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Historic return for NI Assembly Historic return for NI Assembly
(10 minutes later)
Northern Ireland has a new power-sharing government in an historic day at Stormont.Northern Ireland has a new power-sharing government in an historic day at Stormont.
DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness are taking their pledges of office as devolution returns to Northern Ireland. DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness have taken their pledges of office as devolution returns to Northern Ireland.
Five years of direct rule by London appointed ministers officially ended at midnight.Five years of direct rule by London appointed ministers officially ended at midnight.
British and Irish Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern travelled to Stormont to witness the ceremony.British and Irish Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern travelled to Stormont to witness the ceremony.
Mr Paisley said Northern Ireland was "on the road to prosperity". In October 2002, allegations of intelligence gathering within Stormont led to the suspension of power-sharing institutions. A subsequent court case collapsed.
"I believe we're starting on a road which will bring us back to peace and to prosperity," he said.
Quick guide: Conflict in NIQuick guide: Conflict in NI
"And I would challenge the people of Northern Ireland to rise to the challenge and be determined that, come what may, we'll make this a country where all men and women will be equal under the law - and equally subject to the law." Mr Paisley said Northern Ireland was now "on the road to prosperity".
Earlier, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said it was "a big day" for the people of Ireland, and that his party and the DUP had opened up "the potential for a new beginning". "I believe we're starting on a road which will bring us back to peace and to prosperity," he said.
"I think what today proves is that dialogue and perseverance and tenacity and persistence can bring about results," he said.
Mr McGuinness said he was confident he and the DUP leader could work together.Mr McGuinness said he was confident he and the DUP leader could work together.
"We've already taken joint decisions, but that was in the context of not having power," he said."We've already taken joint decisions, but that was in the context of not having power," he said.
"All of that is going to change in the next couple of hours, and by midday today, we're going to be in charge, and we're going to be charged with the responsibility of governing in the interests of the people."
Both Mr McGuinness and Mr Paisley paid tribute to DUP assembly member George Dawson, who died on Monday evening.Both Mr McGuinness and Mr Paisley paid tribute to DUP assembly member George Dawson, who died on Monday evening.
Demonstrators protesting against the war in Iraq were forcibly removed by police after they attempted to block the arrival of Mr Blair's motorcade. William Hay was appointed as the new speaker, replacing the outgoing Eileen Bell.
Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern are witnessing the ceremonyTony Blair and Bertie Ahern are witnessing the ceremony
In nominating the DUP assembly member, Mr Paisley said the speaker in the next assembly would be from the nationalist community.
Demonstrators protesting against the war in Iraq were forcibly removed by police after they attempted to block the arrival of Mr Blair's motorcade.
The protesters, who had been standing in front of Parliament Buildings, ran down the hill to the Carson Statue and lay down on the road.The protesters, who had been standing in front of Parliament Buildings, ran down the hill to the Carson Statue and lay down on the road.
Former NIUP assembly member Cedric Wilson, who was at the scene, accused the police of using strong-arm tactics.
While not being part of the anti-war group he said "everyone had the right to make a peaceful protest".
Ministers from the four main parties are taking the pledge of office, which includes support for the police.Ministers from the four main parties are taking the pledge of office, which includes support for the police.
The return of devolved government follows an historic meeting in March between DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, where they agreed to share power.The return of devolved government follows an historic meeting in March between DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, where they agreed to share power.
Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said he was confident the parties would make a go of it.Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said he was confident the parties would make a go of it.
Protesters tried to block the PM's motorcadeProtesters tried to block the PM's motorcade
"It's going to stick, I believe, because the DUP and Sinn Fein - Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness on the one hand, Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson on the other - these are the two most polarised forces in Northern Ireland's politics, they have done the deal," he said. VIP guests at Stormont include US Senator Ted Kennedy, the DUP leader's wife Baroness Paisley and Peggy McGuinness, the deputy first minister's mother.
Among the VIP guests on Tuesday is US Senator Ted Kennedy.
The DUP leader's wife Baroness Paisley and the Sinn Fein chief negotiator's mother Peggy McGuinness are also expected to attend.
Also attending is Jeanette Ervine, the widow of Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine who died in January.Also attending is Jeanette Ervine, the widow of Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine who died in January.
The first meeting of the new power-sharing executive is scheduled for later this week.The first meeting of the new power-sharing executive is scheduled for later this week.
In October 2002, allegations of intelligence gathering within Stormont led to the suspension of power-sharing institutions. A subsequent court case collapsed.