THE president of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, Mr Denis Galway, said yesterday "we must be aware of the potentially serious economic consequences the end of the ceasefire could bring.

"Over the last 17 months, a new found spirit of confidence had been created in all communities and in all parts of the province. We have had unprecedented international interest in trade, tourism and inward investment.

"If there is a return to violence, we will all be thrust back into the economic dark ages and the effects will be felt throughout Northern Ireland".