They Said

This is a reward for the entire Northern Ireland peace process. Both men have made a major contribution - John Hume in the campaign for civil rights, and David Trimble in moving the political situation forward.

- Bertie Ahern

There could be no more worthy winners of the Nobel Peace Prize than David Trimble and John Hume. . . It's a prize for democracy and a prize in which all the people in Northern Ireland can feel immense pride and credit.

- Tony Blair

It's not just as an honour to myself, it's also an expression of total endorsement of the work of very many people.

- John Hume

This is a good day for Northern Ireland. This award has gone to the people who most deserve it, two politicians who over the years have shown real courage to build the peace process.

- Mo Mowlam

Today we have seen a vivid example of the rewards offered to those who are prepared to jettison principle and reward terrorists. The award of the Nobel Peace Prize to those who struck a deal to satisfy the vile murders of the IRA shows the topsy-turvy political world to which Northern Ireland has descended. Better by far to be scorned by the world, the great and the good, and hold on to one's principles, than to be lavished with praise and applauded by the movers and shakers for having truck with terrorists.

- Peter Robinson

Once again the Nobel Peace Prize Committee has been demonstrated to be a farce. These people have not delivered peace, nor are they peacemakers.

- Ian Paisley jnr

We have come through 30 years of violence and we hope it's over, but the reason we had 30 years of violence is that Mr Hume and others brought people on to the streets in 1968.

- Gregory Campbell, DUP

This is brilliant news and well-deserved. I heartily congratulate both men.

- John Bruton

I am not disappointed, I'm pleased for John Hume and I hope David Trimble will accept the responsibilities. I think I have worked as hard. We have all worked hard. The recognition that Sinn Fein has worked as hard comes from our having increased our vote in the last election.

- Gerry Adams

I am delighted. I hope that such well-deserved recognition will encourage all the other parties involved to continue to strive for a full and lasting peace in Northern Ireland.

- John Major

There would be no peace process but for [John Hume's] courage and vision. Despite great personal attacks on his integrity and humanity, John never wavered in his commitment to peace. No one deserves this accolade more.

- Gerry Adams, who also said he wished David Trimble well

I always knew the people of Northern Ireland would come together, but I didn't think it would happen now. I thought it would take 50 years. But you cannot relive the past.

- Betty Williams, Nobel Peace laureate 1976

John Hume and David Trimble have shown tremendous courage in moving the process forward and the Nobel Committee has recognised that.

- Mairead Corrigan, Nobel Peace laureate

I fear the award may be somewhat premature. There can be no political stability or permanent peace until the private armies decommission their weapons.

- Andrew Hunter, Conservative MP

It could be a distraction and an embarrassment at this time because David Trimble has to remain fairly hard-nosed in terms of his dealings with paramilitary-linked parties and their obligation to disarm and disband before entering an executive.

- Ken Maginnis