Northern Ireland Deal

Generations of people would have never thought it possible. Ian Paisley, the tough-minded leader of Northern Ireland's Protestants -- notorious for his uncompromising attitude and hate-filled tirades against Irish Catholics -- met for the first time ever in face-to-face talks with Gerry Adams. Adams is head of the Catholic-backed Sinn Fein party -- the political wing of the underground Irish Republican Army (IRA), which was once the epitome of violence and terrorism.

Even after the Good Friday peace agreement in 1998 -- which aimed to form a lasting settlement following paramilitary ceasefires between the two groups and which ultimately saw the creation of the Northern Ireland Assembly, the two never met personally.

Now, the two groups are to share power in government with Paisley likely to become the province's first minister and Martin McGuinness, Sinn Fein chief negotiator and a former IRA commander, as his deputy.

Unity after hostility

One cannot underestimate the symbolic power and message this sends to the Irish people. Unity after decades of hostility? It is not without reason that the Protestant Paisley hailed the agreement as "the foundation for a better future" and Adams said the deal would ring in a "new era" in politics for Northern Ireland.

There certainly are plenty of reasons for new attempts at government power-sharing. Democratic co-operation in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland is the long overdue, logical consequence of the ceasefire nine years ago.

It also reflects the current political situation in the region: both groups are more or less equally powerful. The problems which must be solved, must be solved together. Employment, education and health schemes are all issues just waiting for a new government.

Besides, in a region where for decades religious intolerance and hate have been instilled in people from a young age onward, one group would never trust a government "from the other side."

British investments in power-sharing

The British government was more than willing to invest a lot of money in brokering a power-sharing agreement. The province stands to gain some 35 billion pounds after the clinching of the deal. In addition, British Prime Minister Tony Blair -- on shaky ground due to his support of the Iraq war and the allegations of corruption within his Labour party -- is desperate for success in the few months before he leaves office.

His designated successor Gordon Brown can be glad he will have one less domestic policy problem to deal with when he confronts the newly revived Conservatives once he takes up the post.

As the European Union grows at a rapid pace, the conflict in Northern Ireland -- including the parliamentary stalemate -- is an anachronism.

Religious and political tolerance, as well as constructive co-operation between the rivaling parties, are basic requirements for a thriving EU.

Northern Ireland's old arch enemies have taken an important step. One can wish the leaders well in heading up the new government -- and endurance in the development of peaceful co-existence in a region known for decades only for its "conflict."

Irene Quaile-Kersken is head of magazine programming and acting head of current affairs at Deutsche Welle Radio's English Service.