UNIONISTS AND the SDLP have welcomed the commitment by US presidential hopeful John McCain to continue to appoint a special envoy to Ireland if elected.
His promise follows a similar policy announcement by Democratic nominee Barack Obama.
Addressing the Irish-American Presidential Forum in Pennsylvania, Mr McCain praised the return of devolution to Stormont and pledged an administration led by him would continue as an “honest broker”.
“When in May of last year the world saw images of a devolved government in Belfast, restored under the stewardship of Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness, it captured a political courage the previous generation could have scarcely imagined,” he said.
“There remains hard work ahead. It is an honour for the United States to be trusted as an honest broker by both parties to the Good Friday agreement, and if I am elected president, I will continue America’s leadership role.
“I am committed, as I know the American people are committed, to furthering the bonds of co-operation that have been forged in Northern Ireland’s peace process.”
Welcoming Mr McCain’s announcement, DUP Assembly member Alastair Ross said: “The difference between the current US administration and the previous Clinton era has been stark. Whilst the Clinton administration adopted an overtly green approach in dealing with Northern Ireland issues, the Bush administration has been much more even-handed and balanced.”
“Whoever wins the presidential election the DUP would hope to see such an even-handed approach continue into the future . . .”
Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey also praised Mr McCain’s statement. “Most observers would agree that the United States has made an important contribution towards building peace and stability in Northern Ireland . . . President Bush’s emphasis on economic links has been especially welcome.”
For the SDLP, Alban Maginness said: “The commitment by John McCain to retain a special envoy to the North is welcome . . . In light of the significance and importance of the US-Northern Ireland relationship, I look forward to working with whoever is elected president . . . on November 4th.”