No alternative to Hillsborough deal, says Mandelson in call for unionist `yes' vote

The Northern Secretary, Mr Peter Mandelson, has said today is "a defining moment" for Northern Ireland and that there is no alternative to the Hillsborough deal that would command the allegiance of both unionists and nationalists.

Mr Mandelson made no direct reference to the alternative proposal from Lagan Valley MP Mr Jeffrey Donaldson to be tabled at today's Ulster Unionist Council meeting but insisted that what was negotiated at Hillsborough was the only way forward.

He said in Enniskillen yesterday that "the alternative is to stay in the past rehearsing our grievances or to sit, like Micawber, and hope that something better is going to turn up".

He continued: "Let me tell you something better is not going to turn up that has the support of both traditions," he said at the Killyhevlin Hotel where he attended a function celebrating the 175th anniversary of the local Impartial Reporter newspaper.

Mr Mandelson had to postpone his speech for an hour because of a bomb alert at the hotel, which turned out to be a hoax. The guests eventually returned to hear the Northern Secretary call for a Yes vote at the UUC meeting.

"It is time to choose. The time for negotiation is over. To make no choice is to turn your back on the best chance we are going to get and I hope we all have the courage to seize it," he said.

"If we seize that opportunity I am certain that Fermanagh - and Northern Ireland - will be more peaceful, self-confident and prosperous during the next 175 years than at any time in its distinguished history." The Northern Secretary sought to reassure those in the UUC with serious concerns about endorsing the Hillsborough deal, or who feared their sense of Britishness would be threatened.

"Some of those who attack the Belfast Agreement play on the fears that it will diminish their particular identity or undermine their tradition. It does no such thing," said Mr Mandelson.

"The agreement does not promote neutrality, it cherishes diversity. It secures British identity while recognising and respecting nationalists and republicans who do not share that identity.

"As a government we will play our part - guaranteeing British identity for those who cherish it."

Mr Mandelson described devolution as a great adventure. "These are uncharted waters. We have never been to a Northern Ireland free from division. But it is a land we can reach - a land we must reach for the sake of future generations."

Ultimately, added the Northern Secretary, it was for the two traditions to forge the way forward. He described today's Ulster Unionist Council meeting as a "defining moment for Northern Ireland" and said it would be a "tragedy" if this opportunity were lost or abandoned.

"The decision to be taken will determine the course of Northern Ireland politics - its security and its prosperity - for very many years to come. It is the opportunity to break out of the cycle of fear, bitterness and mistrust and begin the painstaking process of putting the past behind us," said Mr Mandelson.