Tweet
Watch & learn from this:
And so comes an end to one of the most persistent conflicts in Europe... Let's just hope the ME has paid attention.
Northern Ireland has a new power-sharing government in an historic day at Stormont.
DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness took office as first and deputy first ministers as five years of direct rule ended.
Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern witnessed the creation of the new executive.
Mr Blair said that the day's events offered the chance for Northern Ireland to "escape the heavy chains of history" and "make history anew".
In October 2002, allegations of intelligence gathering within Stormont led to the suspension of power-sharing institutions. A subsequent court case collapsed.
"Look back and we see centuries pock-marked by conflict, hardship, even hatred, among the people of these islands," the prime minister said.
Irish Premier Bertie Ahern thanked all the politicians who have been involved in the peace process, but reserved special praise for Mr Blair.
Mr Paisley said: "Today we are starting upon the road which I believe will take us to lasting peace in our province."
He added: "I welcome the pledge we have all taken to that effect today... that is the rock foundation upon which we must build."
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said he wished Ian Paisley all the best as they began "the greatest, yet most exciting, challenge of our lives".
"We must overcome the difficulties which we face in order to achieve our goals and seize the opportunities that now exist," he said.
DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness took office as first and deputy first ministers as five years of direct rule ended.
Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern witnessed the creation of the new executive.
Mr Blair said that the day's events offered the chance for Northern Ireland to "escape the heavy chains of history" and "make history anew".
In October 2002, allegations of intelligence gathering within Stormont led to the suspension of power-sharing institutions. A subsequent court case collapsed.
"Look back and we see centuries pock-marked by conflict, hardship, even hatred, among the people of these islands," the prime minister said.
Irish Premier Bertie Ahern thanked all the politicians who have been involved in the peace process, but reserved special praise for Mr Blair.
Mr Paisley said: "Today we are starting upon the road which I believe will take us to lasting peace in our province."
He added: "I welcome the pledge we have all taken to that effect today... that is the rock foundation upon which we must build."
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said he wished Ian Paisley all the best as they began "the greatest, yet most exciting, challenge of our lives".
"We must overcome the difficulties which we face in order to achieve our goals and seize the opportunities that now exist," he said.
