Thursday 8th May 2008 represents the first anniversary of (the restoration of political institutions here) in Northern Ireland. During the last twelve months the First and deputy First Ministers have had the honour of visiting the United States on several occasions, including a meeting with President George W Bush. We remain indebted to the work of successive US administrations in the efforts to secure peace, prosperity and stability in our country.

Twelve months ago after years of talking and many start-stop initiatives, devolved government was established. At long last local Ministers are making decisions on behalf of local people. This is where government shows its worth - the newly formed government understands the needs and challenges of those it represents and will work to make a difference The impact of devolution was immediate with our own administration taking decisions on important local issues.

We have become a beacon of hope, working to harness all the energy and talent that abounds for the benefit of all our people. Just a few weeks ago, the Executive issued and approved its first Programme for Government, Investment Strategy and Budget. These plans were put forward by locally elected and accountable politicians who are dedicated to delivering a better and more stable future. A firm foundation has been laid; we have built a pro-business programme that has as its top priority the development of our economy.

Speaking on the first anniversary of the return of a local administration Dr Paisley said "The country and government we have today is ready for fresh challenges and is demonstrating a growing confidence and optimism in itself and in its abilities to become a global competitor once more. Local people now have a say in their own affairs
"For the first time in almost four decades, we now have a bright light pointing the way ahead where previously we had darkness and despair. There can be no turning back, with deliberation, dedication and dogged determination, we must go full steam ahead."
The US/NI Investment Conference which begins in Belfast on 7th May will see the presentation of our business package to over 80 senior American business executives. The 2-day programme which will include meetings with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown and the Taoiseach Brian Cowan as well as Mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg and CEO of the New York Stock exchange Duncan Niederaurer.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said:"The last year has been one of major transition and political development. Our aim must be to match that with economic progress as a foundation to build a better and more equal society for all our people.
"As we press forward we are also aware that the progress that we have made in resolving our differences can be used as an example for others in other regions in conflict. We cannot pretend to have all the answers but I firmly believe that at the very least our example is one which shows that if there is the will and the leadership progress can be made."

We are now ready for fresh challenges and our demonstrating a growing confidence and optimism in ourselves and our abilities to become a global competitor once more. The conference will be a key landmark on the road towards the establishment a modern dynamic economy attracting increasing numbers of overseas investors, and where our young people have the jobs and career opportunities which allow them to stay.
However, we are not going to sit waiting for the economy to grow. Alongside the Programme for Government we recently launched an unprecedented £20 billion investment programme to build our infrastructure. The Investment Strategy represents the largest and most ambitious programme in our history. The Executive is determined to transform our infrastructure to meet the needs of this 21st century.

The foundations have been laid, the strategy has been developed, and the plans have been agreed. We must now focus on delivery. Vision without delivery is a daydream. That is why Action must be a key word for our new government we must deliver on the goals and targets we have set.