Northern Ireland exists and is likely to do so for a considerable period of time to come. Constitutionally it remains part of the United Kingdom while physically it is part of the island of Ireland. Socially, culturally and economically it has strong links across these islands and all of this is in a wider European context.
It is a beautiful part of the world and the people have tremendous characteristics, when you press the right buttons.
Our destiny is in our hands. If we are to succeed both economically and socially then the real challenge that faces our society is how we share Northern Ireland in a way that we work constructively together as a people for our mutual benefit and develop that sense of interdependence that is so crucial to any successful society.
We now have an opportunity to build upon what has been achieved in our society over the last number of years.
To develop that inclusive sense of identity so well described in a variation of the words of the Ulster poet John Hewitt when he said of himself; he was a Belfast man, an Ulster man, an Irish man and British and those last two were interchangeable and he was European and anyone who demeaned any one part of him, demeaned him as a person.
To that we can add in, female, various faiths, Polish, Chinese, Indian and many others who have enriched and helped to create an increasingly diverse society, all of which represents the true character of what many of us are happy to describe as the Northern Irish.It is an Irishness comfortable with its Britishness and a Britishness comfortable with its Irishness.
If religion lay at the heart of our problems then surely it is incumbent on the Churches to lead the way in helping to heal the divisions in our society simply by buying in to that message of love thy neighbour and treat others the way you yourself would like to be treated. Is it really that difficult?
Another important key in tackling the causes of our past problems is developing a new politics. One of ideas and policies that tackle the real issues that impact on peoples lives and move away from simple flag waving and pure populism.
To this end, the NI Conservatives are launching a new vision of a centre right party focussing on Northern Ireland first and foremost but also seeking to fully participate in the national Conservative Party and input into those areas of policy which impact on us all.
It is also about building strong and constructive, social and economic partnerships with the Republic of Ireland as well as the rest of the UK.
Socially and economically our society is strongly interlinked and in this respect we intend to promote a truly shared future in a stable inclusive and confident society based on a civil society and the rights and responsibilities of the individual.
As well we will promote an infrastructure and policies that allow a prosperous and vibrant economy to grow and which encourages and rewards enterprise, skills and educational achievements.
It is also about promoting social justice, equitable and efficient public services and a clear partnership between public and private sector.
The future is about how we all do well and the NI Conservatives are intending to play a constructive role in promoting such a vision, acting as a constructive opposition through which we hope that the people of Northern Ireland and these Islands will tackle the significant problems we all face so that in the future we all prosper.