There had been a political breakthrough, and things were moving forward, the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, told the British Labour Party conference yesterday. "But there are still times in Northern Ireland when the sheer rawness of the sectarian hatred and bigotry surprises me," she added.
"It comes from a very few people, but it serves to fuel fear and distrust across the whole community, like meeting-halls and churches being burnt down, or people standing outside churches picketing others at their place of worship, or being kicked to death if you are in the wrong bar at the wrong time."
In this session of parliament the Labour government would fulfil its election commitment to introduce a Bill on changes in policing, to increase support across the whole community; a Bill to promote local mediation and conciliation on marches and parades; and "a new emergency provisions bill, with significant changes - a temporary Bill until new UK-wide legislation is available to tackle the changing nature of terrorism worldwide".
The government would publish a paper in the coming months on the 160 recommendations in its "enormous report" on employment equality from the Standing Advisory Committee on Human Rights.
Dr Mowlam paid tribute to the Prime Minister for his sustained interest in Northern Ireland. His May 16th speech in Belfast - his first major one as Prime Minister - had set the tone for all that followed.
"He said that our approach would be - and it has been since - based on clear principles, with the principle of consent at its heart.
"This means there will be no change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland without the clear consent of a majority of the people who live there. Whether Northern Ireland is to remain part of the UK or be part of a united Ireland is for the people of Northern Ireland to decide," Dr Mowlam said.
A London delegate, Ms Margaret Payne, proposed a composite motion supporting Labour's Northern Ireland policy and congratulating Dr Mowlam for her work on a "key task" of the new administration.
"The government has successfully injected fresh impetus into the talks process," Ms Payne said.
Mr Jack Taylor applauded Dr Mowlam's efforts, but added: "I simply cannot see it being resolved by agreement." There was some clapping when he said: "The only final settlement is a united Ireland."
This would have to be imposed, he said, as partition had been in the first place, "and the sooner the better", although asylum should be offered to anyone wishing to leave.
"As the British empire collapsed we have had to grant freedom to countries all over the world. Why can't we do the same to one of our neighbours?" Mr Taylor asked.
Mr Nick Nolan from Coventry said the contribution of the Irish in Britain should not be forgotten. Referring to the recent EastEnders controversy, he said it was a "stupid programme" which could have a "downright dangerous" effect.
Replying to the debate on behalf of the party's National Executive Committee, Ms Diana Holland said a solution which was imposed was no answer. "Consent is the only way forward and Mo Mowlam has assured me that this position will not change."
The motion was overwhelmingly carried.