McKay urges: Face the future with confidence

In a statement, Mr. McKay said that the deal offered an opportunity to resolve problems within the judicial system as well as disputes arising out of parades.

He went on: "The general public are in no doubt that the Sinn Fin team have done a great job in this set of negotiations and this deal will benefit the entire community here in the north.

"The negotiations have been difficult but this is hardly surprising given the fact that we are an Irish republican party and that others involved have a completely different view. We believe in a united Ireland and unionists want to maintain the union. However that should not mean that we cannot treat each other as equals and proceed with our work on the basis of partnership, respect, fairness and equality. That is what Sinn Fin is about."

The Sinn Fin representative welcomed the positive comments from the loyal orders after the agreement was reached:

"The comments that have been made by the Orange Order and the Royal Black Preceptory are to be welcomed and it is clear now that if parades disputes in places like Rasharkin are to be resolved that all relevant parties need to engage in dialogue. The importance of dialogue and engagement to resolve these disputes is recognised in this agreement and I very much welcome that.

"The recognition that people have a right to live free from sectarian harassment is also a welcome inclusion within the parades section of the agreement.

"We have agreed that the transfer of policing and justice powers to our power sharing government will happen on April 12th. We have agreed and put in place a process which will see the powers which oversee parades transfer to our administration before the end of this year.

"We have agreed a process to progress the rights of Irish Language speakers and North/South aspects of the St. Andrews Agreement.

"We are also agreed on the need to deliver for our community, it is what they expect. There are families and children living in poverty; elderly people feeling vulnerable and in fear. There are young families burdened by massive mortgages and in fear of losing their homes; people without jobs.

"There will be an opportunity to make radical changes within the criminal justice system which will benefit the entire community. Proposals within the agreement include a review of how children and young people are processed at all stages of the criminal justice system including detention; establishment of a sentencing guidelines council; a review of prisons including conditions of detention and the development of a Victims Code of Practice setting out a minimum standard of service that criminal justice agencies will be expected to provide to victims of crime; including the right of victims to be kept informed about all aspects of the progress of their case .

"Our government needs to reach out to people. It needs to deliver. We need to confront and defeat all kinds of hatred. With determined and courageous leadership we must continue to lead that shrinking minority out of the trenches of the past. That is what this agreement must mean in practice. Fully functioning political institutions operated for the people in true partnership and equality. Let us now all face into the future with confidence in ourselves and in the people who elect us."