Taoiseach congratulates David Trimble and Mark Durkan on their election as First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
I warmly congratulate David Trimble and Mark Durkan on their election as First Minister and Deputy First Minister. I applaud the efforts of the pro-Agreement parties in coming together in a spirit of co-operation to ensure that the challenge to the Good Friday Agreement was successfully addressed.
It is now important to move ahead with the full implementation of the Agreement. Those who are determined to pursue the failed politics of the past will not succeed. They should know that time has moved on and there is no going back. Stable, uninterrupted and inclusive government is essential for Northern Ireland.
Today's outcome was made possible by the Alliance Party which took the necessary steps to ensure that their voice was heard loudly and clearly in favour of the peace process and the Agreement. I believe that their initiative and that of the Womens Coalition will be acknowledged by all fair-minded people as a generous and courageous step taken for the best of reasons.
I look forward to continuing our co-operation with David Trimble, Mark Durkan and the other members of the Executive.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation of Seamus Mallon who has stood down from the role of Deputy First Minister. Seamus Mallon both as deputy leader of the SDLP and as Deputy First Minister has been a courageous and dedicated builder of peace over many years in Northern Ireland. His contribution has been truly invaluable.
6 November 2001.