Democracy at last

There were no Stones blocking the door to progress today. The new First Minister and Deputy First Minister are in place, oaths sworn, and the ministerial team chosen. For the first time in at least 500 years - maybe ever - all of Ireland is governed by inclusive administrations elected by the people without outside interference, so this is a happy day for Irish people everywhere.

To those Protestants disaffected by power-sharing I say we have to respect Sinn Féin's electoral mandate; whether we like it or not it's a reality, and Republican voters have as much right to self-determination as anyone. I'm delighted especially for my Catholic fellow-countrymen who've waited a long time for this. Personally, I disagree with much of Sinn Féin's socialist aspirations and every attempt to glorify past terrorist acts, but I believe in democracy as a means of channelling and distilling varying opinions into workable policies for daily life, and now it's time to see that played out to the benefit of all.

It won't be easy. It'll be a rocky - not Stoney - path, but one worth treading together.