Future depends on the economy - Paisley
IAN Paisley yesterday said his legacy would be creating a stable Ulster upon which future generations could build economic prosperity.
In a speech to the Chamber of Commerce in Ballymena, the DUP leader and First Minister warned there would be "no quick fix" when it came to issues such as rebuilding the private sector economy, raising productivity, increasing employment and attracting inward investment.
And the leaders of the future would have to now find the best way to proceed.
Mr Paisley told his audience: "As you know I announced in February that I would leave the Office of First Minister before the summer.
"That decision was based on knowing that I had achieved what I set out to achieve: greater stability for our people and both communities fully involved in a respectful society which recognises the rule of law.
"That bedrock is in place."
The North Antrim MP added: "There will still be issues but those that come behind will have their own strategies to bring to the debate about how the future of Northern Ireland can best be shaped. It is their turn now.
"There is hard work ahead. But with a locally-elected government working closely with our business community I believe we can achieve our aim.
"That is the challenge before us. Importantly, it is a challenge for the next generation to take forward."
Entering the final days of his leadership, the DUP leader told the Ballymena business fraternity that driving the Province's economy forward was now the key priortity for government.
He said he and DUP colleagues had confronted the need for change and the enemies of Ulster were those who resist change.
"They must be defeated," he said.
The battlefield in Northern Ireland is now the economy, he added.
"Let me say as boldly as I can that Northern Ireland's future depends on developing its economy," he said, "with business partners – partners who are located in Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom and the Republic as well as Europe and the USA, the British Commonwealth and other key countries of the world."
The First Minister addressed the priorities of the recent Programme for Government and Budget which were economic.
He spoke of developing skills, education and innovation and noted targets such as: increasing private sector productivity; increasing the employment rate from 70 per cent to 75 per cent; securing value-added inward investments creating 6,500 high-value jobs.
As part of the push, he highlighted next month's US Investment Conference as a key point in his time as First Minister.
The News Letter now understands that – away from the media spotlight – Mr Paisley's trip to New York and Washington last week was highly successful and engaged senior chief executives of top companies.
The DUP leader said 60 senior American business executives will be here for the two-day programme which will include meetings with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Irish premier Brian Cowen and Mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg.
"We will take our visitors to every corner of Northern Ireland and I know they will be impressed by what they see," said Mr Paisley.
"I have no doubt that this conference will put Northern Ireland firmly on the agenda for US investors – it is an opportunity not to be missed."
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: 4 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North west
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