Statement on the outcome of the NI Assembly vote
I am naturally disappointed at the failure of the Northern Ireland Assembly to elect David Trimble and Mark Durkan as First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
I welcome David Trimble's commitment and determination to continue his efforts to pursue the implementation in full of the Good Friday Agreement. I believe that this setback can be overcome.The Government are in active and continuing contact with the British government and the pro-Agreement parties. It is vital that all the pro-Agreement parties stand together and work closely with one another as a matter of urgency to find a way forward.
We must do everything possible to protect the Good Friday Agreement. It offers the best future for all the people of NI and these islands generally.
Despite today's result it is clear that the Agreement commands overwhelming support both within the Assembly and in the wider community. We will continue to spare no effort to see it implemented in full.
2 November 2001