0:00:13 > 0:00:16This weekend, we'll gather for our annual party conference.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19As we do so, we'll look back with immense pride
0:00:19 > 0:00:24at the many highlights in Northern Ireland since Conference last met.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27One highlight has been the opening of this world-class building,
0:00:27 > 0:00:31with record visitor numbers from outside the Province.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33It has surpassed every target.
0:00:33 > 0:00:38Another highlight was Royal Portrush hosting the 2012 Irish Open.
0:00:38 > 0:00:39Such was its success,
0:00:39 > 0:00:42we're hoping to bring the British Open to County Antrim.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44Only a few months ago,
0:00:44 > 0:00:46Northern Ireland welcomed Her Majesty The Queen
0:00:46 > 0:00:48as part of the Jubilee celebrations.
0:00:48 > 0:00:54Seeing Stormont lined with tens of thousands was an unforgettable sight.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57We were proud to support Her Majesty's dedicated public service.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01In September, we marked the centenary of the Ulster Covenant.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04We remembered a previous generation,
0:01:04 > 0:01:08who led the foundation for the state of Northern Ireland.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11Our forefathers had a vision of a shared society.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14It was fitting to mark the centenary at a time
0:01:14 > 0:01:16when support for the union has never been greater.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19I want to build on that support and make Northern Ireland
0:01:19 > 0:01:21the very best part of the United Kingdom
0:01:21 > 0:01:25to start a business or raise a family. That's my vision.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29We face many challenges, not least the economy.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31I know many people are hurting.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35Whether in Stormont, Westminster, Brussels or in local government,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37all our elected representatives
0:01:37 > 0:01:39are working to help hard-pressed households.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41We have said no to water charges,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44delivered free public transport for the elderly,
0:01:44 > 0:01:46and we're keeping rates low.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50We're supporting local businesses and we're attracting new companies.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52I've just returned from China,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55where we were able to help local companies start exporting
0:01:55 > 0:01:57into the Chinese market.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03Another focus of our conference is helping disadvantaged communities.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07As Northern Ireland moves forward, no-one should be left behind.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09Through the Social Investment Fund,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13the Executive is forming partnerships with local communities.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17To succeed will require all of us to work together.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20And rather than party-political bickering,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23I want to work with the other parties to secure better schools
0:02:23 > 0:02:26and hospitals and better services for our people.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31I know there's a lot to do, but by working together
0:02:31 > 0:02:34we can restore Northern Ireland to its best.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37If you're unable to join with us in La Mon this weekend,
0:02:37 > 0:02:41I hope you can still support our vision for Northern Ireland.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45You can register your support at mydup.com