Monitor

The News of the World Reactions to the result of the Irish Assembly vote

Belfast Telegraph

Within Unionism, the election results show there is a substantial section which still says "No" to the agreement. The fact that such opposition persists should steel the determination of David Trimble, John Hume, John Alderdice and their parties to work as closely together as possible in order to ensure the success of the assembly. It is vital the new executive is not founded on confrontation but a desire to seek accommodation and compromise where possible.

Boston Globe

When the new Northern Ireland Assembly holds its inaugural meeting on Wednesday the fights will begin immediately. There will be rows over where the assembly should sit permanently, over whether the selection of Cabinet ministers should be held now or put off until the fall. But in a place where disputes are traditionally settled by violence, the prospect of people attacking each other armed only with their words and their mandates is considered remarkable progress.

Irish News

When the assembly meets this week to decide who will be first minister and who will be deputy first minister, it should vote for job sharing between Mr Hume and Mr Trimble. This would be a fair reflection of the poll, and it would underline the commitment both have made to politics based on consensus.

Daily Record

Thousands of ordinary people in Ulster have put their hope and faith in Mr Trimble and Mr Hume. The pair, of course, are not natural allies but their partnership is symbolic of what is happening as the people learn that what unites them is more important than what divides them.

Irish Independent

Mr Trimble holds the key to the success of the agreement. He must retain control of his divided party; and he must establish control of the assembly and executive. It would be a disastrous error, even if it were possible, to elect anybody else as first minister. That simply could not work.

Philadelphia Enquirer

Maybe Northern Ireland has finally achieved the lasting peace all have dreamed of. But cross your fingers, and don't hold your breath. When the assembly meets to elect Mr Trimble its likely leader, there may be just a few peaceful days before Northern Ireland is plunged into crisis again. Next Sunday, an Orange Order march is scheduled to pass down a Catholic street outside Portadown.