Brussels, 10/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - European Commission President José Manuel Barroso has saluted the “historic” success of the reconciliation process between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland, and expressed the hope that it will serve as an example in other conflicts “on the continent of Europe and throughout the world”. The Northern Irish experience which, after many long years of division, can today concentrate all its efforts and resources on economic growth, job creation and innovation, is a perfect “demonstration of what peace can do for people,” Barroso told press after a meeting with the Northern Irish First Minister Ian Paisley (Protestant) and his Deputy Martin McGuinness (Catholic, Sinn Féin) in Brussels on Thursday 10 January. The two men, former sworn enemies, have together led the new Northern Irish Executive since its inception on 8 May 2007. The Commission has “great confidence” in the future of Northern Ireland, Barroso said, stressing that the EU's commitment to the country would be long-term.
During their visit to Brussels, Paisley and McGuinness, who still refuse to shake one another's hand in public, acknowledged the EU's growing commitment towards the political stability and economic development of Northern Ireland. “It has not always been like that,” said Paisley, who served in the European Parliament for many years. At that time, he told press, the doors of the Community institutions often stayed shut when it was about Northern Ireland. “Today, we have the doors to Europe wide open. This is the first time a Commission President has shown such interest in Northern Ireland,” he said. In May 2007, Barroso became the first Commission President to visit Northern Ireland. “For many years, our dialogue with the EU was conducted through the British government. Today, we will be able to strengthen our relationship,” he said.
The two Northern Irish leaders and Barroso agreed to extend the life of the task force which has been in place since 2007 and whose role it is to help Belfast take full advantage of European regional aid. The group is due to present its first report in February; it will then continue its work for a still to be determined length of time. Over the last 20 years, the EU has provided a total of €2.2 billion in aid to Northern Ireland. Further aid of €1.1 billion will be provided by 2013, Barroso announced.
Paisley and McGuinness also indicated that they were in favour of a British referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. (H.B.)