The First Minister's resignation has now taken effect and, in accordance with section 16B(2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the deputy First Minister has also ceased to hold office. The next item of business is the filling of both vacancies, and I will conduct that process in accordance with the procedures required by section 16B(3) of the 1998 Act. I will begin by asking the nominating officer of the largest political party of the largest political designation to nominate a member of the Assembly to be the First Minister. I will then ask the nominating officer of the largest political party of the second largest political designation to nominate a member of the Assembly to be the deputy First Minister.

As the persons nominated to fill the vacancies shall not take up office until each of them has affirmed the terms of the Pledge of Office contained in schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998, when I have received both nominations I will ask each of the persons nominated to affirm the terms of the Pledge of Office. Before we proceed, Members may find it helpful if the Pledge of Office is read into the record so that it does not have to be read in full by the persons nominated to the office of First Minister and deputy First Minister.

The Pledge of Office is as follows: To pledge:

"to discharge in good faith all the duties of office; commitment to non-violence and exclusively peaceful and democratic means; to serve all the people of Northern Ireland equally, and to act in accordance with the general obligations on government to promote equality and prevent discrimination; to promote the interests of the whole community represented in the Northern Ireland Assembly towards the goal of a shared future; to participate fully in the Executive Committee, the North-South Ministerial Council and the British-Irish Council; to observe the joint nature of the offices of First Minister and deputy First Minister; to uphold the rule of law based as it is on the fundamental principles of fairness, impartiality and democratic accountability, including support for policing and the courts as set out in paragraph 6 of the St Andrews Agreement; to participate with colleagues in the preparation of a programme for government; to operate within the framework of that programme when agreed within the Executive Committee and endorsed by the Assembly; to support, and act in accordance with, all decisions of the Executive Committee and Assembly; to comply with the Ministerial Code of Conduct. Paragraph 6 of the St Andrews Agreement says: 'We believe that the essential elements of support for law and order include endorsing fully the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the criminal justice system, actively encouraging everyone in the community to co-operate fully with the PSNI in tackling crime in all areas and actively supporting all the policing and criminal justice institutions, including the Policing Board.'"

The Pledge of Office has now been read into the record of proceedings and, for the information of Members, copies are also available in the Hall. I will now proceed with the nomination process, and I call on the Rt Hon Peter Robinson to nominate a Member of the Assembly to be the First Minister.

Mr Speaker, it is a great pleasure and a huge honour for me, in carrying out my last duty as nominating officer for the Democratic Unionist Party, to nominate my good friend and successor as party leader, Mrs Arlene Foster, to be First Minister of Northern Ireland. I know that I am only permitted to make a formal proposal at this stage, but I want to say that Arlene has been an excellent Minister in each Department in which she has served. She is eminently qualified for the post that she is undertaking, and I am confident that she will continue to take Northern Ireland forward in the years to come.
I have no doubt that she will apply her skill and judgement to great effect as First Minister, and I wish her every success and God's richest blessing as she faces this new challenge.

Thank you. Mrs Foster, are you willing to take up the office of First Minister?

Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. I affirm the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act.

I was worried about all the reading that you might have to do.

I have received a letter from the nominating officer of Sinn Féin advising me that Caitríona Ruane will serve as nominating officer for the party today. I call Ms Caitríona Ruane to nominate a Member of the Assembly to be the deputy First Minister.

Go raibh maith agat. Ba mhaith liom an tUasal Máirtín Mac Aonghusa a ainmniú ina LeasChéad-Aire. I would like to nominate Martin McGuinness as the deputy First Minister.

As we know, the next few months are very important in the history of these institutions — the Assembly, the North/South bodies and the British-Irish Council — and the public want to see our institutions delivering for people on the ground. They want to see us all working together, and they want this generation and future generations to benefit from peace. They want to see stability and more mature politics. We now have our Fresh Start Agreement, and I pay tribute to Peter Robinson for the key role that he played along with Martin McGuinness and other political leaders. I worked with Peter when he was Minister of Finance and also First Minister, and I have to say that, while we did not always agree on issues, I do believe that we had a very polite, courteous and friendly relationship. I thank Peter for that. I also wish him and his family well in the coming months. I am sure that they will be glad to get some time with him.

