And another new body, the Council of the Isles, will include representatives of the Parliaments of Ireland and Britain and the newly established assemblies in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland and will meet twice a year. The Irish Government relinquished its territorial claim on Northern Ireland. The long-held principal aim of Union with Ireland was put aside, at least temporarily, by the Republicans. And the Protestants signed an agreement that provides links to the Irish Republic and more rights for the Catholics, in effect diluting their own power. The peace agreement received a near-unanimous approval by the Irish Parliament, clearing the way for the critical next phase, a referendum scheduled for 22 May in the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland.
Nothing is yet certain.
Extremists on both sides may try to undermine these efforts. There is much scepticism. But when the talks began nearly two years ago, few really believed an agreement would be reached. It is a day we should treasure. It is a promise of a bright future.