Mandelson: N. Ireland reaction

Mandelson's departure was greeted with mixed emotion in Northern Ireland

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Peter Mandelson's resignation following allegations over a "cash for passports" scandal could have serious implications for the Northern Ireland peace process.

It increases the uncertainty of the future for the peace process, coming as it does just days after President Bill Clinton left office.

Clinton had long made the Northern Ireland peace process a main plank of his foreign policy and was instrumental in laying the foundations of the Good Friday Agreement.

On several occasions he intervened personally when negotiations were in danger of being derailed.

But little is known of what Clinton's successor's approach to Northern Ireland will be.

Along with other senior politicians on both sides of the Irish Sea, Mandelson would have been central to introducing President George W. Bush to the key issues, not least the decommissioning of paramilitary weapons.

Blair told the Commons he had accepted Mandelson's resignation, adding: "I would like to pay the warmest possible tribute to him for the tireless efforts he has made in securing peace in Northern Ireland."

Opposition leader William Hague said Mandleson's second resignation from the Cabinet -- after he was initially reinstated by Blair -- showed the prime minster had been guilty of a "monumental error of judgment."

In Prime Minister's Question Time Blair replied that the job Mandelson had done in Northern Ireland had merited his position as Secretary of State.

As Mandelson was preparing his resignation speech to the House of Commons, Northern Ireland's politicians gave their reaction to the loss of the man Blair brought in 1999 to replace Mo Mowlam as Secretary of State.

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble paid tribute Mr Mandelson, saying he wanted to thank him "for all the work…done in Northern Ireland over the last year or so -- many people appreciate the efforts you have made."

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble praised Mandelson "for all the work"

Sinn Fein members said they were not sorry to see him go.

Northern Ireland Assembly member Connor Murphy said: "There have been many occasions when he has been an impediment to progress."

He cited Mandelson's decision to suspend the Northern Ireland political institutions and his handling of the Patten Report and its recommendations for the changes to the Royal Ulster Constabulary as such occasions.

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams urged the government not to be distracted from the search for a solution in Northern Ireland by the fallout of the resignation.

He said: "It is a matter of public record that Peter Mandelson and Sinn Fein were in disagreement over many issues. Notwithstanding that, I wish him well for the future.

"I hope that the British Government is not distracted by the fallout of the resignation."

Dermott Nesbitt, an Ulster Unionist minister at Stormont, said it was sad for Mandelson personally but the political process would continue.

"We in the Ulster Unionist Party want to see stability and we will work with whoever is appointed to replace him.

Gerry Adams: Urged London not to be distracted by the resignation

"We must dedicate ourselves to seeing we get for the people of Northern Ireland what they want."

Peter Robinson, deputy leader of Democratic Unionist Party Peter Robinson said: "His support for the Belfast Agreement and his refusal to recognise the fact that we speak for the majority of the unionist community characterised his time in office.

"Few people will be shedding any tears for Peter Mandelson on his leaving Northern Ireland but we are mindful of the fact that whoever replaces him will be following the same policy and will be trying to placate republicans and nationalists at this time."

Sean Neeson, leader of the Alliance Party, paid tribute to Mr Mandelson and said his unfortunate departure would not make resolving the problems in the Northern Ireland peace process any easier.

Neeson said: "It is very unfortunate that the Secretary of State has had to step aside at this very sensitive and critical stage of the political process.

"The current circumstances are difficult, and for a major change to occur will not make things easier. Peter Mandelson approached the process fairly and with an even hand."

Cedric Wilson, leader of the anti-Good Friday Agreement Northern Ireland Unionist Party, said Mandelson had "relished" his role in enforcing implementation of the Agreement and had refused to consider any alternatives to it.

"There is now a window of opportunity for the Prime Minister to replace Mr Mandelson with a Secretary of State who is prepared to listen to the views of the majority of the unionist community."

There was no immediate response from Irish premier Bertie Ahern.

Mandelson resigns over passport row
January 24, 2001
Mandelson mired in passport row
January 23, 2001
Blair making surprise N.Ireland visit
January 17, 2001
Blair shuffles Cabinet, names ally to lead Northern Ireland peace effort
October 11, 1999

The White House
Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
Former Senator George Mitchell
The Labour Party
Northern Ireland Office

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