Any development which moves further away the danger of violence returning to haunt this community must be welcomed and afforded every opportunity to succeed. This is the wish of the overwhelming number of Protestants and Roman Catholics in Northern Ireland.

What has emerged this past weekend through political effort represents such a step. I welcome the change in the political climate which these developments can represent. While questions remain for many people on both sides of this community every effort to push forward the process of future peace and stability must be encouraged and clarity established.

What is needed now on all sides is confidence, trust and clarity. Actions can produce such trust and I pray words can now be backed up by such actions.

All of us must welcome movement and continue to pray for those whose decisions affect all our lives.