Full text of Gerry Adams' statement

"I want to begin my remarks by welcoming the statement by Ian Paisley.

While it is disappointing that the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement have not been restored today, I believe the agreement reached between Sinn Féin and the DUP, including the unequivocal commitment, made by their party Executive and reiterated today, to the restoration of political institutions on May 8th, marks the beginning of a new era of politics on this island.

The discussions and agreement between our two parties shows the potential of what can now be achieved.

Sinn Fein entered into these discussions in a positive and strategic way strengthened by our recently renewed and increased mandate. I want to once again thank everyone who supports our party.

Tá muid buíoch daoibh go léir.

In all of the initiatives we have taken in recent times we have been guided by the need to deliver for the people of Ireland. So, in our discussions we have listened very carefully to the position put forward by Ian Paisley and his colleagues.

The relationships between the people of this island have been marred by centuries of discord, conflict, hurt and tragedy.

In particular this has been the sad history of orange and green. Ach tá tús nua ann anois le cuidiu Dé..

Sinn Féin is about building a new relationship between orange and green and all the other colours, where every citizen can share and have equality of ownership of a peaceful, prosperous and just future.

There are still many challenges, many difficulties to be faced. But let us be clear. The basis of the agreement between Sinn Fein and the DUP follows Ian Paisley’s unequivocal and welcome commitment to support and participate fully in the political institutions on May 8th.

In the lead up to restoration important work has to take place preparing for government. And you have the outline of that also.

As an immediate step both Sinn Féin and the DUP have asked the British government not to issue the water bills.

Tús maith leath na hoibre. A good start is half the work.

The two governments also have other work to do.

We are committed to, and today discussed, further engagements with the British Chancellor, with the Irish government, and with others to ensure that the incoming Executive has the best possible resources to fulfil our responsibilities.

We have all come a very long way in the process of peace making and national reconciliation.

We are very conscious of the many people who have suffered.

We owe it to them to build the best future possible.

It is a time for generosity, a time to be mindful of the common good and of the future of all our people.

I am pleased to say that collectively we have created the potential to build a new, harmonious and equitable relationship between nationalists and republicans and unionists, as well as the rest of the people of the island of Ireland.

Sinn Fein will take nothing for granted in the days and weeks ahead but we will do all that we can to ensure a successful outcome and we ask everyone to support us in our efforts.”

Full text of Dr Paisley's statement

In 2003 the DUP became the largest political party in Northern Ireland and the last three and a half years has seen our strategy deliver very significant advances for the unionist people.

Our goal has been to see devolution returned in a context where it can make a real and meaningful improvement in the lives of all the people of this part of the United Kingdom. On the 7th March the unionist community gave us a mandate to deliver on this pledge.

On Saturday the DUP executive overwhelmingly endorsed a motion committing the party to support and participate fully in Government in May of this year. This is a binding resolution.

In the past the Government has set arbitrary deadlines but now, as laid out in our resolution we, as a party, have agreed the timing, setting up and working of the institutions. Today, we have agreed with Sinn Fein that this date will be Tuesday 8th May 2007.

As the largest party in Northern Ireland we are committed to playing a full part in all the institutions and delivering the best future for the people of Northern Ireland. In the period before devolution we will participate fully with the other parties to the Executive in making full preparations for the restoration of devolution on 8th May.

This meeting represents an important step on the road to the setting up of an Executive in six weeks’ time. It has been a constructive engagement and we have agreed that in the weeks between now and the restoration of devolution on the 8th of May there is important preparatory work to be carried out so that local Ministers can hit the ground running.

This will include regular meetings between the future First and deputy First Minister.

The work must begin as quickly as possible and we have been considering a work programme to bring us to the agreed date for devolution which we are now asking the Government to legislate for.

There is still vital work to be done to ensure the most favourable financial package possible is in place to allow devolution to succeed and prosper. To this end we have agreed with Sinn Fein to seek an early meeting with the Chancellor.

In the next few days detailed work will begin involving all of the Executive parties to allow a programme for Government to be finalised for the start of devolution. This will require regular meetings in the next few weeks.

The two parties have already asked the Prime Minister to ensure that no water charge bills should be issued and the matter should be left for a local Executive to determine. We hope, trust and believe that the Secretary of State will listen to the voice of the people of Northern Ireland.

After a long and difficult time in the province I believe that enormous opportunities lie ahead for Northern Ireland. Devolution has never been an end in itself but is about making a positive difference to people’s lives. I want to make it clear that I am committed to delivering not only for those who voted for the DUP but for all the people of Northern Ireland.

We must not allow our justified loathing of the horrors and tragedies of the past to become a barrier to creating a better and more stable future. In looking to that future we must never forget those who have suffered during the dark period from which we are, please God, emerging. We owe it to them to craft and build the best future possible and ensure there is genuine support for those who are still suffering.

With hard work and a commitment to succeed I believe we can lay the foundation for a better, peaceful and prosperous future for all our people