Northern Ireland

'Progress must continue' - Arlene Foster

DUP leader Arlene Foster
DUP leader Arlene Foster DUP leader Arlene Foster

NORTHERN Ireland has come a long way in the last 20 years.

It is a far better place for our children to grow up in today than it was when I was growing up 30 years ago. We have all come a long way, but there is still a lot more for us to do.

The Fresh Start Agreement last November transformed the political landscape and has led to a period of stable and productive devolution where agreements are reached, progress is made and things get done. That must be the pattern for the next assembly term.

When I was elected as first minister in January I launched a listening tour right across Northern Ireland. I wanted not just to meet people, but to hear what they had to say.

What I learnt on that listening tour has been the basis for my five-point plan for the next assembly.

Above all else what I was struck by was the fact that the day-to-day issues that matter most to people are the same for people right across Northern Ireland. There is no difference in what unionists, nationalists, Protestants, Catholics or others want.

That is why I hope that my plan for Northern Ireland can appeal to people right across the community.

I want us to create more jobs and to raise incomes. I want to protect family budgets. I want to prioritise spending on the health service.

I want to raise standards in education for everyone in Northern Ireland and I want to invest in infrastructure for the future.

For me these are not just glib pre-election promises but commitments that I intend to deliver upon. Regardless of who fills the ministerial posts after the election, I intend to take personal responsibility for making sure that the executive delivers.

I hope that I have proven over the last nine years in government that I have been able to work with whoever I need to, to get things done and to improve the lives of people here. I am proud of what I have achieved during my time as environment, economy and finance minister.

I know that not everyone will agree with me on every issue, but I hope that I have proven that I am consistent and straightforward and will represent everyone who lives in Northern Ireland.

Make no mistake, even if we are now starting to emerge from the shadow of the past, the challenge of governing in the face of rising expectations and falling resources will be an enormous one.

That is why it is so important that Northern Ireland is led by people who are prepared to face up to difficult decisions and will be responsible with the finances that are available to us.

On Thursday, whoever you are, whatever your background and wherever you live in Northern Ireland, I will be asking for your support and for your vote to deliver on my five-point plan and make Northern Ireland a better place for all of us.