The six principles include the total disarmament of all paramilitary organisations and the end of the so-called punishment killings and beatings. The deadlock is broken as the parties concerned strike a deal opening the way to peace talks. For the first time in 25 years unionists, loyalists, nationalists and republicans sit together to seek a solution to Ulster's problems. Tony Blair shakes hands with Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams. He becomes the first British Prime Minister for 70 years to meet a Sinn Fein delegation.
Unionists react angrily.
The Northern Ireland Secretery Mo Mowlam gives wider powers to the Northen Ireland Parades Commission. The intention is to halt or re-route flashpoint marches. Nationalist residents groups called for the disbandment of the commission. Londonderry experiences its worst violence since the restoration of the IRA ceasefire in July, when riots break out as nationalists protest at a Protestant Apprentice Boys parade through the city centre. The Northern Ireland Secretary orders a full inquiry into how a republican prisoner managed to escape from the high-security Maze prison despite the recent tightening of security.