I welcome Arlene Foster's nomination as First Minister. We look forward to working with Arlene and her team in the weeks and months ahead. I wish her all the best, and I think that it is important that we acknowledge that it is historic that we have a woman in such an important office. People will know that Paula and I and many other women in the Assembly are really trying to ensure that we have greater gender equality, and I think that we will all agree that today is a step forward in that. We want to see women right across the political spectrum taking up our rightful places.

Martin McGuinness is a man who I have worked with for many years. I consider him a friend. He is ethical and principled and has shown incredible leadership. He is also generous on a personal and political level. He uses his good office to outreach across all political classes and creeds, and, most recently, Martin and Peter led the way in welcoming refugees to our shores. As a mother and a grandmother, I understand just how difficult it is for families of politicians, and, without family support, this job would not be possible. I thank Bernie, Martin's wife; his four children, Grainne, Fionnuala, Fiachra and Emmet; and his seven grandchildren, Tiarna, Cara, Rossa, Óisín, Ciana, Dualta and Sadhbh for sharing Martin with us. I have no doubt, as I make this nomination, that Martin will continue to show leadership, to be a deputy First Minister for all the people and to build a strong relationship with Arlene Foster in the same way as he did with Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson.

Thank you. Mr McGuinness, are you willing to take up the office of deputy First Minister and affirm the terms of the Pledge of Office?

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. Go raibh maith agat, a Caitríona. Yes, I affirm the terms of the Pledge of Office as set out in schedule 4 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Thank you. I now confirm that Mrs Arlene Foster and Mr Martin McGuinness, having affirmed the terms of the Pledge of Office, have taken up office as First Minister and deputy First Minister in accordance with section 16(b) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. I offer my warmest congratulations to you both and wish you well for the future.

There will now be an opportunity for Members to comment, and I will begin by calling the First Minister and then the deputy First Minister to address the House. I call Mrs Arlene Foster, the First Minister.

[Applause.]

Mr Speaker, it is with great humility, an enormous sense of responsibility and, indeed, the imagination of endless potential for Northern Ireland that I affirmed the Pledge of Office and take up this post today.

I can think of no greater honour than to have the opportunity to serve my country and the people of Northern Ireland as their First Minister. I am truly humbled by the trust and confidence that have been placed in me and am grateful to all those who have kept me in their prayers in recent days.

As a young girl growing up in rural Fermanagh, the most westerly Constituency in the United Kingdom, in the days when we were plagued by terrorism and decisions affecting our fates and futures were taken far away, I could not have dreamed that I would be in this position today. Is it any wonder that, in politics, I believe that nothing is impossible? The real measure of success, however, is not in obtaining the office but in how it enables me to help others to realise their dreams, ambitions and aspirations. For my part, I want to make sure that what is possible for me is possible for any young girl or boy growing up in Northern Ireland.

For so many reasons, this is an historic moment. I take great pride in the fact that, since Northern Ireland was created almost a century ago, I am the first woman to hold such a post. It was with even greater trepidation that I learned that I am also the youngest person to have assumed this post. I hope that I can bring the perspectives of both those attributes to the office. Indeed, at this turning point in our country's history, as we seek to address the challenges of the future, I believe that the moment is right for the next generation to assume leadership. The challenges that this generation faces are very different from those that our forefathers faced a century ago, but our fundamental values remain the same. In just five years' time, the challenges will be different again. Although I may be the youngest holder of this post, Mr Speaker, I am not new to ministerial office. You will be aware that this is not the first time that I have taken the Pledge of Office: over the past eight years, I have done so as Environment Minister, economy Minister and, most recently, Finance Minister. I have learned much in those roles that I will bring to my new office, but I will be forever grateful for the opportunity that Dr Paisley and Peter Robinson gave to me to serve the community in ministerial office and the rich legacy that I inherit in this office. That experience has prepared me for the challenges that will undoubtedly lie ahead.

