23/11/2013 Democratic Unionist Party Conference

Hello and welcome to the conference. The DUP big day as it

meets outside Belfast. Delegates have been listening to the party

popper dashed Diane Dodds and Peter Robinson speaks and you will see

that in full on this programme. Diane Dodds has just finished

speaking and there is a pause just where delegates have finished with

one speech and are waiting for the next. Let's explore the issues

facing the party with my guest. We did not get much of a chance to hear

from Diane Dodds. Some big hitters talking yesterday, a sense of

anticipation in the hall for Peter Robinson. What other big challenges

he faces? One is to set up a party six months from two elections. It is

a challenge for the DUP. They still have to make a decision about

whether or not to run two European candidates, they are holding fire

and that's largely because they will confront a lot of competing prounion

parties and like in 2011 where they competed against the TUV. Diane

Dodds only got in without reaching the quota and Nicholson was the

beneficiary from the Jim McAllister vote. He has two rally the troops

and get them into election mode, he also has to set out his own vision

for the party, a year ago it was all about hands across the water and

suggesting the DUP can be a warm home for nationalists and Roman

Catholics and it will be interesting to see if his speech will be equally

emollient or whether in the light of the particular difficulties of the

last 12 months, he will be more abrasive. By getting the balance

between abrasiveness and a more ameliorative tone, it will be

difficult to pull off this time. I think in less than a year we are

facing the Scottish referendum and Peter Robinson is keen to get

involved in the debate in relation to the future of the union because

there is a challenge, the risk of Scotland voting for independence and

that would be bad news for unionists everywhere, not least because it

proves unsettling in Northern Ireland. And all of this is in the

teeth of the final stage of the Haass process. Do you imagine he

would give a glimpse of the DUP position on these big key issues or

would he keep his cards close to his chest? They will not leak like Sinn

Fein input into the Haass talks. We are a month away now from Richard

Haass coming back and unveiling what he is able to. Peter Robinson said

on Monday in the assembly that in relation to the three issues, he

felt more confident about getting something agreed in relation to

parades, less confident about flags. And much less confident about the

past. That is going to be a long haul for all political parties. So,

we might get some sort of glimpse about what the DUP position may be

in relation to Richard Haass but he will not disclose the substance at

this juncture. OK, lots more from you in the next hour. Let's hear

from our man at the conference, Mark Devonport. What is the mood? Well,

confident. It strikes you when you look around the hall, 450

delegates, the DUP still remains the juggernaut of unionism, it is the

biggest party and we expect in the course of the speech to have Peter

Robinson are saying it has been that way for a decade and he sees it as

going ahead in that mode. In the course of the last two months,

they've taken some reverses, the flag dispute in Belfast, some

sections of an oil is turned on the DUP and the change of mind over the

Maze peace Centre. He will refer to the flags protests, particularly

concerning the violence but will play down to the point of not

mentioning the maize peace centre. Otherwise, we had from Diane Dodds,

the focus is on the May election and the council elections and there are

still dangling the possibility they might have a second candidate in the

European elections. And that'll be interesting, the Ulster Unionists

would be waiting with baited breath to see how that pans out. The hall

looks professional, pretty packed? I reckon something in the region of

450 or 500 people. They were putting out extra chairs, not counting the

exhibitors. It is a professional production. And because of the

strength of the DUP, the conference stretches across a couple of days,

they had a line-up of ministers talking about their various, Edwin

Poots wasn't going into the controversy and reverses he has had

in terms of moral issues, he talked about improving the health service,

his intention to crack down on what he called inappropriate use of the

NHS by patients from elsewhere, especially south of the border and

we had from Nelson McCausland who talked of eight People's Bank as an

alternative to payday loans or lone sharks. There is a series of

different politicians, Simon Hamilton talking about keeping the

rates down. Quite apart from the DUP's party political affairs. We

looked at the conference agenda earlier and chatted in the office

and Simon Hamilton spoke this morning instead of Sammy Wilson but

Sammy Wilson gave the big tub thumping speech, getting members on

their feet and making fun of other parties and politicians but we did

not see his name on the agenda this time. If the out of favour? Well, I

don't think he is speaking, I have not seen his name down for a speech

and previously conferences have been notorious for Sammy Wilson's

appearances, previously in sunglasses. Some people said he is

not here, but I saw him milling around amongst the various

exhibitors outside the main hall a few moments ago. He is here, he does

not feature as strongly as if he was finance minister, he is a free agent

now. He make dashed may make a decision as to whether he will

