Taoiseach to Celebrate Tenth Anniversary of Good Friday Agreement in Belfast

The Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern TD, is travelling to Belfast today for events to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

He will join with many of those who were involved  in the historic negotiations of 1998, including John Hume, Gerry Adams, Sir Reg  Empey, Mark Durkan, Senator George Mitchell and General John De  Chastelain. 

They will reflect on events then and since, in  front of an audience of young people from Ireland, North and South, and the  United States.

Speaking before the event, the Taoiseach  said:

" I am delighted to be spending today in the city  of Belfast.  Ten years on from Good Friday 1998, it is a place  transformed.  It is now a vibrant, modern and peaceful city that  is looking forward to the future with confidence. 

Of course challenges remain but these are being met  and surmounted each and every day, by the political leaders and the people who  are working together for a better future. It is fitting that we pause today to reflect on all  that has been achieved. 

I hope and pray that everyone on this island will  forever live in the light that was illuminated on this day ten  years ago."

10th April 2008