Last autumn, we published the Fresh Start Agreement, and we make a new start today, with our eyes focused firmly on the future. In looking to the future, we will never forget the past. I am conscious of those who have not lived to see today; of course, I think particularly of my father, who would have been so proud of what has been achieved. I also think of all those who served the community in the security forces during the dark days of the Troubles and those whose lives were cut all too short. I make this promise: in all I do, I will honour their memory. We are all shaped by our history and our experience. Many of us live with the scars, emotional and real, of what we had to endure. Far too often during my earlier years of life, I saw the devastating effect that terrorism and violence had on our community. We cannot, however, allow the past forever to blight our future. That is why I want to make sure that we never, ever go back to the bad old days. I believe that the duty on me to make Northern Ireland work is all the greater for the sacrifice that they have made. The reward and legacy of those who gave their life defending our country is a stable and secure Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom.

I also pay tribute to those who have served our community so well in positions of leadership over the last decades. It is because of what they have done that we have the hope for the future that we do. They have laid the foundations for the new Northern Ireland that we seek to build, but, at this moment in our country's history, it is time for a new generation to step forward, to build on all that has been achieved and to move our country forward. Abraham Lincoln once said:

"The best way to predict your future is to create it."

That is our responsibility now: to create a better future than the past and one in which we can live together in a society free of strife and conflict.

The challenges of our time are great, but they are different from those of the past. The challenges of our time are great, but the opportunities for the next generation are greater still. The challenges of our time are great, but there are none that we cannot overcome. With Northern Ireland's position in the United Kingdom secured, devolution safeguarded and the economy growing again, we can have hope for the future. Over the years, people from this small corner of the world have done remarkable things, and we can do that again.

In my role as the economy Minister for seven years, I travelled the world, seeking to bring jobs and investment home. I am proud that, in that time, we created more jobs from international investment than at any time in our past. One thing that made that easy was the quality of our young people. When I travel across Northern Ireland, I sometimes see people with abundant gifts and talents being held back by nothing but a lack of confidence and a poverty of ambition. The only thing that they lack is belief. I want to use this office to restore that belief and give new hope. I want to instil a new confidence in our people and a pride in our Province. I want everyone to love this country with the same passion as I do.

Leadership has many facets and many responsibilities, but there is no greater challenge than to motivate, encourage and inspire. I want to bring hope to those who lack it and help to those who need it. I want us to live in a more harmonious society, where we seek accommodation with one another, not conflict. Those in positions of responsibility in government cannot do everything, but we can act as an example to others. If only we believe in ourselves, all things are possible.

I make no apology for being a unionist, but my role as First Minister calls on me to serve the whole community. I see that not just as a legal duty but as a moral imperative. I want the same opportunities for every child in Northern Ireland as my own have. I want no section or part of the community in Northern Ireland to be isolated, marginalised or left behind, whatever their background or way of life. That was Edward Carson's vision of the Union, and it is mine too. The best way to safeguard our history, culture and traditions is to make sure that we can create a society in which everyone can have a say and play a part. That is why it is no coincidence that support for our constitutional position has never been stronger. I believe in Northern Ireland and the people of Northern Ireland. We are a special people.

People ask me what I want to achieve during my time in office, and my answer is simple. Like every mother, I am a practical person. Above all else, I want to move into the future and to get things done. I want to make Northern Ireland a better place, and I want to strengthen our United Kingdom. I want to give our young people the future that has been denied to so many for so long. I want Northern Ireland to be a beacon to the world of how, by working together with political opponents and old enemies, we can create a Northern Ireland that we can all be proud of. I want to do all of that not in spite of my past but because of it. I will work with anyone who can share that ambition of hope and will oppose anyone who would deny our people the future that they deserve. The people whom we represent deserve no less.

I am tired of Stormont being a watchword for arguing and bickering. That is not why our people elected us; they did so to provide a better future for us all. I will do all that I can to change the political culture of this place, but I cannot change it alone. We can do it only by working together. I know from experience that it will not be easy — real change never is — but I ask today that we find a new way of doing business, one that places a greater premium on consensus than on conflict.

