern Ireland grappling with what he called "wrenching decisions".
Mr Clinton brought a powerful message to Belfast, Omagh and Armagh, where thousands gathered, in an emotional day of joy and sorrow.
Reminding politicians of the challenges ahead, Mr Clinton warned peace must be nurtured under the auspices of the Good Friday Agreement.
"Do not let it slip away," Mr Clinton said. "It will not come again in our lifetime."
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble was today facing his own hard choices amid an expectation that he will meet Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams within days.
The meeting of all party leaders on Monday is expected to be followed by an historic-meeting between Mr Trimble, Mr Adams and possibly Seamus Mallon, the Deputy First Minister.
But Mr Trimble is believed to be facing opposition from within his own party and he may have some persuading to do.
While hardliners were reassured by his speech in the Waterfront Hall on which he focused heavily on decommissioning, even dialogue with the Sinn Fein leader is highly contentious.
After months of stalemate however, the legacy of Mr Clinton's historic visit appears to be a renewed spirit of reconciliation and quickening political development.
For his part, Mr Adams is under increasing pressure to bring about IRA decommissioning.
While Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness has stressed he wants to see all the guns removed from politics, he has insisted decommissioning should not be elevated over other issues, such as the establishment of political structures.
Urging Northern Ireland's people not to fuel petty disputes as they move into a new future, Mr Clinton pledged that the United States would stand by what he called "the island of destiny".
In a tangible show of support, Mr Clinton was today expected to announce a �1.5m cash boost to Co-Operation, Ireland for a scheme for young people.
The announcement was expected to be made during the President's visit to the Republic.
The cash, which will be spread over a three year period, will go towards a civic education programme in schools in Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Project Citizen is already in operation in schools throughout the US and has been introduced in Bosnia and Hercegovina, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Czech Republic.
By Martina Purdy
Political Correspondent
PRESIDENT Clinton, sombre in the wreckage of Omagh, and euphoric in the celebration of peace, has left Northern Ireland grappling with what he called "wrenching decisions".
Mr Clinton brought a powerful message to Belfast, Omagh and Armagh, where thousands gathered, in an emotional day of joy and sorrow.
Reminding politicians of the challenges ahead, Mr Clinton warned peace must be nurtured under the auspices of the Good Friday Agreement.
"Do not let it slip away," Mr Clinton said. "It will not come again in our lifetime."
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble was today facing his own hard choices amid an expectation that he will meet Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams within days.
The meeting of all party leaders on Monday is expected to be followed by an historic-meeting between Mr Trimble, Mr Adams and possibly Seamus Mallon, the Deputy First Minister.
But Mr Trimble is believed to be facing opposition from within his own party and he may have some persuading to do.
While hardliners were reassured by his speech in the Waterfront Hall on which he focused heavily on decommissioning, even dialogue with the Sinn Fein leader is highly contentious.
After months of stalemate however, the legacy of Mr Clinton's historic visit appears to be a renewed spirit of reconciliation and quickening political development.
For his part, Mr Adams is under increasing pressure to bring about IRA decommissioning.
While Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness has stressed he wants to see all the guns removed from politics, he has insisted decommissioning should not be elevated over other issues, such as the establishment of political structures.
Urging Northern Ireland's people not to fuel petty disputes as they move into a new future, Mr Clinton pledged that the United States would stand by what he called "the island of destiny".
In a tangible show of support, Mr Clinton was today expected to announce a �1.5m cash boost to Co-Operation, Ireland for a scheme for young people.
The announcement was expected to be made during the President's visit to the Republic.
The cash, which will be spread over a three year period, will go towards a civic education programme in schools in Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Project Citizen is already in operation in schools throughout the US and has been introduced in Bosnia and Hercegovina, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Czech Republic.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0375
Published Date: 04-Sep-98
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