The Rt Honourable Dr Paisley MP MLA made a welcoming address at the annual conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Island and Mediterranean Region.
Addressing the conference at Parliament Buildings Dr Paisley said:
“The theme of your conference today is equality. I know you have come to Northern Ireland to learn from us. But Northern Ireland can learn from the Commonwealth. We can have unity amid diversity. The Commonwealth teaches us that.
“The opportunities that a more peaceful future presents must be available to all, including young and old alike, men and women, rich and poor, people with disabilities and people with different faiths, beliefs and cultural and ethnic backgrounds. As a society we are strengthened through unity and diversity. This is not something of which we should be afraid.
“A lot of progress has been made. The right not to be discriminated against is enshrined in a comprehensive framework of legislation. We are building on this through developing progressive policies to promote participation and to tackle disadvantage. But while policies are important it is the things that people do that ultimately make the difference. A major focus of the Northern Ireland Executive will be to ensure that the policy translates into real action.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
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