It is with great honour that today I accept the nomination to become First Minister. It is truly humbling that the girl who was raised and reared in Fermanagh has been given the opportunity to lead the country and the people whom she loves so much. Today is a new chapter in Northern Ireland's story, but, when the history of this time comes to be written, let it be said of all of us that we fought the good fight, we finished the race and we kept the faith. Thank you.

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. First, I am very thankful and appreciative to my party for the renomination as deputy First Minister.

As we say goodbye to Peter Robinson and wish him and his family well into the future, we similarly, as Arlene Foster takes over as First Minister, wish her and her family well. I am very conscious that Arlene's mother, husband and children are here today, and I acknowledge the hurt that their family endured as a result of the conflict. It is important that we acknowledge that hurt, because we on this side of the House have also been hurt and have lost neighbours and friends as a result of the conflict. What we have done in ending that conflict has been remarkable. It was not down to one or two people to do that; it took a combined effort from all. I pledge a positive spirit, a constructive spirit and a good heart in working with Arlene as First Minister through these important and historic times.

Like Caitríona, I am delighted to see women elevated to the highest positions in government. I have been very privileged to work with exceptional republican women Ministers like Bairbre de Brún, Michelle Gildernew, Caitríona, Martina Anderson, Carál Ní Chuilín, Michelle O'Neill and Jennifer McCann. It is important that we all recognise the role of women in politics and do everything in our power to ensure that people who are highly talented have every opportunity to move forward and contribute, as they clearly do, to our political development.

We will have huge challenges in the time ahead. We have the Fresh Start Agreement, which is an agreement that, I believe, can propel us forward if we implement it: that is the big challenge. As George Mitchell said at the time of the Good Friday Agreement, it is one thing forging an agreement but a whole other enterprise implementing that agreement. This is a real opportunity to move forward, away from the negativity of the last couple of years, and try to deliver for the people whom we represent.

Let me say this: as far as we as Irish republicans are concerned, unionists are not the enemy, and loyalists are not the enemy. Who is the enemy? The enemy is poverty, the enemy is inequality, the enemy is unemployment, the enemy is denial of rights, the enemy is intolerance, the enemy is sectarianism, the enemy is racism, the enemy is homophobia and the enemy is violence. We know to our cost and to the cost of people who have lost their life in recent years even against the backdrop of the peace agreements that we have forged that there are still people out there on all sides who are committed to plunging us back to the past. I believe that there is a total determination in the Assembly, across all the political parties, to show the futility of that effort to those who would try to do that.

I am a proud Irish republican, and this is an important year for Irish republicanism, with the 100th anniversary of the Easter rising. I know there are different views about all of that. It is also an important year for unionism, with the 100th anniversary of the battle of the Somme. How we conduct ourselves through these vital anniversaries over the next number of years will tell the international community a lot about how we are as people. I am pledged to do everything in my power to ensure that we all conduct ourselves in a very dignified and respectful manner in how we move forward, recognising the different emotions that are out there.

Arlene is committed to the continuation of what she calls the United Kingdom, and I am a committed Irish republican dedicated to the reunification of Ireland by purely peaceful and democratic means. There is absolutely no diminution of Arlene's unionism or my republicanism in us working together in the interests of all our people. When we talk about how we can break down divisions, it is not just about breaking down divisions between our communities or between ourselves as political leaders; it is about breaking down the divisions between North and South that have been so much to our detriment. We all know that working economically on an all-island agenda does not diminish in any way our allegiances to the different political aspirations that we have.

This is a time of great change, and I look forward to working with Arlene in the time ahead. Over the past few weeks, quite a number of people have said to me, "How are you going to work with Arlene Foster?". I said, "Well, if you can work with Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson, you can work with anybody". I have no doubt that Arlene and I will have a good personal relationship and a good working relationship, and I look forward to engaging with her on the vital issues that affect all our people.

As I indicated earlier, there will now be an opportunity for others to speak. The Business Committee has agreed a maximum time of 30 minutes and that Members should limit their remarks to no more than three minutes. I have the names of some Members who have already indicated that they wish to speak, but I ask all Members who would like to contribute to continue to rise in their place, and I will endeavour to accommodate as many as possible. As previously, the briefer you are, the more opportunity there will be for others.

