13 October 1997

Prime Minister's visit to Northern Ireland

Speaking after meeting with the Prime Minister this afternoon, Seamus Close, Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party, said, “The Prime Minister’s visit to Northern Ireland today is a clear demonstration of the government’s determination to move this process forward in a structured and constructive way.

“We stressed the importance of such determination for the vast majority of the citizens of Northern Ireland, who don’t have a particular axe to grind, but who want to see a fair settlement, a settlement that will improve their lives, and the lives of their children.

“We pointed out to the Prime Minister that success in this process is the greatest confidence-building measure available to all of us.”

Note to editors: The Alliance delegation meeting the Prime Minister consisted of Seamus Close (Deputy Leader), Sean Neeson (Chief Whip), Eileen Bell (Party Chair), Steve McBride (Justice and Legal Affairs Spokesperson).