concentrate on Westminster or the assembly. It is interesting he does

not appear to be doing the warm up act for the leader which has been

his brief in the past. In the hall there is a warm up happening at the

moment, an introductory film taking place. Presumably delegates are

settling into their seats, any notion of how long the leader will

speak for? I think he will run right until the end of your programme! He

sees that if he cuts down the ability to commentators to

pontificate about what he says, he will be able to maximise his

publicity. Maybe a quick word with a leading member of the DUP, I will

bring him in shortly. You have a microphone already. Oh, no, you are

not! I would use this microphone. Jeffrey, confident but a couple of

reverses, including the maize peace centre. That is the cut and thrust

of politics. You have to take the rough and smooth. Overall, the party

is in great shape. The forum today, we are getting ready for the

elections, Diane Dodds are any and candidates, the council candidates

and so on the soap the DUP is in good shape. What about running a

second candidate in the European election? We will take a view on

that as we get closer to the elections. We are in discussions

with other parties, we want to maximise Unionist representation in

Europe and we will look at how that can best be achieved. You might be

teasing the Ulster Unionists about this? No, it is something we will

give serious consideration to. We want Northern Ireland is to have the

best representation and Diane Dodds is an effective NEP and we will put

up a second if necessary. Is there scope for a deal, a free run in

Westminster constituencies and you not running another candidate? We

are in ongoing discussions with other parties about how to maximise

Unionist representation, not just in Europe, Westminster, the assembly

and local councils. It is not just the DUP, it is the wider community

interest, they want the best representation. There was publicity

in the summer after Peter Robinson provided his famous letter from

America about the maize and it suggested his time might be limited

as a leader, how times changed? That was never the case. That was just a

storm in a teacup that some people tried to brew up. Peter is secure as

leader and there is huge support in the party and he will continue to

lead the party into the future. We mentioned Sammy Wilson, not playing

the court jester role, should be read into that? Not at all, Simon

Hamilton addressed the conference this morning, that would have been

Sammy's previous slot, I work closely with Sammy in the House of

Commons, he is happy, strong, supporting the leadership and Sammy

will continue to have a viable contribution to the DUP. Sammy

Wilson must decide between Westminster and the assembly. Is it

a difficult decision? Of course because the assembly is where the

action is today. It is a great privilege to represent Northern

Ireland in Westminster. We need a strong team in Westminster. Your

leader is coming on. Back to the studio. Thank you. These are life

pictures from the conference centre. Peter Robinson, the party leader,

walking through the hall and shaking hands with members of the party and

being embraced by one enthusiastic member and another! We are watching

these pictures together in the studio. No shortage of union flags

and flash photography. No, not like Belfast City Hall. In that respect,

they are reasserting what we knew about the identity. It is

interesting Peter Robinson has made such a strong recovery from a

difficult period. There he is. Accepting the applause of his party

members, a bit of music in the grand, I cannot identify it. We are

here to watch his speech. He is about to start. Thank you, everyone.

APPLAUSE Well, thank you Diane Dodds for your

kind introduction and thank you for all of the work you are doing in

Europe over the past 4.5 years. On behalf of everybody that is here

today, and those who are not, I can pledge we will work each and every

day to make sure that come the European election, you receive the

mandate you so richly deserve. Colleagues, if there's one thing

that marks this party out it is our capacity to confound critics and win

in the face of adversity and against all of the odds. After decades of

hard work, and ten years at the top, I am pleased to report a conference

that the DUP is still going stronger each passing day!

APPLAUSE On this day, and at this

conference, we pause not just to celebrate a decade of the DUP as

Northern Ireland's largest party, more importantly to plan for the

future of our province and to plan for the future of our party. As

Unionists, all eyes are fixed on the goal of a better Northern Ireland,

safe in the UK. That is what brought us together into politics and it is

a cause that motivates us still. We've come a long way in a short

period of time. To all those who have been on the journey from the

start, and has stood with us through all weathers, I say, thank you for

your loyalty and dedication. APPLAUSE

To those who have joined us along the way, I say, thank you for

helping us to make this party not just a voice in unionism but the

voice of unionism. APPLAUSE And to those who have

joined us in recent days, I say welcome on board. With your help,

our best days still lie ahead. Party chairman, I really do not want the

party to look back a decade or two from now and say, those were our

glory days. I want us to be able to say, those were the days we built a

platform that launched the party to even greater heights.

