US President George W. Bush today backed the decision to suspend Northern Ireland's power-sharing government and the return to direct British rule.
"I support the difficult but necessary decision today by British Prime Minister Tony Blair to suspend the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly," Mr Bush said in a statement released by the White House.
Mr Bush said he welcomed a commitment the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern and Mr Blair to seek restored confidence among the parties, to hold elections and reinstate a power-sharing government as soon as possible.
Mr Bush said the United States was ready to help resolve the problems which led to the British action, the fourth suspension in three years of the assembly and a setback for the peace deal.
"I appeal to everyone in Northern Ireland to recognise the great benefits that the agreement has already secured. The Good Friday agreement remains the best framework for a lasting peace in Northern Ireland," Mr Bush said.