It is with considerable pleasure that I rise to comment on the elevation of Arlene Foster today to the position of First Minister. I do that for a number of reasons, not least because she is my colleague in Fermanagh and South Tyrone and has been one whom I have got to know quite well since she came into politics and, in particular, the DUP.

I have no doubt that Arlene Foster will do a sterling job, and not because she comes from Fermanagh, although that would be a good enough reason. I simply say that she has all the attributes that such a position will need. Arlene Foster has demonstrated very clearly that she is a person with foresight and leadership qualities, and I think that, as a result of what has happened here today, Northern Ireland will be a better place, and she will continue in the same vein as Peter Robinson in leading Northern Ireland forward.

Arlene comes from a county that has had more than its share of bad news in the past; indeed, her family was at the cutting edge of that. Her father came under severe attack as an RUC officer, and, of course, as we have been learning, Arlene was on that school bus on that day. As a young student at the Collegiate, she was not afraid to give her views to the media on what was planned that day. I believe that the hand of God was upon her and her colleagues, and I believe it is no coincidence that Arlene Foster is now the First Minister in Northern Ireland.

Mike Nesbitt paid a very full tribute to Peter Robinson. However, there was just one wee thing that he got wrong, and I want him to pay attention to that. He made the comment that Peter had led this party to a phenomenal success of 38 seats but he hoped that that would be a high-water mark. Mike Nesbitt, I say this to you in as nice as a way as I can

[Laughter.]

: you have seen nothing yet. Today, this party has a leader and the Assembly has a First Minister who will take the eyes off you. You keep your eye on her, because, I can tell you, she will run you out of breath.

[Laughter.]

How do I know that? Because I am her colleague in Fermanagh and South Tyrone, and I have good reason to believe that.

I wish Arlene Foster well today, and I know that the future is bright for Northern Ireland. I believe that what she wants for us in the DUP she wants for everybody in Northern Ireland, not only in County Fermanagh but right across the Province. I believe that her real desire is to bring prosperity, peace and good government to Northern Ireland, and I wish her well in the future.

Go raibh maith agat, a Cheann Comhairle. First, I endorse the remarks made about Mr Robinson on his retirement.

I want to comment particularly on the election of the First and deputy First Minister, Arlene and Martin, and the contribution that they have already made to politics in and changes to this society, as well as on the changes that they can make into the future.

Martin is an old hand at this in many ways now, but his enthusiasm, determination and leadership continue to guide not only my party but this society. The friendship, the trust and the leadership that grew between him and Peter Robinson saved this pillar of the peace process from collapse in recent weeks and months. Many in the Chamber will realise — perhaps others outside it will not — that this pillar of the peace process, the Assembly, was finished. Wiser heads took charge and prevailed, and Martin and Peter were to the forefront of that. That leadership role, trust, friendship and determination will have to be built between Mrs Foster and Martin going into the future. There are many, many enemies of the peace process in our society, and they do not all wear balaclavas. We face huge challenges from many different quarters, and it will take strong leadership, such as that that was seen over the past number of months from Peter and Martin, to see us through those days as well.

In a recent interview, Mrs Foster used the quote from C S Lewis that now hangs in the Assembly, which is:

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind."

I am sure that she was referring not to Mr Robinson's leadership but to the terrible events that plagued our lives over the past 40 years. I have no doubt that far, far better things lie ahead of us, but it will take the determination of everyone in the Chamber to make those happen.

I often reflect on those in leadership positions. At times, it has to be a very lonely and difficult place to be. It is very easy for people to sit in the corner and tell everybody what you should not be doing or what they would do if they were in leadership. However, the fact of the matter is this: when you are in a leadership position, the buck stops with you. We have seen in our society that there is perhaps an advantage to the joint office of First and deputy First Minister, because, despite the difficulties that we have faced over many years, we have seen that, when that joint office works together, we achieve real change in our society and make real differences to people's lives. Yes, there are huge challenges ahead, including economic and social challenges, and, as has been mentioned already, there are challenges from those who want to bring down this institution.

