HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister Gordon Brown calls for full NI devolution [September 2008]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 September 2008.

Northern Ireland assembly members have been urged by the Prime Minister to grasp the opportunity of devolved government.

Speaking in Belfast earlier this afternoon, the Prime Minister said that prosperity is key to a peaceful future for Northern Ireland.

Mr Brown said that the “end to violence” marked the beginning of growth in Northern Ireland. The continued success in preventing violence is the “precondition of continued growth”, he added.

He called on the politicians from all sides to complete the process of devolution, as it would represent the “clearest sign that democracy will triumph”

“… the completion of devolution is much more than the final step in a process: it is the creation of a whole new permanent future for Northern Ireland.”

The PM will also hold private talks with DUP First Minister Peter Robinson and Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness this afternoon.