Paisley: 'The North can be economic powerhouse again'

The North can regain its place as a economic powerhouse on the world stage, the Rev Ian Paisley has claimed.

The Stormont First Minister told CBI Northern Ireland’s annual dinner in Belfast last night that the Stormont Executive had laid the foundations for a strong economy.

As he prepared to stand down from office after next month’s investment conference aimed at US businessmen, the North Antrim MP said he would leave knowing the North was no longer at the crossroads.

“It is not facing further years in the economic wilderness,” he told guests.

“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.

“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.”

Mr Paisley said the business community in the North could never forget the dark days of the Troubles when it literally had to pick up the pieces when their livelihoods were destroyed.

The North, he said, was determined never to go back and the Stormont Executive was already demonstrating the advantages of having devolved government whether it was reducing taxes on businesses, showcasing the North around the world or creating jobs through practical co-operation with the Irish Government.

“Northern Ireland is no longer in the valley of despair,” the First Minister declared.

“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.”

Mr Paisley said the strongly pro-business approach of the Programme for Government had led to the setting of stretching targets to increase the volume of high-value jobs and improve productivity.

He also predicted that senior American business executives attending next month’s investment conference would be impressed by what the province had to offer them.

“Our thinking is crystal clear – increased productivity and international trade are key to promoting our economy,” he explained.

“Our programmes will support the business community and encourage the growth of the private sector. Local and foreign-owned businesses will develop and fully utilise the skills of our well-educated workforce and continue to grow in this ever-changing world.

“Promoting the economy will make a difference right across the North and will lead to improved public service.

“Northern Ireland, which once had the largest ship-building works in the world, the largest rope-works in the world, the largest linen manufacturing in the world, and still has a large aircraft manufacturing works, has the potential to become a world leader once again.

“It has had a far-reaching tradition of businesses and has excelled in innovation. Working with you and others, we believe we can do it again!”

Mr Paisley said that, while he knew over the coming weeks some people would judge his stewardship of the Executive, he was confident his legacy would prove to be a positive and enduring one for those who followed.

“I have presided over the launching of this Ship of State, and it is proving to be sea-worthy,” he said.

“It has moved out on its first voyage, carrying the best wishes of the majority of the people in our province. I believe it can accomplish the voyage on which it has set out.

“I appeal for a united and determined support for its journey and its aims.

“This is the one chance we have to bring about the achievement to which we are all pledged, and rid ourselves of the bad old days. There can be no turning back.

“With deliberation, dedication and dogged determination, we must go full steam ahead.”