Much more needs to be done to tackle the legacy of a generation of violence and disadvantage in the North, Stormont Assembly leaders said in a joint New Year message tonight.
Northern Ireland First Minister, Mr David Trimble, and Deputy First Minister, Mr Mark Durkan, said stable government provided the foundation from which the power-sharing Executive could address the issues that affected people as they went about their daily lives.
"We have made a good start but we recognise that there is a lot more to be done to tackle the legacy of a generation of violence and disadvantage.
"By working together with the community we will continue to address the many challenges that face us in 2002," they said.
The Executive had agreed with the Assembly that health, education and roads would be the priorities for the next year, they said.
Progress had been and continued to be made by the devolved administration, said the ministers.
"We have demonstrated the ability to tackle crises such as foot-and-mouth and north Belfast."
The Executive had announced plans for a cross border gas network, free nursing care and travel for the elderly, improved student support, investment in the roads network and were developing proposals for a Children's Commissioner.
Recent positive meetings of the North South Ministerial Council and the British Irish Council provided a basis for co-operation for everyone's benefit, said Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan.
PA