David Trimble, Northern Irelands First Minister
John Hume, SDLP Leader
David Trimble and John Hume arrived in Oslo today ready to receive their Nobel peace prize tomorrow.
Shaking hands at a joint news conference, the Northern Ireland First Minister and SDLP leader both expressed optimism about the peace process. Mr Trimble said he is optimistic about the process and expressed his confidence that the current deadlock will be overcome.
Mr Hume, 61, and Mr Trimble, 54, arrived together from Washington where they had been collecting more peace prizes. They will receive their Nobel prize at a gala ceremony in Oslo City Hall tomorrow, followed by a traditional torchlight parade and a banquet in their honour.
In its citation, the Nobel committee called Mr Hume the clearest and most consistent of Northern Ireland's political leaders in his work for a peaceful solution. Mr Trimble was praised for showing political courage at a critical stage in the peace process.
