Talks on the restoration of the power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland are to resume on May 7, Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley has said.
In a joint press conference in Belfast with the Tánaiste Simon Coveney, Ms Bradley announced that talks on the restoration of power-sharing institutions will resume on May 7.
Ms Bradley said the “sickening” murder of journalist Lyra McKee had “deeply shocked everyone across the world”.
“Lyra was a brilliant, talented journalist, a role model for many, who always fought to make Northern Ireland a better place,” said Ms Bradley.
“Since Lyra’s death, communities across Northern Ireland and the political spectrum have come together, united in condemnation at this murderous act.
“They have delivered a clear message – the people responsible for this act of terrorism have absolutely nothing to offer Northern Ireland and have no place in society.”
Ms Bradley said the security situation in Northern Ireland had been “transformed” and the province was now a “dynamic, modern, outward-looking” place.
But she added: “There remain small numbers of dissident republicans who remain intent on killing.
“Our challenge is to ensure that we continue to work for peace for the whole community.”
Ms Bradley said: “Lyra symbolized the new Northern Ireland and her tragic death cannot be in vain.
“All of us must take inspiration from what Lyra achieved in her life and work even harder to make Northern Ireland a brighter, more peaceful and prosperous place for everyone.”
Ms Bradley said it was her “absolute determination” for new talks to succeed and the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement must be “upheld and defended”.
She said: “These talks offer the chance to move forward to restore the political institutions and deliver for the people of Northern Ireland…
“We have a narrow window in which genuine progress can be made and we must act now.”