DEPUTY FIRST Minister Martin McGuinness proclaimed what may prove to be the end of the Northern Ireland troubles when he told an investment conference in Belfast yesterday: “The old days are gone, the old days will never return.”
His remarks at Stormont were greeted with applause by the attendance of approximately 100 US business people and entrepreneurs who were attending the special conference hosted by the powersharing Executive.
Speaking on the first anniversary of the establishment of the administration, which is led by the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Féin, Mr McGuinness said he did not know, at first, “how I would get on with Ian Paisley”. But he quickly discovered that the relationship would be a good one.
“These are remarkable times,” he said. “My year in government with Ian Paisley has been memorable.” Taoiseach Brian Cowen attended the conference, as one of his first official engagements, with British prime minister Gordon Brown. “There is something truly special happening in Northern Ireland,” he said.
Paying tribute to US Special Envoy Paula Dobriansky and New York’s mayor Michael Bloomberg, who also attended, Mr Cowen said they had “personally displayed huge levels of commitment to placing Northern Ireland on the international map for all the right reasons”.
“The ongoing engagement of the British and Irish governments, together with the US and the EU, will continue to play a crucial role in this next phase in Northern Ireland – the path to economic development and social progress.”
Praising the “customary grace and flair” displayed by the First and Deputy First Ministers during their US visits to promote the investment conference, Mr Cowen expressed his confidence that the Rev Ian Paisley’s successor would demonstrate similar commitment.
“Peter Robinson and I have already worked closely together as ministers for finance and I have no doubt that he will provide economic and political leadership of the highest calibre, alongside Martin McGuinness, at this critical time,” he said.
The Taoiseach and the British prime minister met for an hour in Belfast City airport before travelling to Stormont for the conference. A wide range of issues were discussed but the main emphasis was on their joint support for the conference objectives.
On his arrival at Stormont, in the same vehicle as Mr Cowen, Mr Brown said: “What a privilege it is to be here today.” Referring to his discussions with Mr Cowen he said the talks had shown “that the relationship between our two countries is going to be stronger than ever”.
The First Minister expressed a “very, very warm welcome” to the men. Referring to Mr Cowen he said it was “nice to know that on his first day of duty, he’s in Northern Ireland and we welcome him today especially”.
Speaking ahead of a question and answer session with the US guests, Dr Paisley said: “This political settlement will strengthen democracy, not weaken it.” Later, at a joint press conference given by the four leaders, Dr Paisley said the political arrangement was “not perfect” but was “the best that I could get for the people of Northern Ireland”. Looking at Mr McGuinness, he suggested that “my friend here” also regarded it as the best that he could get.
Mr Brown said: “The sun is shining on Belfast today.” He continued: “I’m delighted to be here also with the Taoiseach on his first full day in office.”
Travelling with the Taoiseach, Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said he had been appointed as director of elections for the Lisbon Treaty referendum by the Taoiseach and the Fianna Fáil campaign would be launched next week.
Report from US/Northern Ireland Investment conference: Business This Week, pages 4 and 5