Patten reforms delivering historic change says Murphy

Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said that the Patten reforms are delivering historic change in policing for the people of Northern Ireland.

Speaking during this week's American Ireland Fundraising gala dinner in Washington, where he collected a peace award on behalf of Tony Blair, the Secretary of State reflected on the achievements over the six years since the Good Friday Agreement was signed.

"Those of you who have visited Northern Ireland will have seen the transformation for yourselves. People are no longer afraid to go out at night; unemployment is at its lowest level for 30 years; the economy is booming; regeneration is in the air.

"The ever growing numbers of young catholics joining the Police Service of Northern Ireland under Chief Constable Hugh Orde also show that the Patten reforms are delivering historic change."

Commenting on the special relationship developed between Britain and Ireland, Mr Murphy added: "The bond between Britain and Ireland is the bedrock of the Good Friday Agreement because it demonstrates that history can be overcome, that we can leave behind the pain we have inflicted on each other. And if we are not prisoners of history then neither are the people of Northern Ireland.

Concluding he said: "Great strides have been made but one final hurdle remains. As both Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern have said in recent days, the time has come for the end of all paramilitary activity in Ireland.

"It must be gone for good, consigned to history; it cannot be part of the present, still less the future for Ireland's young people.

"Despite the current difficulties, I remain optimistic that the vision of the Good Friday Agreement will be realised. That goal remains an absolute priority for the British and Irish Governments and a personal vision of the man you are honouring tonight, Tony Blair."

Meanwhile, a colour booklet and associated website, which will promote worldwide the positive aspects of Northern Ireland, has been officially launched by the Secretary of State in Washington.

'Northern Ireland - Take a closer look' (http://www.nitakeacloserlook.gov.uk) is aimed at a wide cross section of national and international audiences from potential investors and journalists to students, visitors and researchers.

Mr Murphy told an influential audience on Capitol Hill that it was vital the world knew and understood the encouraging truth about what is going on in Northern Ireland.

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