The Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, is to visit Australia in January.
The Australian Immigration Minister, Mr Phillip Ruddock, refused Mr Adams a visa in 1996, citing his association with the IRA.
Mr Ruddock said yesterday Mr Adams had now been granted a visa following the significant advances toward achieving peace in Northern Ireland. - (AP) ein to shoulder their full responsibility with all other parties to ensure rapid progress in the peace process," Mr Ruddock said.