Northern Ireland devolution process: press conference with leaders

Northern Ireland devolution process: press conference with leaders; Q - Martin McGuinness mentioned there that this could be the day that the political process here comes of age. Are you and the Taoiseach convinced, over the last couple of weeks, that our Assembly, the Northern Ireland Assembly, has the maturity to deal with these kind of powers that could be transferred on the 12th April?Gordon Brown press conference SOT- I think what both Brian Cowen and I have seen in the last few days is a determination to resolve issues that have been outstanding for too long. We have had decades of violence. We have had years of talks. As I said today, we have had weeks of stalemate. The determination that has been shown in the last day or two in particular, to triumph over these unresolved issues, is one that I both applaud and commend to the people of Northern Ireland. The parties have shown that they are willing to tackle the issues head on. The detail of the agreement shows that we have not avoided issues that are controversial.- I believe that the people of Northern Ireland will welcome the fact that they can now look forward to an Assembly that focuses on the issues that really matter to them. So, yes, I think we are in a new, more mature age of politics in Northern Ireland. I think people have looked over the abyss and said there is no return to the past, and I think people also have said that we can actually build a far better, and a more secure future, and that is what will be guaranteed by the passage of this agreement through the Northern Ireland Assembly, and policing and justice devolved on April 12th, which is after all, only a few weeks away.Brian Cowen press conference SOT- I am convinced that this series of talks have enabled us to deal with some of the outstanding issues - a commitment to deal with the remainder as well, through a process that’s agreed. As I said, the trust and confidence has been built up as a result of this interaction. I...