The DUP leader gave one of his final key speeches as head of government, to the CBI dinner in the Ramada Hotel, Belfast – and he spoke of the "long journey" he has walked.

As well as covering the state of the local economy, he said it had been a privilege (over recent months) to represent the Province to international politicians and public figures, both at home and on the world stage.

His message to them, he noted, was that "the days of tragedy and despair when people across Northern Ireland struggled in the face of adversity" are over.

"Never again are we going back to those days. After years of political talks and many start-stop initiatives, devolved government on an exclusively democratic basis was established on May 8 last year," he said.

"Northern Ireland is no longer in the valley of despair. We have become a beacon of hope, working to harness all the energy and talent that abounds for the benefit of the people of Northern Ireland."

He said: "As I leave the high level political stage in a few weeks time, I will depart knowing in my heart that Ulster is not at a crossroads; it is not facing further years in the economic wilderness, it is not making daily headlines across the world due to sickening atrocities claiming countless lives, and its communities are not ridden with fear, anxiety and suspicion of what the next day will bring.

Challenges


"The Ulster we have today, and which I have led since May 2007, has already travelled many miles beyond that crossroads. Yes, it has been a long journey. I have walked every step of it. Yes, we must remember the past, but we must also focus on the future, and the Executive is doing just that. Ulster is ready for fresh challenges and is demonstrating a growing confidence and optimism in itself and in its abilities to become a global competitor once more.

"For the first time in almost four decades, we now have a bright light pointing the way ahead where previously we had darkness and despair. I believe I have played my part in bringing that focus back, returning that brightness and that light on the road that all of us must travel."
Mr Paisley said there would, in the coming weeks, be those who "will offer judgment on my stewardship, but I am confident that the legacy which I leave will prove to be a positive and enduring one for those who follow.

He said he had presided over "the launching of this Ship of State and it is proving to be seaworthy". Adding that Ulster was taking advantage of stability, especially in economic terms: reducing taxes on businesses and showcasing Northern Ireland around the world.

Jobs creation demonstrated that practical cooperation based on mutual Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland benefit was the defining characteristic of how we interact with our nearest neighbour, he said. And a Programme for Government with a Budget from local politicians with a clear plan.

Mr Paisley concluded: "The foundations have been laid, the strategy has been developed, and the plans have been agreed. It is now a challenge for the next generation to take forward."