The Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr John Reid, today paid tribute to the parents of a young IRA victim, describing them as a "shining light" in the pursuit of peace.
He was speaking during a visit to Warrington where he met Colin and Wendy Parry, whose schoolboy son Tim was killed when two bombs exploded in the town nine years ago.
Dr Reid was in Warrington to visit the peace centre dedicated to Tim, aged 12, and three-year-old Johnathan Ball, who also died in the 1993 terrorist attack.
Mr and Mrs Parry were the driving force behind the £3 million sterlingh centre, which was opened two years ago and has been partially funded by the NSPCC.
Dr Reid, who met the couple privately, praised Mr and Mrs Parry, saying they were prominent among people who had come through suffering but were now "living their lives in the spirit of reconciliation and not revenge".
Dr Reid said role models were needed in times of huge historical transformation - such as that being attempted in Northern Ireland.
"In the case of Colin and Wendy, I think they are a shining light for the people on how to try to overcome loss, pain and grief and try to channel that energy into building a better future," he said.
Colin Parry said Warrington had come out of the tragic events of 1993 with "its head held high" and that: "It is the first chance that John Reid has had to see the building.
"I think it is important that the Northern Ireland office knows of the meaningful contribution we are making to the peace process".
PA