Politicians from all the communities in Northern Ireland have condemned the killing of a Catholic man in what is seen as a rare sectarian attack in a once conflict-afflicted area - but which shows the real challenge to peace in the province.

Students in Westminster will today hear the story of a man who was blinded after being shot by a British soldier - but went on to found a charity to help children affected by conflict around the world.

The Archbishop of Ireland yesterday called for a redoubling of efforts for peace, as a police officer died following a shooting in Craigavan, County Armagh.

Dr Rowan Williams used his Easter sermon at Canterbury to highlight healing and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Solomon Island as signs of God’s grace at work in a suffering and divided world.

Protestant and Catholic church leaders in Ireland have welcomed the agreement between the leaders of the DUP and Sinn Fein to restore devolved government in Northern Ireland.