I will end with a quote from Seamus Heaney, who said:

"Believe that a further shore is reachable from here."

As Mrs Foster will know, when the deluge comes, the shore looks further away. I believe that, by Martin and Arlene working together, we will be able to reach that further shore.

Thank you, Mr Speaker, and I join others in congratulating Arlene Foster on her new position and Martin McGuinness for continuing as deputy First Minister. In our view, it is a joint position, and it is very important to note that Mrs Foster is the first woman to hold that post. Another glass ceiling in the North has been smashed, and I am very glad to see that. I also welcome very much her very positive speech today about the renewal of politics and a new generation stepping forward. We in our party recognise that as well, and we are beginning that process.

Whilst we all wish you all the best today, there will be no honeymoon period. I am sure that you are aware of that. I spent quite a bit of time on Saturday in your Constituency up to my knees in water, and one of your first duties should be to try to develop long-term solutions to those problems. There are people in Fermanagh and other parts of the North who have been under water since 5 December. I do not think that it is good enough, in this day and age, that that can continue.

Her predecessor's first words in, I think, the first days of this mandate were that we would be judged on delivery. She and I will probably disagree on how good that delivery has been in this mandate, but we need to get to a position in which this place is judged on delivery, where we are setting out positive agendas for the future and making changes that people can touch, feel and understand. It is good to see that our two First Ministers are now from west of the Bann. I am sure that the people whom I and, indeed, they represent will be glad to hear that. We will wait and see what that means for delivery for those people. I wish them all the best.

Mrs Foster talked about the fact that we are all shaped by our history. I think that she has obviously been shaped by her personal experience; but, as a people, we are all shaped by our history. That history includes the events of 100 years ago. I would like to see all leaders of this place engaging positively and respectfully; not necessarily celebrating events if they cannot do so, but commemorating them, learning from them and thinking, talking and planning for the next hundred years. With that, I wish both First Ministers all the best in their endeavours.

Let me begin by congratulating Mrs Foster on her personal achievement. As she says, she is the youngest — younger, just, than James Chichester-Clark — and the first female First Minister. I know that recently she quoted Marin Alsop, the American musician who became the first female to conduct the 'Last Night of the Proms', and reacted by saying that she looks forward to the time when these things are so commonplace that they are no longer newsworthy. I certainly join the First Minister in supporting that.

Now, of course, Mrs Foster has the baton, and we wait to see what sort of music she can squeeze out of an often discordant Executive. It is an Executive of just four parties these days, only two of which support the Budget and the self-styled 'A Fresh Start'. So, the First Minister clearly has challenges internally.

There are challenges externally as well. Northern Ireland and our people have many unmet needs. They seek a healthier and more prosperous future. I note, from recent remarks, that Mrs Foster, like me, is focusing on offering a vision. Of course, Northern Ireland, the people, and the other parties in the Executive bought into a vision in 1998: Mrs Foster did not. I remember flying her to London for an Ulster Television debate, ahead of the referendum, in Downing Street with Prime Minister Blair, and I well remember at dinner afterwards that she reacted to the praise that she was being given for her articulate stance by saying that she well believed that it was the end of her career as a member of the Ulster Unionist Party. Some will see it as ironic that she is now living that vision in these very institutions.

Of course, we will not always agree. Indeed, we appear to disagree over how to mark the significance of the 1916 Easter rebellion — but that is for another day. Today is about wishing our new First Minister well in her new role, not least under the now intolerable pressure put on her by Lord Morrow.

We wish the deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, well. I believe that we are to debate in Bundoran soon, which, for an Ulster Unionist, represents an away fixture. I look forward to it nevertheless.

I start by recognising the contribution that Peter Robinson has made to politics in Northern Ireland over the best part of four decades. I wish him a very long and happy retirement. His fate and that of the Alliance Party have been intertwined, for better or worse, for many years, and particularly over the past number of years. We wish him every success and happiness in his future.

