Speech by the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., at the SDLP Business Reception in the House of Lords, Bank of Ireland, College Green on Wednesday, 31 January, 2007 at 6.30 p.m.
I am delighted and greatly honoured to have been invited here this evening. As always, I compliment Brian and Bank of Ireland on this wonderful setting.
This event comes at a very important time. The next few weeks will be of crucial importance in bringing about the restoration of the devolved political institutions in Northern Ireland.
The twin pillars on which progress can be made are all-party support for power-sharing and for policing and the rule of law.
We need both.
And we need to see both from all parties by the deadline of 26 March.
The people of Northern Ireland will now have an opportunity to vote for a new Assembly which will in turn have to form an Executive by 26 March.
I met Prime Minister Blair last evening.
We are clear that this election has one single purpose.
Everyone who goes up for election knows that it is about power-sharing, support for policing and all within a timeframe of 26 March.
Let it be said – it cannot be said too often - that the SDLP always supported power-sharing. They were often a lone voice in a time of despair. It has taken time for others to recognise that Northern Ireland could not be governed locally on any other basis. It is vital now that all parties stick with the St Andrews Agreement and proceed on the basis of this Agreement and timetable.
And the SDLP led the way in supporting policing, in reforming policing and in ensuring that the Patten Report is being implemented.
There are people in the SDLP, including people in this room, who suffered intimidation and physical violence because they had the determination to do the right thing and to make a better life for their community. I salute their courage. They deserve our admiration.
As we resolve the issues of the past, it is crucial that we look to the future.
Although there are differences, we face many similar economic challenges, North and South.
They include greater competition from low cost locations, the need to promote investment in R&D, the need to deliver quality health and educational services to our citizens and the need to build world-class infrastructure.
Through joint planning, the pooling of our resources and taking co-ordinated action, both North and South can better meet these challenges. By working together, we can deliver better outcomes for everyone and get better value for money.
North/South co-operation is clearly in the best interests of both parts of the island. Both communities in Northern Ireland acknowledge this. Business acknowledges this. To be globally competitive, we must exploit the opportunities of economic collaboration.
That is why I firmly believe that by working together, North and South, we have the opportunity to maximise the development of the whole island.
Or as the SDLP would say - North South Makes Sense!
The British Government also supports the idea of increased economic co-operation between both parts of this island. In October of last year, both the Irish and British Governments jointly launched a Comprehensive Study on the All-Island Economy. This major new study sets out a strong rationale for beneficial all-island economic activity.
I am delighted to say that the two Governments have taken concerted action and we are already reaping the benefits of improved North South co-operation. For instance, we continue to improve infrastructure linkages – improving the quality of life and making cross-border business more viable and attractive. We are currently in the process of creating an all-island electricity market and are co-funding the second North-South electricity interconnector, the new South-North gas pipeline and the development of City of Derry airport.
Other significant North South developments include the use of overseas offices of Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland for all companies on the island. On my recent trade mission to the Gulf, there were a number of Northern Ireland companies and I am delighted to say they were able to agree significant deals.
NDP
I am confident that North South co-operation has now entered a new era.
For the first time, the new National Development Plan proposes significant Irish Government investment in projects and initiatives of mutual benefit North and South. This will be additional to existing projects and the amounts involved are potentially very significant.
We want to implement this Plan in partnership and in agreement with the British Government and a restored Northern Ireland Executive. Already, SDLP representatives have made a significant input into the Government's thinking as we drew up the plan and I look forward to working with them on its speedy implementation.
We want to see better links between border counties such as Louth and Down to maximise the enormous tourism potential of that beautiful part of our island.
We want to see road links to Derry and Letterkenny as good as any other on this island.
We want to build up the capacity of higher education institutions, through strategic alliances. Again, the North West is a key example of where this is crucial to prosperity.
We want to see better public services, with a strategic approach to co-operation on health and education.
We want to see challenge funding available to the best projects, on an all-island basis, in areas such as science, tourism, regional development and social inclusion.
We want the children of this country to grow up in peace and prosperity and with equal opportunity for all.
This is a task not just for the people of the North and not just for politicians.
It is a task for us all. Everyone in this room has a role to play.
We need to think about the island economy.
Are there opportunities to do business we are not taking up?
Are there skilled people we are overlooking?
Could we operate better on an all-island basis?
We also need to think about what we can do to complete the historic task of reconciliation and peace-building. It is as much a challenge for the South as it is for the North.
As attitudes change in the North, so we must look up and appreciate what is happening. Now is the time to focus on Northern Ireland, not to look away. We particularly need to understand the Unionist people and build a new and durable relationship with them.
We must be ready to play our part in building a better island, on the basis of respect for all.
Conclusion
I know that some representatives, from all parties, are stepping down at this election. That includes Seán Farren, who has served both party and country with great distinction for many years.
Let me wish Seán and all those who are stepping down all the best and a happy, active retirement.
Thank you.
ENDS