Northern Ireland gets home rule

The leading Protestant and Catholic political parties in Northern Ireland have begun implementing their power-sharing agreement, paving the way for a restoration of home rule in the province. Ian Paisley of the (Protestant) Democratic Unionist Party has been sworn in as First Minister, while Martin McGuinness of the (Catholic) Sinn Féin has become Deputy First Minister (BBC).

The BBC's James Robbins has written an interesting retrospective piece looking at the long and winding road to peace in the region.

Congratulations, Northern Ireland! Let's hope the agreement sticks.

Northern Ireland rivals agree to share power

The leading Protestant and Catholic politicians of Northern Ireland have agreed to a power-sharing accord, and are planning to form a joint government for the British province. The agreement between the (Protestant) Democratic Unionist Party, led by Ian Paisley, and the (Catholic) Sinn Fein, led by Gerry Adams, paves the way for the devolution of power by Britain to the province, and for domestic affairs to be regulated in some degree by a local assembly and executive (BBC).

Finally! Now for the Iraqis to reach a similar deal.