Obama Nobel speech

11 years ago today I was waking from a night that summed up the hope at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement. Phil Coulter and James Galway had led a sing song into the really hours in our Oslo Hotel. Hume and Trimble joined in that ancient Irish tradition – the session. The culmination of the Nobel day when our two leaders were recognised for their part in the changing the course of this island’s history.  It is such a pity that so much of the hope born in that year is unfulfilled.

Yesterday it was President Obama’s turn. His speech is deep and brave. He tackles the controversy around his – some say premature – award.

Here it is: