I feel very privileged to be here today at the close of such an exciting event.  As a politician, it is very encouraging to see evidence before me of the extent of interest taken by young people in influencing their own future and that of their country. 

Over recent days some of the vested political interests seeking to create and maintain divisions within the unionist family have raised their voices. They argue for a continuation of division and acrimony. Einstein said madness is doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results. Unionist division makes Unionists want to stay at home, continuing division and bitterness will increase the number of Unionist non-voters. The long-term interests of Northern Ireland are served through Unionist co-operation not through perpetuating still further division.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for the invitation to be involved in the launch of your interface project.

The problems faced by people living in interface areas are a very real concern to the Executive.  We want to support research which strives to increase understanding of the difficulties faced by people living in these areas and projects which can improve their lives and the oppotunities open to them.

Thank you for your kind invitation to come here today and for those words of welcome.

I want to start by commending the work that has been put into producing what is an excellent and enlightening report on 'Attitudes to Difference'.

It is widely expected that a General Election will be called for May 6.

With the political polls revealing a narrowing gap between the main parties, it is clear a hung parliament is a possibility, making the coming general election the most exciting in many years.

Thank you Noel for your kind introduction. And thank you to the Lord Mayor and Belfast City Council for letting us use this great venue today to hold this very important event.

Thank you Mr Speaker. I welcome this opportunity to come here to day to discuss and debate the new proposed good relations programme which has the aim of achieving greater cohesion, sharing and integration across Northern Ireland. 

Mr Speaker, in compliance with the requirements of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 as amended by the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006, I wish to make the following report on the seventh British-Irish Council meeting in Misuse of Drugs Sectoral format which was held in the Tynwald Building, Isle of Man last Wednesday, 24 February 2010.  The Minister for Health Social Services and Public Safety was unable to attend, the Executive was therefore represented by myself and Minister Murphy, MP, MLA, Minister for Regional Development.  This report has been endorsed by Minister Murphy and he has agreed that I should make it on behalf of both of us.

I am delighted to extend a welcome to you to Northern Ireland.  Its is a pleasure to see you all here in Parliament Buildings to participate in this Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference.

Lord Mayor, ladies and gentlemen I am honoured to be with you this evening for the ninth regional Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration, organised by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister.