Taoiseach Enda Kenny today spoke at the official opening of Peace Bridge in Derry. The building of the bridge was supported by the European Union's PEACE programme.
At the opening, the Taoiseach spoke of the bridge as a symbol of beauty and peace...
This bridge is a remarkable addition to what is already one of the most beautiful and historic cities in these islands.
It is remarkable not just as an example of beautiful design, but as a powerful symbol of movement away from a troubled past, towards a brighter future full of opportunity.
As this bridge sweeps across the river Foyle it draws not just our eyes but our hearts and our minds and reminds us of the journey of peace that we have all taken together over the last number of years.
The events in Belfast of recent days, and the despicable murder of Ronan Kerr in Omagh, show us all that we can never afford to take that peace for granted.
The Taoiseach also underlined the importance of working together towards peace...
We must continue to work together to ensure that isolated evildoers do not succeed in undermining what has been so hard won.
Today, we are more united than ever in that historic task.
This is a truly proud day for Derry, a day when we all look firmly to the future.
In troubled and tragic times, this city demonstrated a real spirit, a drive to overcome adversity.
The advent of peace has unleashed that spirit to achieve wonderful progress.
Today is a huge and historic milestone on the path to a new future.
The Taoiseach pledged to continue to work with the Northern Ireland Executive...
The new Government that I lead will continue to work closely with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive, with ILEX and with the local authorities on both sides of the border.
Through the implementation of the North West Gateway Initiative;
Through funding for road connections to the rest of the island, cancer services in Altnagelvin and world-class international broadband links via Project Kelvin;
Through closer links between our higher education institutions;
Through our ongoing work to promote reconciliation and to combat sectarianism;
And though our practical support for the City of Culture in 2013;
We stand with the people of Derry.
Read the Taoiseach's full speech here.
The Taoiseach went on to visit Altnagalvin hospital.
You can listen to the Taoiseach's doorstep interview at the Peace Bridge below...