Northern Ireland can regain its place as a economic powerhouse on the world stage, the Rev Ian Paisley claimed last night.
The 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 Northern Ireland 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.
"Yes, we must remember the past, but we must also focus on the future, and the Executive is doing just that."
Northern Ireland, he said, was determined never to go back to the dark days of the Troubles and the Stormont
Executive was already demonstrating the advantages of having devolved government whether it was reducing taxes on businesses, showcasing Northern Ireland 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 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 US business executives attending next month's investment conference would be impressed by what the North had to offer them.
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.
"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.”
PA