I want this sense of empowerment to provide the driving force of a new civic society, built from the ruins of a country rent apart by violence and ill-will. This is a civic society which must thrive on debate, but which is willing to compromise. A political culture in which there is constructive opposition, but where the majority does not seek to humiliate or destroy that opposition. An inclusive political culture, which harnesses all that is best of Northern Ireland's two traditions and ruthlessly drives out the worst. Two traditions turned into a single community.
Nobody can impose a solution on Northern Ireland.
Only local people and their parties working together in partnership have the power to deliver a better future for Northern Ireland. The peace process is at a crucial stage. I believe now that we have it in our grasp to map out the series of steps and changes capable of achieving an unbreakable peace. My hope is lifted by a development that has sneaked up on us in recent weeks. It has happened to people almost without them knowing.