Political Quotes

“I am very pleased to offer H. Res. 744, which expresses support for the Good Friday Agreement as the blueprint for lasting peace in Northern Ireland and support for continued police reform in Northern Ireland as a critical element in the peace process. I compliment the work of Subcommittee Chairmen Elton Gallegly and Christopher Smith for improving and making the originally-introduced version even more constructive and stronger on policing. The Good Friday Agreement needs U.S. support and a push to fully implement all of its terms. On the important issue of policing reform, the resolution before us wisely reflects the overall view of the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) for the north of Ireland, which has closely monitored paramilitary activities and made many critical suggestions for reform and change, especially in the area of a new beginning on policing. The IMC is made up of highly respected representatives appointed by both the Irish and British Governments, and includes an American as well. In its May 2005 report to the two governments and interested parties, the IMC stated some key findings on the responsibilities of all of the political parties on criminal justice, and it has just reiterated these again in its February 2006 report. The IMC said that all the parties should, among other things: ``Give credible vocal and practical support to all parts of the criminal justice system, including policing . .…”