Looking around at the talent we have, at all levels within the

party, I believe we can look forward to the future with real optimism. It

has been our capacity to attract new members and supporters that has kept

us moving forward. We never rest, nor do we ever grow complacent. We

move onto the next goal and the next target. We are focused on our

objectives. Our objectives are to preserve the union and build a

better Northern Ireland. Amid the challenges and

difficulties, it is easy to forget that never has the union been

stronger or our place in the United Kingdom being more secure. When

times are difficult, we must never lose sight of this fundamental

reality. The setbacks and knocks we take our small when compared with

the bigger picture. Mr Chairman, there is no doubt that the last year

has been difficult. This afternoon, my job is not to attribute blame or

to offer solutions. As a society, we are on a journey to a better

future. After decades of conflict, we knew the road would not be smooth

or straight. Success is seldom for the faint-hearted. There are those

who have urges to give up because obstacles are too high or challenges

too hard. That would be the greatest mistake we can make. Real progress

is being made. We sometimes need to list our gaze and fix our eyes on a

longer and wider horizon, to see just how much and by how far our

province has progressed. There is also a danger we grow complacent

about what has been achieved. It is easy to take for granted the level

of peace and stability we have. This past year, we have also seen the

consequences of a community. -- as a community. The harsh reality is

there is no such thing as a world where difficult decisions can be

left to others. There is no such thing as being able to say we can

transform our society without the discomfort of listening to opponents

carping and criticising. Nobody should be misled. That is the

history of the past and a warning for the future. We ignore that at

our peril. I want to see a better Northern Ireland. I continue to

believe the traditions that make up our community are interdependent. If

we are to move forward, we must move forward together. For unionism to

play its fullest part, we must provide confident and positive

leadership. We should not be defensive about who we are and what

we believe. We should be proud of what we have

achieved. We should be certain of ourselves and optimistic about the

future. I really hate it when I hear people talking Northern Ireland

down. I am proud to be from Northern Ireland and I am proud of Northern

Ireland. Earlier this year, we played host to

the world 's political leaders. The event was hosted in County

Fermanagh. Now officially judged to be the happiest place in the United

Kingdom. And you can see why. The Prime Minister 's decision to choose

Northern Ireland to host the G8 summit, was it just a manifestation

of our place within the United Kingdom? It was that but it was the

personal commitment and confidence by David Cameron in Northern

Ireland. It was a demonstration of just how far we have advanced as a

society. We all know that decision would have been unimaginable just a

few years ago. Even more so that it would become the most peaceful G8

summit in history. Good old Northern Ireland.

It is said that a week is a long time in politics. I have two say,

for me, the last ten years have just flown by in an instant. On Tuesday,

we mark a decade since the DUP was entrusted with the leadership of

unionism and with the responsibility for leading our province. In that

time, Northern Ireland has been transformed.

It has not been the result of some fortuitous event. Nor is it the

consequence of an uncalculated policy. It is because of our

carefully devised and executed strategy. It happened because we

charted a course to a better future. We took the difficult

decisions. It happened because we held out for the right terms. We

stood together, not just in good times but in tough times as well. We

refuse to be knocked off course. We won and kept the respect and trust

of the Ulster people. You see, leadership is not about

doing the safe, quick and easy things. It is about doing the right

things. Because of the decisions we have taken, we stand stronger and

more united today than ever before. Not just able to look back on past

glories but building for the next generation. The DUP is the only

Unionist party with the strength, skills and strategy, and indeed the

vision to succeed. We are now realistically the only

serious, plausible and viable Unionist party. In short, we're not

simply the largest unionist party, we are the only Unionist party

capable of leading unionism. We are the only party in Northern

Ireland representing people and councils, assembly in Westminster

and Europe. I particularly want to thank Nigel, not just for his always

supportive role as deputy party leader, but for the dedication and

expertise in leading our party in the House of Commons. He has proved

one thing. When he is knocked down, he just get right back onto his feet

again. A decade ago, the challenges being

faced appear insurmountable. Steadily and surely, we provided the

leadership to put things right. We delivered a fair deal for the people

of Northern Ireland and demonstrated leadership that is working. Ten

years on, I am not here to claim mission accomplished but I do

unambiguously claim we are on course and on target. We are getting it

right. We showed strong leadership in challenging times and we're

keeping Northern Ireland moving forward.

