In 2003 the DUP became the largest political party in Northern Ireland and
the last three and a half years has seen our strategy deliver very
significant advances for the unionist people.
Our goal has been to see devolution returned in a context where it can make
a real and meaningful improvement in the lives of all the people of this
part of the United Kingdom.
On 7 March the unionist community gave us a mandate to deliver on this
pledge.
On Saturday the DUP executive overwhelmingly endorsed a motion committing
the party to support and participate fully in government in May of this
year. This is a binding resolution.
In the past the government has set arbitrary deadlines but now, as laid out
in our resolution we, as a party, have agreed the timing, setting up and
working of the institutions.
Today, we have agreed with Sinn Fein that this date will be Tuesday 8 May
2007.
After a long and difficult time in the province I believe that enormous
opportunities lie ahead for Northern Ireland
As the largest party in Northern Ireland we are committed to playing a full
part in all the institutions and delivering the best future for the people
of Northern Ireland.
In the period before devolution we will participate fully with the other
parties to the executive in making full preparations for the restoration of
devolution on 8 May.
This meeting represents an important step on the road to the setting up of
an executive in six weeks' time.
It has been a constructive engagement and we have agreed that in the weeks
between now and the restoration of devolution on 8 May there is important
preparatory work to be carried out so that local ministers can hit the
ground running.
This will include regular meetings between the future First and deputy First
Minister.
The work must begin as quickly as possible and we have been considering a
work programme to bring us to the agreed date for devolution which we are
now asking the government to legislate for.
Regular meetings
There is still vital work to be done to ensure the most favourable financial
package possible is in place to allow devolution to succeed and prosper.
To this end we have agreed with Sinn Fein to seek an early meeting with the
chancellor.
In the next few days detailed work will begin involving all of the executive
parties to allow a programme for government to be finalised for the start of
devolution. This will require regular meetings in the next few weeks.
The two parties have already asked the prime minister to ensure that no
water charge bills should be issued and the matter should be left for a
local executive to determine.
We must not allow our justified loathing of the horrors and tragedies of
the past to become a barrier to creating a better and more stable future
We hope, trust and believe that the secretary of state will listen to the
voice of the people of Northern Ireland.
After a long and difficult time in the province I believe that enormous
opportunities lie ahead for Northern Ireland.
Devolution has never been an end in itself but is about making a positive
difference to people's lives.
I want to make it clear that I am committed to delivering not only for those
who voted for the DUP but for all the people of Northern Ireland.
We must not allow our justified loathing of the horrors and tragedies of the
past to become a barrier to creating a better and more stable future.
In looking to that future we must never forget those who have suffered
during the dark period from which we are, please God, emerging.
We owe it to them to craft and build the best future possible and ensure
there is genuine support for those who are still suffering.
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I want to begin my remarks by welcoming the statement by Ian Paisley.
While it is disappointing that the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement
have not been restored today, I believe the agreement reached between Sinn
Fein and the DUP, including the unequivocal commitment, made by their party
executive and reiterated today, to the restoration of political institutions
on 8 May, marks the beginning of a new era of politics on this island.
Sinn Fein is about building a new relationship between orange and green and
all the other colours
The discussions and agreement between our two parties shows the potential of
what can now be achieved.
Sinn Fein entered into these discussions in a positive and strategic way
strengthened by our recently renewed and increased mandate. I want to once
again thank everyone who supports our party.
Tá muid buíoch daoibh go léir.
In all of the initiatives we have taken in recent times we have been guided
by the need to deliver for the people of Ireland. So, in our discussions we
have listened very carefully to the position put forward by Ian Paisley and
his colleagues.
The relationships between the people of this island have been marred by
centuries of discord, conflict, hurt and tragedy.
In particular this has been the sad history of orange and green. Ach tá tús
nua ann anois le cuidiu Dé.
Sinn Fein is about building a new relationship between orange and green and
all the other colours, where every citizen can share and have equality of
ownership of a peaceful, prosperous and just future.
Water bills
There are still many challenges, many difficulties to be faced. But let us
be clear. The basis of the agreement between Sinn Fein and the DUP follows
Ian Paisley's unequivocal and welcome commitment to support and participate
fully in the political institutions on 8 May.
In the lead up to restoration important work has to take place preparing for
government. And you have the outline of that also.
As an immediate step both Sinn Fein and the DUP have asked the British
government not to issue the water bills.
Tús maith leath na hoibre. A good start is half the work.
The two governments also have other work to do.
We are committed to, and today discussed, further engagements with the
British chancellor, with the Irish government, and with others to ensure
that the incoming executive has the best possible resources to fulfil our
responsibilities.
We have all come a very long way in the process of peace making and national
reconciliation.
Collectively we have created the potential to build a new, harmonious and
equitable relationship between nationalists and republicans and unionists,
as well as the rest of the people of the island of Ireland
We are very conscious of the many people who have suffered.
We owe it to them to build the best future possible.
It is a time for generosity, a time to be mindful of the common good and of
the future of all our people.
I am pleased to say that collectively we have created the potential to build
a new, harmonious and equitable relationship between nationalists and
republicans and unionists, as well as the rest of the people of the island
of Ireland.
Sinn Fein will take nothing for granted in the days and weeks ahead but we
will do all that we can to ensure a successful outcome and we ask everyone
to support us in our efforts.
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