Today Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), made the following statement in regards to Northern Ireland’s main political parties reaching a power-sharing agreement:

Rep. Markey said, "Irish eyes are clearly smiling today. I welcome the historic power sharing agreement that has been reached between Sinn Fein and the Unionist parties, which clears the way for restoration of local self-government in Northern Ireland and a brighter, more hopeful future for its people. This agreement between former adversaries to share power signals a further movement away from the sectarian violence that has afflicted Northern Ireland for so long.  The people of Northern Ireland have long wanted a political solution to the problems affecting the region, and with this agreement their leaders have shown that they've heard this call."