I welcome this important breakthrough and congratulate the Northern Ireland leaders and the Irish Republic on reaching a genuine accommodation of mutual benefit to north and south.

The last thing the people of Northern Ireland need now is an outbreak of recriminations,

The decision ... was in the interests of public safety for the whole of Northern Ireland and I support him. Many people will be angry with what has occurred and I ask for restraint.

Look at Northern Ireland and how long that is taking. Look at Sinai and Lebanon, and you see how difficult that is,

On the evidence I have seen and heard, I believe that the security situation in Northern Ireland and the continuing danger of intimidation of those called for jury service, justifies the continued scheduling of offences.

A day like today is not a day for soundbites, really. But I feel the hand of history upon our shoulders. I really do.