So, today, it is fitting that we reflect on what has been achieved.

While at the same time carefully laying the foundations for the next

generation. Just ten years ago this week, unionism was facing a massive

decision. To ensure more of the same defeatism and decline or make a new

start and take a new direction. History will record that the

election in November of 2003 was a typical moment for unionism. On that

cold, autumn day, voters went to the polls to signal the start of a new

Iraq. The DUP was mandated to bring about change. -- a new era. For the

first time ever, the DUP emerged as Northern Ireland 's largest party

and the authentic voice of 21st-century unionism.

I am sure many of you remember just five years earlier, as we filed out

of the Kings Hall in Belfast, how our political obituary was being

recognised. Yet, in 2003, against all the odds, we emerged three

assembly seats ahead of the Ulster Unionist party. There were those who

said this result was a one-off. A flash in the pan. Before long, the

natural order of politics in Northern Ireland would return. They

said that the DUP holding three assembly seats more than the Ulster

Unionist party would not last. You know, they were right. Today we hold

25 Assembly seats more than the Ulster Unionist party.

It is too easy to remember how it was back then. The constitutional

future was uncertain. That was the bitter legacy that this party

inherited from the Ulster Unionist Party. We were told we could not

make progress. We were told that no one would negotiate with us. Some

are urged us to say no to everything and others wanted us to say yes to

everything. We bided our time and held our ground. Now a fuse the ball

and faint hearted folk fled our ranks but the rest of us held our

nerve. -- a few feeble and faint-hearted folk. Our terms were

met. There were some who feared it would

not work and still others who secretly dreaded that it would. I am

equally proud to say that we did not invade our responsibility to say yes

when our terms were finally met. Six years on, we can take the measure of

where we are. Devolution in Stormont has underpinned piece. It has

cemented constitutional stability. It has strengthened support for the

union. It has been the bedrock of jobs and international investment we

have attracted. It gives Unionist leading role in determining the

future of Northern Ireland. Does anybody seriously think that we

would have achieved any of this is devolution had not been restored? Be

in no doubt, without Stormont, rates would be higher, grammar schools

would be abolished and student fees would have trebled. Who imagines

what if we had not taken a different course. If we had done what others

wanted us to do, we would be having the PMS savers looking for money and

finding none. He believes that the part-time police reserve would have

received which unity? -- gratuity. Without Stormont, you can be sure

the government would have had its hands on the levers of power and

those of us who live here would be left powerless and marginalised. I

almost feel I no longer need to make the case for devolution. Those who

once claimed to be an ultra plea opposed to its existence are now

part of the furniture - pleased as punch to be there. They love it so

much you could not prise them out with a crowbar.

Steadily but surely we are building a country that the world sees as a

sound business investment. You do not have to take my word for it.

Look at the progress that has been made even in the most difficult

economic times. If only sometimes we could see ourselves as the rest of

the world sees us, I believe we would have more confidence about

what we have and what we can achieve. During this past month, we

have been remembering the terrible events of 20 years ago. No sane

person wants to go back to those days. That is why it is so important

that the DUP keeps on succeeding. The world of 2013 is a very

different place to a decade ago. In 2003, we were in opposition and

powerless. Today we are in government and in power. That is the

transition and transformation that we have undergone. There are still

some in the Assembly who think they can trash everything and take

responsibility for nothing. Whatever superficial attraction that might

have, it makes no contribution to the lives of ordinary people.

And what ever that approach may be called, it certainly is not called

leadership. Short-term, cynical political expediency will never

bring long-term results. I know you know that but more importantly the

wider public knows it too. They can see through those who oppose

everything but propose nothing. Some folks take all of the benefits of

being in the executive while pretending to the world they are in

opposition. It is bad enough that Gerry Adams claims never to have

been in the IRA, now two parties claim they are not in the executive.

DUP has been elected to take decisions. We are the responsible

party of government. Our agenda must not be dictated by those who shout

the loudest or dominated the airwaves. But by the overwhelming

majority for whom living their lives, doing their jobs and raising

their families is a high priority. APPLAUSE

Mr chairman, this month is the midpoint of the current assembly

term. And you will remember our challenge was delivery. In the

media, every problem difficulty the assembly and executive faces is

examined in great detail and magnified beyond recognition. Yet

scant attention if any is given to our many successes and the progress

we have made. It's not just that we've created stability for the

first time in a generation, we have laid the foundations for peace and

prosperity. The facts demonstrate there's been real tangible and

substantial progress on a wide range of measures and projects. In 2011,

this party set out its seven key pretties for the assembly term. They

were summed up in 14 words, more jobs, low rates, fixed education,

better health, work together and strengthen unionism. We declared we

should be judged on our delivery so we justifiably will be judged in

2016 on the basis of how we perform against the goals we set out during

the 2011 campaign. This halfway stage, in my view, is an ideal time

for us to take stock of progress. I know if you were to believe the ever

present discordant band you would say I will produce a short list.

Today, we are publishing a report on how we are performing against these

benchmarks. It is not just against these key tests we are delivering,

right across government the DUP, led departments primarily are making

real progress so to confound and to silence detractors who say we

achieve nothing, we are publishing a list of 30 of this term main

achievements. In 2011, we put growing the economy and job creation

at the centre of the campaign. As we emerge from the global recession,

unemployment is lower than the UK average and a number of people

claiming unemployment benefits has decreased for nine consecutive

months. This happened because we are making

Northern Ireland one of the most attractive places for companies to

invest in. It's not just because of financial incentives, it is during

large parts to the skills of the workforce, loyalty and universities

and business friendly environment, access to ministers before and after

companies invest and our technological infrastructure and

cost competitive based. I want to pay tribute to Arlene and her team

in invest Northern Ireland for all that they do in taking our message

to the world. We set ambitious targets, already in this assembly

term we have supported the creation of over 17,000 new jobs, we have

secured ?1 billion of investment commitments and over ?200 million of

private sector investment in research and develop in. We have

taken the Northern Ireland message not just to the USA and Canada but

the places as far afield as China, India, Brazil and the Middle East.

In a weeks time, we are taking up an invitation to visit Japan. As a

result of the pro-business climate we have created, we have attracted

more jobs than any similar period in the whole provinces history.

We are also building a new economy around our creative industries, we

have constructed new film studios in addition to the existing

facilities. As well as international investment, we are starting to see

our own indigenous businesses developing again. As a result of

decisions the DUP took, in relation to industrial rating, we are saving

billions every year. Thanks to the extension of the small business rate

relief scheme, we are saving millions more. We persuaded the

coalition to devolve responsibility for passenger duty on long-haul

flights, we reduced it to zero and saved our air link to New York. That

was crucial for international investment and tourism. Sammy Wilson

and Nelson McCausland deserve real credit for helping home-buyers by

introducing an extension of the co-ownership scheme which has

assisted the purchase of 2000 affordable homes to a value of ?200

million. Well done, Sammy and Nelson.

And the DSD has delivered social homes by providing over ?300

million. By not introducing water charges, and by freezing rate in

real terms we have the lowest household taxation of any party of

the UK, our local taxes this year are less than half of the average

bills in England and less than 60% of those in Scotland and Wales. That

is saving householders between two and ?3000 over the assembly term.

And I am delighted that Simon, who is making his mark in the Department

of Finance and personnel, is extending the freeze on the regional

rate to help hard-working households. Keep it up, Simon! The

coalition welfare reform programme will have a significant implication

here in Northern Ireland. But we have a package which, if it is

accepted, is the most generous you will find anywhere in the UK. We

also want higher education to be open to all, that's why when the

coalition allows student fees to increase to over ?9,000 a year, we

refused to fund -- follow. We froze the fees in real terms.

The total number of students accepted to Northern Ireland

institutions increased to over 10,020 12 with 1500 new

undergraduate places being provided by 2015. And an additional 300 Ph.D.

Places. I pay tribute to Edwin Poots full stop he undertook what is

undoubtedly one of the most thankless tasks and he took on the

role as health minister. In 2011, despite significant budget

cuts, we made sure the health service received an increase in

expenditure. As a result, there are 110 more doctors, 565 more nurses

working in the health service today. There are more dentists,

nursing support staff and ambulance staff as well. The number of people

spending longer than 12 hours in an emergency department in September

last was less than 10% of what it had been in the spring of 2011. The

number waiting for an outpatient appointment has been cut by over

4000 since June 2011. Access weighting has been reduced by

12,000. We are delivering a long list of major health infrastructure

projects, including the Southwest Acute Hospital in Enniskillen, new

wards at the Ulster Hospital and the new Omagh hospital and radiotherapy

Centre in Londonderry and I was delighted when Simon announced the

go-ahead for the new quarter of ?1 billion Children's Hospital.

Meanwhile, this executive is the first to publish a community

relations strategy and together building a united community we set

out the vision for a shared future but put in place tangible actions to

make it happen. The shared education campus has begun and there is a

commitment to commence ten new shared education schemes this term.

In January, I'll use project was started -- started delivering,

10,000 young people benefiting when the project is up and running.

Earlier this year, we announced a number of key social change

initiatives, 234 previously unemployed graduate teachers are now

working in numerous sea and literacy and the first projects in the social

investment fund have been approved and work can begin in local

communities. We have agreed an exciting project creating 8000

affordable childcare places which will be delivered by hundreds of new

social enterprises. In the last 2.5 years, we have allocated half ?1

billion to roads projects and last month Simon was able to announce an

upgrade to the aid 26. We have undertaken a major reforms in the

health service and local government. We have opened titanic Belfast which

has attracted over a million visitors from 145 countries. The new

Giants Causeway visitor centre has increased visitors since it opened.

Earlier this year, we hosted and Londonderry is a UK city of culture.

Next year, I hope you noticed the board outside, we will welcome the

grand jeer at Italia. -- Giro D'Italia. The DUP is delivering.

I have only had time to touch on a few of the programmes we have

delivered. More full list, pick up your copy as you leave conference

today. I challenge your press to publish the list.

People want results, not excuses. For us, it is not just record to

stand over, it is a firm foundation for us to build upon. Next year sees

the start of a new round of elections which will shape the

future of this province. The 2003 Assembly elections really do matter.

In May we will fight council elections on new boundaries. Fewer

councils but with more power. That makes them the most significant

local government elections for a generation. In January, we will

start selecting our candidates to fight this. Even in big electoral

areas, you can be absolutely sure that every single vote will count.

You only have two look at Belfast to see what happens when people sit at

home. We cannot guarantee the result of

any election. Let's make sure we do everything that is within our power

to turn out every vote on election day. Local government elections are

often contested by a crowded field field of candidates. The DUP is

uniquely placed. We are the only Unionist party large enough to

deliver for the unionist people. At local government, as elsewhere,

we will work to deliver the best possible services at the lowest

possible cost. We will work with others to get things done and

protect and defend the symbols of our nation.

APPLAUSE In a democracy, issues are

determined at the ballot box. That is the right and proper way. That is

why it is so important we encourage people to turn out and vote. Next

May it will not only be the first election to the new councils but the

next election to the European Parliament. For many, Europe is seen

as distant and remote, whilst playing an ever greater role in the

laws that affect all of our lives. I am proud of the record of Diane

Dodds and of her role. APPLAUSE

For the last four and a half years, she has raised the bar and sets new

standards of representation in Brussels and Strasbourg. Fighting

for Northern Ireland and Europe, and for our people back home, I am

absolutely convinced there is not a hard working MP in all of Europe. --

harder working. Her record in Europe is

outstanding. Her record of delivery is second to none. She is not just

the champion of the farmer and fishermen in every sector of

business, that is why I am delighted that she was unanimously reselected.

I take nothing for granted but I have little doubt that she will be

awarded by the electric all she has done. -- rewarded by the electorate

for all she has done. With the further fracturing of the Ulster

Unionist Party in the last 12 months, and the emergence of yet

another breakaway Unionist party, there are those who suggest we

should run a second candidate for Europe. We will not take a final

decision on this until the New Year. When we do, it'll be on the basis of

what is right for unionism and not just on the DUP. I believe that

unionism is stronger when it stands together, not against anyone but in

defence of our shared beliefs. I do not believe in false unity. Nor do I

believe in creating division for its own sake. We work well with other

unionists in the mid-Ulster by-election, as we do on many other

councils. I believe we work well with Danny Kenny on the executive.

