Be ambitious, Ahern tells Ulster's ministers

A prosperous the North needs locally-elected ministers taking key economic decisions in a stable devolved government, Bertie Ahern insisted today.

In a keynote address to a business conference in Templepatrick, Co Antrim the Taoiseach said he wanted the province’s politicians to take ownership of their affairs and be ambitious about the future.

And he also spelt out his vision for close co-operation between his Government and those in power in the North.

Mr Ahern told the 11th annual Northern Ireland Economic Conference: “The Irish Government is a committed partner and friend in this process.

“We are eager to work in a positive and open way in the interests of everyone on this island.

“We have no hidden agenda. The Good Friday Agreement has already brought peace.

“I believe that it also offers Northern Ireland the prospects of permanent stability and real prosperity.

“That is our agenda. That is the only agenda that makes sense.”

Mr Ahern said it was clear from his and Prime Minister Tony Blair‘s discussions with business leaders in the province that they had the ideas, energy and ambition to emulate the economic success of the Irish Republic.

That drive and determination could also be seen, he said, in the trade union, farming, public and voluntary sector in the North.

“The task now faced by the political parties is to give leadership which society needs,” he said.

“In the south (of Ireland), forging economic success required pro-active focussed government. Over the years, governments set out a clear vision for our economic future.

“And then we were able to take the necessary decisions to enable economic growth. We developed a range of very successful policies designed to encourage foreign investment into Ireland.

“Social partnership agreements brought together business, unions and other interest groups to develop a strategic framework for meeting the economic and social challenges ahead.

“As a result of this, since 1997 the number of people at work has risen by 40% to 2.1 million. In the same period, Gross Domestic Product has risen by 136% to €161bn.”

Mr Ahern said the Republic could not, however, sit still and had embarked on a 10-year investment programme to build a world class transport infrastructure at a cost of €34.4bn.

This would have knock-on developments for the North, he argued.

The Republic was also investing in health and education reforms and a new science and technology strategy.

The Taoiseach said both the North and the Irish Republic could benefit from working together.

“I firmly believe that by working together, North and South, we have the opportunity to maximise the development of the whole island,” he said.

“We face the same challenges. Many of you here today know what they are: Greater competition from low cost locations; Developing the knowledge and skills of our workforce to match the demands of the 21st century; Promoting investment in research and development; Building a world class infrastructure; Delivering quality health and education services for our people.

“By co-operating North and South – by joint planning, pooling resources and co-ordinated action – we can better meet these challenges. Working together, we can deliver better outcomes for everyone, North and South, and get better value for money.”

Mr Ahern said he wanted an island where the infrastructure went where it was needed and would deliver the most benefit.

“I want to see balanced regional development in both parts of the island, with strong urban centres and prosperous rural communities,” he said.

“I want to see balanced regional development in both parts of the island, with strong urban centres and prosperous rural communities.

“I want to see an island where people can access the best and most appropriate health and education services.

“I want to see an island with a highly skilled and educated workforce attractive to inward investment. I am in no doubt that that this is a win-win situation for everybody, North and South.”