Time to move on, says Paisley

It is time for the North to move on from conflict and put the past behind us, First Minister Ian Paisley said today.

The Democratic Unionist leader was speaking after being confirmed as First Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly alongside Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

He said: “In politics as in life, it is a truism that no one can ever have 100% of what they desire. They must make a verdict when they believe they have achieved enough to move things forward.”

He said Sinn Féin’s acceptance of the rule of law met that test.

“Support for all the institutions of policing has been a critical test that today has been met and pledged, word and deed.

“Recognising the significance of that change from a community that for decades demonstrated hostility for policing has been critical in turning the corner.”