A bid was launched today to turn Belfast into a European Capital of Culture.
As the dust continued to settle from the political events of the past two days, a newly reinstated Stormont minister urged everyone to play their part in securing the prestigious title for the city for 2008.
Culture arts and leisure minister Mr Michael McGimpsey said there was a largely untapped creative energy waiting to be discovered in the city and beyond it.
He said: "If we can maintain the spirit of optimism the events this week have brought, we can harness that latent talent and show the world just what the people of Northern Ireland have to offer.
"It is time to put our best foot forward and make a lasting impression".
Cities such as Glasgow and Dublin have enjoyed big tourism spin-offs from being capitals of culture, and Cork is expecting similar benefits when it acquires the title in 2005.
PA