Paisley Reflects On Successful Year

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."