NI Leaders Release New Year Messages

Northern Ireland’s First and deputy First Minister have released New Year messages to the people of Northern Ireland.

Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness made the announcements via their respective parties’ websites.

Mr Robinson praised Northern Ireland’s sporting achievements as well as the Royal visit.

"In Northern Ireland, we enjoyed hosting the most spectacular Royal visit when tens of thousands lined Stormont Estate and other towns around the Province to wish Her Majesty well in her Diamond Jubilee year," he said.

"The sporting success of the province was also a highlight of 2012.

"2012 also saw the opening of Titanic Belfast.

"However, against this backdrop of celebration, I know 2012 was a difficult year in many homes.

"Undoubtedly 2013 will bring challenges but there is much to look forward to as well. Northern Ireland will host the first United Kingdom City of Culture in Londonderry.

"The decision to remove the Union Flag from Belfast City Hall was ill-considered and provocative. People are entitled - even justified in protesting - but nobody can justify threats, acts of violence or other unlawful behaviour."

Martin McGuinness said: "During the last 12 months the unfinished journey of our peace process has continued to unfold.

"I am pleased that we overcame significant challenges and successfully advanced important developments, including sign-off on the Long Kesh/Maze site, and real progress in attracting new investment and jobs in the north.

"However, the world-wide economic crisis has also left many of our citizens jobless and driven many employers to the wall. I am absolutely determined that the efforts of the executive will intensify next year to protect existing jobs and create new employment.

"Our priority must be to protect the most vulnerable in society; defend public services; and to support small businesses, employers, and the agricultural industry."

(IT/GK)