Northern Ireland's time has come - declares Ritchie

The peace process in Northern Ireland can serve as a beacon of hope to other divided societies across the world, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has said.

The Minister was speaking at an event hosted by National Museums Northern Ireland and the Chamber of Commerce in Washington where she also invited potential investors to come and take a look at investment opportunities here. Ms Ritchie is in the United States on a programme of engagements including the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Stressing the progress made since the Good Friday Agreement, the Minister said: “The desire for reconciliation across our divided community and our commitment to building a shared future marks Northern Ireland as a beacon of hope for other divided societies.

“Our presence at this important Festival celebrates not only our long and valued friendship with the United States but also serves to encourage all who are working for reconciliation throughout the world.

“Since the Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland has made significant progress. Our economy is growing faster than many other parts of the United Kingdom. Unemployment is at its lowest level in generations and we have more jobs than at any time in our history. I firmly believe that Northern Ireland’s time has come.”

Turning to the work of her Department, the Minister said: “We have set a clear and powerful vision for urban regeneration and the revitalisation of communities in Belfast, Derry and in towns throughout Northern Ireland.

“On Belfast’s historic waterfront where the Titanic was built, we have completed a decade of regeneration on a massive scale which has delivered almost £1 billion(two billion dollars) of private sector investment and 15,000 jobs.

“In the heart of Belfast’s city centre, the Victoria Square regeneration scheme is underway representing over £400m (eight hundred million dollars) of investment and which will provide the best in retail, office and leisure and downtown living of any European city.

“Derry offers unique prospects for investors with strategic former military bases such as Fort George and Ebrington offering development opportunities to help reshape the city’s central area.

“Through my Department’s Neighbourhood Strategy, we are beginning the process of restoring pride and self-belief to many working class communities to ensure that they too, can share in the growing tide of prosperity that is the Northern Ireland of today.”

Appealing to US investors to visit Northern Ireland, the Minister said: “While there is still much to be done, Northern Ireland is emerging from the troubles of the last 30 years and is looking forward to a bright future thanks to sustained economic growth, rising public and private investment and strong local leadership through the legislative Assembly. You can share in this – come over and take a look, you will receive a warm welcome.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is taking place in Washington DC this summer. The Festival features a range of events over four months highlighting Northern Ireland’s cultural, business and tourism opportunities and will be attended by around one million visitors.
2. For media enquiries please contact the Information Office on 028 9082 9078. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.