Leadership and relationships are the cornerstone of a new Northern Ireland

The British-Irish relationship is today stronger than ever. This is in no small way a reflection of the huge strides made in Northern Ireland which arose from the strength and courage of leaders in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Britain and the US.

At the University College Dublin I today gave a speech outlining the huge progress that has been made in the shared future of all these islands which, nearly a year after the formation of the new assembly in Belfast, has served to bolster the close relationship between Ireland and Britain.

Leadership by the crucial people at the crucial times has meant that politics in Northern Ireland has worked for the benefit of the majority who now enjoy the prosperity that peace brings, not the few extremists who thrived on division between the British and Irish governments.

And it is true to say that the relationship between the British and Irish Governments has not just changed, it has been transformed. As successful members of the EU, both Ireland and Britain can look to the continuing progress in Northern Ireland as a testament to the power of working together for a common cause.

As we look towards the forthcoming Investment Conference in May it is important to think forwards to the completion of the next stage of devolution which will see further progress in Northern Ireland towards securing a better future for all.