Northern Ireland Office

The manner in which Northern Ireland’s new political administration have embraced this new political era has given the people of Northern Ireland confidence for 2008 and beyond, Secretary of State Shaun Woodward has said.

In his New Year greeting, Shaun Woodward said that 2007 was a momentous year in the history of Northern Ireland and that 2008 will bring further challenges for the devolved administration.

He said: “By any standards 2007 was a momentous year for Northern Ireland. There has been extraordinary progress since 8 May when devolution was restored and Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness launched the power-sharing Government at Stormont. These events were viewed with optimism across the world, and the leadership shown by Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness has provided real hope that, however intractable they may seem, conflicts can be resolved and different traditions can work together for a better future.

“The strengthening of local democracy has continued apace since May with local politicians working together in the Executive and the Assembly. Northern Ireland Ministers have agreed and published their draft Budget, Programme for Government and Investment Strategy. The First and Deputy First Ministers have represented Northern Ireland together at events both at home and abroad.

“Being in Government is never easy and the need to take difficult decisions will continue. But with increasing confidence in the power-sharing arrangements, local politicians have a firm foundation on which to build a renewed and improved Northern Ireland.

“As a result of this more hopeful and stable environment it was possible to complete the programme of normalisation by 31st July as planned. The military presence in Northern Ireland has been reduced to ordinary peacetime levels – a powerful and visible sign of greater normality.”

Looking ahead to 2008 the Secretary of State said that the completion of devolution would be another crucial step for the people of Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward said: “The people of Northern Ireland want peace for their children and to be at ease with their neighbours.  They want to concentrate on the things that really matter: their health and well-being, their prosperity, their future.

“And they expect the political parties to finish the job of devolution and devolve policing and justice powers to the Assembly.  It is for the parties to decide when the time is right, but the Government will be ready to make the transfer of powers next May as envisaged in the St Andrews Agreement.

“Only when devolution is completed can Northern Ireland’s full potential be realised – its potential to build a shared future, create new opportunities, strengthen the economy and maximise investment. When Northern Ireland’s politicians have the shared confidence to take over the full range of devolved powers the rest of the world will know that they have truly broken away from the past and are intent on building a new and better future.

“I hope that the parties will embrace that challenge and work together to complete the process of devolution which has begun with such pace and promise.

“I join with my ministerial colleague, Paul Goggins, in wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.”