October 18, 2002 Reid Hopeful Over 'Breathing Space'
... to Help Revive the Peace Process

Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid said the re-imposition of direct rule would provide a ''breathing space'' to help revive the peace process.

Explaining his decision to suspend the North's`s devolved administration to MPs, he called for co-operation from all sides in making new progress.

Dr Reid said the suspension was the result of an impasse in just one part of the Belfast Agreement and said the government remained "fully committed" to its full implementation.

In an emergency Commons statement, he outlined the roles to be taken on by an expanded Westminster ministerial team and pledged they would not duck difficult issues.

Dr Reid, who is expected to start talks with all sides at Stormont next week, said: "I want to stress that this is an impasse, hopefully short lived, in only one aspect of the Agreement. It isn`t the whole Agreement - it isn`t the whole peace process. The peace process and the Agreement have increased prosperity, revitalised society, safeguarded rights and, above all, saved lives. The Agreement remains a template for political progress in Northern Ireland. I hope the decision I have taken creates a breathing space, - a chance to gather strength - before that progress moves forward once again."