The Northern Ireland Agreement signed between the two governments and the parties on Friday offers the best prospect of Northern Ireland emerging from the long shadow of the Troubles. Over the years I have felt greatly for both communities in the North, who through no fault of their own were dealt a very unfortunate hand when this island was divided in the 1920s. Now for the first time in my lifetime, the ground has been prepared for a new Northern Ireland, one in which Catholic and Protestant, unionist and nationalist, can work together in a manner acceptable to both communities.
We have heard the expression that "risks must be taken for peace". This was definitely the situation in the days leading up to the signing of Friday's agreement. The problems inherent in Northern Ireland, which have divided the communities for decades, if not centuries, will not vanish overnight. In that respect, the great achievement of last Friday can only bear fruit if all the ambitious targets are attained in a reasonable period of time.
There are challenges for the people of Northern Ireland and the Republic in fulfilling the promise of last week. I expect difficult and divisive debate on the high-profile areas such as constitutional change, the new Assembly and cross-Border bodies.
Leaders on all sides will encounter internal difficulties and are going to require skills and determination to get through the next few weeks. However, given the trials and tribulations that all sides have encountered in recent weeks, I remain hopeful that the majorities necessary to ratify the referendums will be forthcoming.
From my own involvement over many years I know at first hand the difficulties which the various leaders have had to overcome. The acid test on this occasion was to find the compromise that one's opponents and supporters could live with; not an easy task at any time, and certainly a daunting and even dangerous one in the context of Northern Ireland. All were fortunate on this occasion to have the personal attention of the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and the British Prime Minister, Mr Blair, for the vital last few days.
The enormous capacity and skills of George Mitchell and his co-chairmen (God bless their patience) are very evident in the agreement that has been produced. I am convinced that but for them it could not have happened at this time.
And of major importance was the fact that Mr Mitchell had direct access to President Clinton, whatever the time of day or night when it was required. It was also fitting that the President of the United States was involved at the crucial concluding moments given the important role played by Edward Kennedy, Tip O'Neill, Pat Moynihan and Tom Foley in changing attitudes of Irish America over the past 25 years.
On many occasions over the years I seriously wondered if we would ever "square the circle" of the Northern conflict. Since the agreement I have come to believe that we are now finally on the road to finding a solution. The agreement is a very solid point of departure upon which to undertake the next phase of the journey. All people on this island have the opportunity to overcome the legacy of division which we inherited, and we must grasp that opportunity in an open and inclusive manner.
To those who oppose this agreement, I say there is no obvious alternative which offers the prospect of peace, security and reconciliation for the people of this island, and they should allow this agreement the space that it needs. The compromises made by the unionist and nationalist leadership and the two governments provide for a win-win situation, and we should all be part of that end-game.
Dick Spring TD is a former Tanaiste and minister for foreign affairs
