Clinton confident of peace after Drumcree march

The fact the Drumcree march passed off peacefully is a positive sign the Belfast Agreement can be implemented in full, the former US president Mr Bill Clinton said today.

Speaking in Government Buildings at a press conference with the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, this morning, Mr Clinton said he was encouraged by the way the Orange Order march at Drumcree was conducted yesterday.

"Drumcree Sunday was a pretty good Sunday," Mr Clinton said. So good, in fact, that he felt safe enough to venture to play golf at the Royal County Down course in Newcastle 25 miles away, he added.

"I think that shows you that, deep down inside, underneath all the factionaldisagreements and political factions, there is a conviction in both communitiesin the North that we ought to keep the peace," Mr Clinton added."To me that's the big issue."

"But there has to be an election before too very long," the former president insisted. Further delays in the holding of elections would mean all the pro-Agreement parties run the risk of allowing those people who are not in favour to "undermine it".

Mr Ahern said he was hopeful the Protestant marching season could pass off without major violent incident. If that were to happen, it would be the first time since 1964.

"If we can get through that, I think it means that it is easier to get onwith trying to establish the institutions.

"Yesterday's march was hugely important," he said. "I hope we can now build up the goodwill."

This goodwill between the communities would make his and British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair's chances of successfully resolving the issues this Autumn "much better" he insisted.

Yesterday, Mr Clinton said the Belfast Agreement, of which he was one of the main authors, was a blueprint for conflict resolution throughout the world.

"There was a bit of a problem with implementation, it's just in a bit of a rut at the minute," he said. "I ask you to stay the course and lead the world by your example."