A good year for the Northern Ireland Executive

The restored power-sharing administration in Northern Ireland has now been in place for just over a year. In this time the people of Northern Ireland have seen a transformation in the political climate where once-sworn enemies are now – for the good of all communities – working together for a better Northern Ireland.

Few could have predicted at the onset of devolution that, barely one year later, Northern Ireland would see its largest ever single investment project in the form of Bombardier’s announcement at the weekend. Devolution is winning for Northern Ireland and recognition of this fact comes from across the world.

Now is not the time to rest on laurels or to desist in the progress made so far. The devolution of policing and criminal justice is a crucial next step. The Government will stand by whatever structure is agreed by Northern Ireland parties for any new Justice Ministry.

There are of course difficulties along the way. The arguments over a successful Irish language policy and the disbanding of the Provisional Army Council, as well as decommissioning of loyalist paramilitary groups, remain difficulties for party leaders in moving forward.

But the future for Northern Ireland is one where devolution is in the interests of all communities. There are so many arguments for completing it. It’s not about creating huge pressure it’s about recognising where the public is. The public want jobs. They want the investment. They want confidence in the future for their children.

The mark of a successful politician here is to ride the wave and the wave here is one of devolution.