New York State Comptroller Alan G. Hevesi, sole trustee of the $120 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund, and New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr., investment advisor to and custodian of the five New York City Pension Funds with a combined value of $88 billion, today issued the following statement regarding the IRA:

“The IRA’s decision to give up armed struggle against Britain and pursue the re-unification of Ireland by purely peaceful means is a welcome and extremely significant historic step. The end of violence and the surety of peace in Northern Ireland will dramatically improve the lives of all residents. It will also greatly improve the investment climate in Northern Ireland by creating a more stable, long-term environment in which businesses can operate. It certainly will raise the comfort level of investors in the United States and Europe, allowing for the forging of exciting new business opportunities. We urge all parties to respond positively in the interest of peace and stability.”

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