But it was also marked by the historic start of dialogue between unionists and republicans. The Christmas and New Year period was one of the most peaceful on record. We still face huge challenges. As George Mitchell rightly pointed out, implementation of the agreement is just as difficult as its negotiation. Indeed, it may well be more so.
Reconciliation is far from complete.
Divisions and bitterness persist in some quarters. Many, not least the victims of terrorism, find it understandably hard to accept steps such as prisoner releases. The key challenge of 1999 is to show that the agreement is a practical working reality, in all its aspects. The agreement reached by David Trimble and Seamus Mallon on 18 December means that all the practical steps to launch the new devolved administration are under way. The parties will be closely involved in all the detailed preparation and legislation.