The Taoiseach has described the Northern Ireland peace process as 'one of the great achievements of this democracy' in an address to the Seanad.
Read the full address
In what was his first time to address to the Seanad as Taoiseach, Brian Cowen said 'we are now in a new era in our history' and stressed that the peace process was brought about by successive governments of all parties.
Mr Cowen paid tribute to the contributions made by two deceased senators - Gordon Wilson, whose daughter, Mary, died in the Enniskillen bombing and Fine Gael senator Billy Fox, who was murdered by republicans in Co Monaghan 35 years ago.
'Who in Ireland will ever forget the courage and generosity displayed by Senator Wilson in the face of the unspeakable atrocity that was the Enniskillen bombing?'
Mr Cowen praised the strength shown by Senator Wilson in speaking up for peace and forgiveness in the aftermath of the attack.
He also remembered Senator Billy Fox - the only member of the Oireachtas to be killed during the Troubles.
In a reference to last night's violence, he said the tiny and unrepresentative group responsible for the Belfast riots would not derail the peace process.
'At this time of great economic challenges for our country, it is important to reflect on how our democratic values and our democratic institutions have successfully faced the historic challenges of bringing peace to Northern Ireland,' he said.
