Thousands of people welcomed President Clinton to Dundalk, the "home" of the Real IRA, last night.

In an open-air speech to the assembled crowds, Clinton appealed to nationalists and republicans to put aside their differences and to "stand up for peace today, tomorrow and for the rest of your lives".

In a separate move, Mo Mowlam has revealed how as Northern Ireland secretary she found "peace and sanctuary" in a drop of whisky and ice - and said that she was not worried that she would be like her father, who was an alcoholic.