I move to congratulate Arlene Foster on her appointment as First Minister and Martin McGuinness on his reappointment as deputy First Minister. I am not sure who is the more surprised about that particular outcome, but we recognise the importance and significance of today.

With particular reference to Arlene Foster, as she the new incumbent in the joint top office in our society, I can say that I have known her for many years. Indeed, our paths crossed when we were at Queen's probably the best part of a quarter of a century ago. I am sure that she will not thank me for referencing it in those terms.

Of course, back then, she and, indeed, many of her colleagues who are also in this Building today were in the youth wing of a different political party, but that is a sign of the evolution of our politics over that time. I reassure her that I cannot recall, at this stage, any particular skeletons from her time at Queen's, though, if my memory serves me well, I will let her know first.

There has been a lot of comment about the historic importance of today's events from a number of angles, in particular the fact that we have a joint leader who, for the first time, is female. Indeed, that is truly historic. It is important that that now acts as a spur to greater participation on a gender basis across our society. It does not always follow that, when the leader of a society is female, that percolates down to other aspects of public life, business life and civic life. So, there is a challenge in that regard, and while we are making great strides on participation, there is a way to go with progression on that.

Alliance will work very closely with the new First Minister and the returned deputy First Minister in the Executive and the Assembly, particularly when they are acting in an inclusive way and are articulating a common good and a common vision for this society. We will undoubtedly have many challenges on the road ahead, including economically, socially, environmentally and, in particular, in genuinely building a shared future and tackling problems in the rule of law. We are up for those challenges and are happy to work in collaboration with others when they share that common vision.

Today is undoubtedly a day of mixed emotions. We come to the House recognising that we have had many historic occasions in the Chamber. My long-standing friend and colleague Lord Morrow said to me when I came to the House in 2003 that nothing remains the same and there is always change. Today we see the outworking of that change.

I want to say on a personal basis to my friend and colleague Peter Robinson a sincere word of thanks and appreciation for all that he has done for Northern Ireland. In saying a fond farewell but not goodbye to Peter, it is with the greatest joy that we say a fond welcome to Arlene Foster on becoming the First Minister of Northern Ireland and the leader of unionism. I joined the DUP over 36 years ago, and I have no doubt that the leadership of Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson formulated a formidable duo in the history of Northern Ireland. Arlene Foster takes on that mantle in a way that I believe reflects her ability and the vision that she has for Northern Ireland. She has undoubtedly proved her capabilities, not because of her gender but because of the person that she is, because of the qualities that she has and because of the history that has helped to form her as an individual.

I have worked with Arlene over the last number of years and have found her to be someone of the highest integrity and someone who is extremely personable and approachable. I have no doubt, Arlene, as you take on the role of First Minister, as you have today, that you will do it in the same way that you have to date displayed your capabilities in the ministerial portfolios that you have held.

Northern Ireland is a better place today. When I was a young person growing up, the news was dominated by the latest atrocity, the latest murder, the mayhem and the Division of our society. Today, as we enter 2016, we have a relative peace in Northern Ireland. Our communities are seeking and endeavouring to come together. I have no doubt that that is the legacy of Peter Robinson, and it is that baton and that mantle that I have every confidence Arlene Foster will pick up and run with to ensure that Northern Ireland continues to be a prosperous place.

Solomon, in words of wisdom that we all do well to heed, said:

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

The Lord bless you, Arlene, in the future.

I wish the outgoing First Minister well in his retirement and the deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, well on his reappointment.

For me, however, today is all about one woman: Arlene Foster. She is not just a good politician: to be fair, she is a great politician, and she is a woman. Today, she is First Minister — the first female First Minister — of Northern Ireland. That is incredible, and I am inspired. I hope that young women — all women, in fact — across Northern Ireland will also be inspired. Today, we are beginning a necessary new generation of political leaders in Northern Ireland that welcomes and encourages young women into politics.

Mrs Foster is not just the right woman for the job; she is the right person. It is a milestone that two out of three of the First Ministers of our devolved nations are women. Today, we have ensured that capable female leaders are acknowledged alongside their male counterparts. Mrs Foster demonstrates that well.

