Robinson: We live in a new era with devolution secure

Peter Robinson said it had been a “great privilege” to serve the people as he gave his final speech from the Assembly’s front bench ahead of passing the reins of power to Arlene Foster.

“When we take a step back and with the perspective of history we can see just how far we have come,” he said.

“We now live in a new era.

“You only have to look around to see the progress that there has been, not just in the physical structures that didn’t exist a decade ago, but in the lives of our people.

“Though we don’t always fully appreciate it, devolution underpins the level of peace and stability we enjoy today. After 35 years of stop-go government, devolution, with local people taking the decisions, is once again the norm.

“That has allowed us the platform to recast Northern Ireland’s international image and to bring in more jobs than at any point in our history. Whereas once tourists avoided coming here we now attract people from all over the world.”

He added: “I hereby resign the office of first minister with confidence that the political institutions we have together created will be here for generations to come.”

Dealing with the legacy of the past and building reconciliation is an “ongoing process” Mr Robinson added.

He said: “The foundations have been laid and it will be for others to continue building.

“After centuries of division, we had to outlive the growing pains of learning to work together, fashion shared policies and create a more inclusive society.

“It is a feature of every societal transformation that some will be displeased at the pace of change – some believing it to be too fast and others feeling it is too slow. Yet so much has been achieved and the platform now exists to do even more.”

Mr Robinson said ministers have agreed significant reforms to the way government operates with a reduction in the number of Stormont departments and Assembly members and the creation of an official opposition.

He said powersharing was at its strongest when the threat was greatest from dissident republicans, who have murdered members of the security forces.

Mrs Foster became the first woman appointed to one of the two leading posts in the power-sharing Executive.

She said Mr Robinson left enormous political shoes to fill.

“Three minutes cannot do justice to the career of the person who has been the most astute unionist political leader of this, or for that matter, any era in Northern Ireland’s history.

“But when the history of this time comes to be written, his leadership will define this period.”