Mo Mowlam Quotations

We have had 30 years of murders and I think that what we need to do in the next 24 hours is show a determination among all parties to make sure we see no more.

Many people could have been killed or seriously injured by this terrorist attack, and it is only through the speedy and efficient action by the security forces that a tragedy has been averted,

Many of us would like to make progress much quicker, ... But we have to bear in mind there are people around that table who have had relatives and friends killed. You don't forget that overnight.

If these arrangements are going to work, then everyone involved will have to give up violence for good, and decommissioning is an essential part of the package. People can't pick and choose which parts they like or dislike.

I believe there is the determination and the will to do it and I believe we will have a good day,

It is a breakthrough. It is a step forward... What is important is that we have something in front of us now that I hope will allow people to get into the detail, because we all know the devil is in the detail.

I welcome this important breakthrough and congratulate the Northern Ireland leaders and the Irish Republic on reaching a genuine accommodation of mutual benefit to north and south.

Some of the changes can happen quickly, some will need legislation, and some will take years.

We have come so far in the last year that I just hope people will think twice and abide by the law.

What we have to do, I think, is now have a little space -- a little time to talk to the parties and find out the best way we can move forward,

The decision ... was in the interests of public safety for the whole of Northern Ireland and I support him. Many people will be angry with what has occurred and I ask for restraint.

to recognize that there are sinister elements who are using their protest to attack the security forces.

We've been aware that the splinter groups, from whatever side, are an ever-present threat to the process. We knew that they would test the process. And I want everyone to meet that test today and resolve to make progress from it.

Those responsible have no concern for the lives or livelihood of people living in the town,

We will stand by the basis of our document,

We don't want to see the violence we have seen in previous years, because it benefits no one,

Those who killed Rosemary Nelson did so because they thought it would destroy the Good Friday agreement, ... (She was) a brave woman who stood up for what she believed in.

and they are united in the call for calm.

I understand they had informed, constructive discussions and a number of issues were covered and that there is a general feeling they will be meeting again.

This is a sad day for all of us.

There was no metaphorical gun at my head, ... Putting my case face-to-face, arguing it through with them, I thought was the best way to do it.

It is serious but the security forces have the situation under control, and people are going to work as normal,

The last thing the people of Northern Ireland need now is an outbreak of recriminations,

The integrity of the talks process and the commitment to the exclusively peaceful means are paramount and all parties must be treated fairly and equally,

You're never terrified when you say what you mean - are you?

It takes courage to push things forward.

Rest assured, the government is ready to support and enhance the competitiveness of the biotechnology industry.

the exact impact on the peace process is not easy to ascertain.