Tony Blair's pledge to the people of Northern Ireland on 20 May 1998

The personal pledge which the Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair made to the people of Northern Ireland on the evening of Wednesday 20 May 1998 (two days prior to the Referendum) at the University of Ulster at Coleraine.

"I pledge to the people of Northern Ireland:

• No change in the status of Northern Ireland without the express consent of the people of Northern Ireland.

• Power to take decisions returned to a Northern Ireland Assembly, with accountable North/South co-operation.

• Fairness and equality guaranteed for all.

• Those who use or threaten violence excluded from the Government of Northern Ireland.

• Prisoners kept in unless violence is given up for good.

Whatever the Referendum result, as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom I will continue to work for stability and prosperity for all the people of Northern Ireland."