He has had the vision to look forwards, to bring closer the day when he puts his party finally on to the front foot and leads them into a truly inclusive Executive based on the principle of democratic consent. I pay tribute to him because he has had the courage to look outwards, forging meaningful working relationships with Nationalists and Republicans in a way that was unthinkable even a few years ago. What David has achieved would not have been possible if he had not been met half way by Gerry Adams. Gerry has brought Sinn Fein in from the cold and given them and the whole of the nationalist community the chance to share in power. All have shown the courage to see the others' point of view in the interests of peace.
Politicians now have the chance to make that peace unshakeable.
In the darkest years of the troubles the work of the Ireland Fund has shown the public in Northern Ireland that people the world over were moved by their plight. It gave them hope that things could change. The greatest tribute that we can pay to the efforts of the Ireland Fund is to turn that hope into reality and unlock the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement. It is the key to Northern Ireland's future. Nothing else will do.