Speaking at “Transformation to a Shared Society”, the annual Community Relations Council Policy Conference, the Minister said: “We have to stop living beside each other and begin to live with each other and enjoy the benefits of economic prosperity together – working to achieve real reconciliation so as to deliver the promise of a shared future.”
Mr Hanson highlighted examples of the new shared future in a mixed housing project in Enniskillen, the peaceful summer of 2006, and the growing strengths of the Northern Ireland economy as the basis for his optimism. He added: “Economic prosperity in the long run will be secured with political stability, the availability of skills and importantly as Northern Ireland is seen nationally and internationally as a place where people want to invest because we have a truly shared, inclusive and vibrant society.”
Minister Hanson said “I am delighted that devolution is taking place on 8 May. The recent major political developments exemplify the transformational leadership which in turn has the potential to turn the vision to a shared future into a reality that underpins a new prosperous Northern Ireland. The new Pledge of Office affirms that the new Ministers will promote the interest of the whole country represented in the Northern Ireland Assembly – towards the goal of a shared society.
“In business a trademark is a distinctive symbol to identify particular products. I want to encourage all to see the society described in a shared future as the registered trademark for Northern Ireland.”
Notes to Editors
- A Shared Future: Policy and Strategic Framework for Good Relations in Northern Ireland was published by Written Ministerial Statement on 21 March 2005.
- A Shared Future sets out Governments aim of establishing over time a shared society, defined by a culture of tolerance.
- A Shared Future and the Triennial Action Plan can be accessed on the website.
- The Racial Equality Strategy for Northern Ireland was published by written Ministerial Statement on 19 July 2005.
- The Racial Equality Strategy sets out six strategic aims that Government will pursue in eradicating racism and tackling racial inequalities.
- The Racial Equality Strategy for Northern Ireland and the First Annual Implementation Action Plan can be accessed on the website.
- Media Enquiries to Joe Livingston on 07920187938.
