Speaking at the Chamber’s Annual Lunch in Belfast Dr Paisley said: “The 8 May last year represented the launch of a new project. A project that for the first time offered Northern Ireland people the prospect of real and positive change.
“Twelve months on, after all those years of instability, unaccountable government and economic turmoil, a difference is being made. We are beginning to transform our society. We are embracing change.
“We have created a stable devolved government and built a society which supports the rule of law. The achievements of the past year represent an agreed framework, a solid foundation firmly built on the rock of peace.
“This foundation has helped to build real change in Northern Ireland. Change which many thought would never come and change which has given us a taste of what is possible even over the course of one year.”
Dr Paisley also said that one of the most important achievements of the past year was the growth of a young forward looking generation determined to build greater stability and prosperity.
“This new generation want to fulfil their potential and make a positive contribution by living and working in this Province. Northern Ireland needs these young people to sustain that future and that stability.
“We must ensure that this younger generation grow up into young adults not in fear, not in despair, not in horror but as citizens of Northern Ireland who want to have a stake in a community which has a positive and valued contribution to make.
“Northern Ireland has grown in confidence over the past year and turned away from its past. This is the one real chance we have to finish the job and rid ourselves, once and for all, of the bad old days.”
President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce Bro McFerran, praised the Chamber on its many successes over the past year and said he was proud to be presiding over a new era in the history of the Chamber, including a change of personnel and a new corporate identity.
Mr McFerran congratulated Dr Paisley on the establishment of a stable, accountable and responsive administration at Stormont and praised the Executive for placing the strengthening of the local economy at the heart of the Programme for Government.
“We still face a number of momentous challenges as we seek to re-structure and re-build our local economy. We still have an economy which has an over-dependence on the public sector and we hope, that the reduction of the size of the public sector will remain a priority for the Government,” Mr McFerran said.
Notes to Editors:
Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9052 1375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
