Minister Ahern pays tribute to Ambassador Mitchell Reiss, US Special Envoy on Northern Ireland

Mitchell Reiss has served as US Special Envoy for Northern Ireland through a critical time in the peace process.

The ongoing support of the US Administration for the work of the two Governments has been crucial to our efforts since this process began. Mitchell has worked side by side with us since his appointment and in particular as our work with the parties intensified over the last year. We have greatly appreciated his support and valued his counsel.

His tenure has seen significant and historic developments: the announcement by the IRA of an end to its armed campaign; confirmation of IRA decommissioning; and the political progress of recent months with the publication of the St. Andrews Agreement.  This has brought us closer than ever before to achieving sustainable power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.

He departs at a time of great hope for Northern Ireland, as we look ahead to the prospect of a devolved administration being formed at the end of March. I want to extend to him warm personal thanks for his dedication and commitment and wish him well in the future. 

We also look forward to working with his successor Dr. Paula Dobriansky, once she takes up her appointment in the coming weeks.

ENDS +++
19 January 2007
Press Office