It does not mean he votes with us on everything. Of almost 1000

decisions, taken since the last election, he has voted against us on

only one executive paper. Recorded a disagreement once but did not cause

a division and abstained just once. That is better than a 99% record of

support. I bet two M Nesbit wishes all his party colleagues were as

loyal as him. -- I bet you Mike Nesbitt wishes.

APPLAUSE Earlier this month, on Remembrance

Day, we once again remembered the sacrifice so many have made. The

generation that fought in the great War has passed on but we remember

them still. We also remember those in this generation that have given

and are still giving so much, whether in the Armed Forces, the

police or other services. I know that I speak for us all when I say

how proud we are those who defend country and its values. Whether it

is half the weight around the world or back here at home. -- the way.

This party will never forget them, nor will we forget their service and

their sacrifice. Mr Chairman, it has been clear over the last year, that

we continue to live with the legacy of the past. This is not simply an

abstract political debate but one that can undermine our plans for the

future. If we were to realise our full potential as a society, we must

work with them and not against each other. That is not always easy. Very

often, people aren't too keen to give offence or take offence. What

we need is a debate not a bad offence but about respect. That does

not just apply to political opponents, it has to apply to

opponents as well. We must move forward in the clearest possible

terms. There can be no distinction between terrorism today and

terrorism in the past. There can be no distinction between

violence by loyalists and violence by dissident republicans. There must

be respectful people 's rights to express cultural identities and to

live in peace. Support for the rule of law cannot be conditional. I know

from speaking to victims first-hand, events now decades-old, dill hoard

them on a daily basis. For them it is not about the past. -- still

caught them. One cannot fail to be moved by the suffering they have

ensured. Nothing can bring back murdered loved ones. For many who

have suffered during the Troubles, scars remain. I do not know if we

can agree a way forward on the past but surely we can, at least, agree

that people must not be re-traumatised in the future.

APPLAUSE I hope that we can find a way to

respect those who have suffered the most - a victim centred approach.

Ultimately, we may not be able to agree with everyone about the past

but we are absolutely clear that no one will be allowed to use the

process to rewrite the history of the past. Everybody should remember

that it was this party that opposed the Belfast agreements, prisoner

release scheme, which flung open the gates for terrorist prisoners. We

will block any proposal for an amnesty for terrorist. --

terrorists. Victims do not just deserve respect,

they deserve justice. I firmly believe that we must offer hope and

opportunity to everyone. Communities must not be left at the mercy of

those who would exploit them for their own advantage - people whose

only loyalty is to crime. Those who deal in drugs deal in

death. Those who trade in prostitution and extortion to base

communities. Those who agitate and organise unrest and disorder are a

scourge on our society, blighting the lives of young people.

There is a better way. We must ensure the pathway to it is open to

all. One of the greatest tragedies over this last year is how

legitimate protests descended into violence and economic destruction.

This simply damaged the cause and tarnished the image of Northern

Ireland. Most Unionists were appalled by the decision in Belfast

but they were also disgusted by a tax on the police. It is not only

morally wrong, it is self-evidently counter-productive. Support drained

away from a genuinely good cause. Those who orchestrated the violence

sabotaged a sound and just cause. Protests are valid and legitimate in

any truly democratic society. Violence and lawbreaking are not. I

know it is always easy to point out the faults and flaws of political

opponents but how often do we ask ourselves if you are doing all we

can to deliver a better future. This is not particularly easy in the heat

of battle and debate. In the decades ahead, the direction of the province

will be determined, not on the basis of labels of the past, but by what

will provide the best future for to citizens. It is clear from every

recent... There we must leave that speech at the DUP conference. We're

almost out of time. Just that final paragraph we got is really look to

the future by the party leader. Absolutely - a speech of three

parts. One was celebrating the devolution in general and the DUP in

particular, rallying the troops. The third bit which was progressive, I

heard a phrase on the radio this morning, he is looking through the

windscreen rather than in the rear-view mirror. He is looking

forward to a common sense of citizenship in Northern Ireland.

Thank you very much for that. That is it. Join me tomorrow for Sunday

Politics. I will be speaking to Peter Robinson about his conference

speech. For now, from everyone here, thank you for watching. Goodbye.