I disagree with Mrs Foster on many things and will continue to be critical from this back corner, telling you what you are doing wrong because that is my job. Indeed, she would expect it from me, and surely she should expect it from all MLAs. I see it as a point of reference to do better. Mrs Foster should embrace that challenge because she has earned it.

I sincerely wish Mrs Foster well in her new role in driving Northern Ireland forward into a new, positive space. The most important aspect of leadership is not the leader but the people behind the leader: the followers and the people of Northern Ireland, who deserve better than this past year. I hope that today is the beginning of better.

I will begin by paying tribute to the outgoing First Minister and wish him health and happiness for a long and prosperous retirement. I am sure that his successor will, from time to time, want his wise counsel and advice. As I said during the former First Minister's last Question Time, in all my personal dealings with him, whether seeking meetings for constituents or progressing my private Member's Bill, he extended time and courtesy to me, for which I am grateful.

Reference was made earlier to a speech of the former First Minister. One of Peter Robinson's speeches that most struck a chord with me was, I think, his 2011 party conference speech, when he said that we were going to end "us and them". That remains the big challenge for the new First Minister and the deputy First Minister: to get to work in ending those divisions.

I offer my warmest congratulations to Arlene Foster as First Minister. For somebody of my generation, she brings huge ministerial experience. I am not sure whether she wants to be reminded that she is a couple of years older than me. It is interesting that there is now a generational shift in that most DUP Ministers were born in the 1970s. That is a shift in age that tells us that Northern Ireland is progressing and moving and that a great deal of what has gone before is being put in the past, and we are looking to a brighter future.

The challenge is to end the "us and them" in our politics and right across our society, and I wish Mrs Foster and Mr McGuinness well in addressing that. In their contributions, they talked about their unionism and republicanism respectively. I say to both of them that the key, in doing all this, whether unionist or republican, is to make Northern Ireland work.

I begin by echoing earlier tributes to Peter. This party, the Assembly and, indeed, Northern Ireland as a whole have a lot to be thankful for in Peter's service down through the last 40 years. I am sure that we all wish to thank him and his family for his service and for the sacrifice that they have all collectively made down through the years.

Today is a significant day for Arlene and her family. It is, as other Members mentioned, a significant day for women in Northern Ireland. Colum Eastwood talked about a glass ceiling having been broken. For the Arlene Foster whom we know, there is no glass ceiling, and, if there were one, she would bust right through it, as she has done today.

I have known Arlene for many years; not as many as Mr Farry and others have known her, but probably for the best part of 20 years. When you know somebody for that long, you get to know them pretty well. What I have learnt over the years about Arlene, which is most relevant to today and her taking up the post of First Minister, is the fact that she loves Northern Ireland greatly. She has an abiding love for this place and its people, and, given the important role that she has taken up in leading everyone in Northern Ireland, it is important that she has that attribute. She has, of course, displayed all of her other many abilities down through the years in this place in various ministerial roles, including Environment Minister, Finance Minister and Economy Minister. Particularly in her role as Economy Minister, she stood up for Northern Ireland and went around the world, as she said, fighting for Northern Ireland and trying to bring investment here. That type of role, standing up for Northern Ireland on a global stage, will be incredibly important in her role as First Minister as well.

I know that Arlene, like many of us, believes that, great as Northern Ireland has been throughout its nearly 100-year history, in spite of all the challenges that we have faced, our best days lie ahead. At this time in the history of Northern Ireland, we are fortunate to be led by somebody of the calibre of Arlene, with her stature and experience. I am confident, as I know that many others are, that Arlene will continue to lead Northern Ireland on its journey to better days.

I congratulate my friend and colleague Arlene Foster on her elevation to the office of First Minister. Back in 2003, I was one of those in Lisburn Orange Hall who welcomed her into the DUP. That night, about 500 of us packed into the hall. It was a tremendous demonstration of leadership on the part of Arlene and Jeffrey Donaldson, in terms of where we were going in Northern Ireland. I suggest to Mr Nesbitt and his party that the die has been cast ever since, and the people have demonstrated that in vote after vote.

In congratulating Arlene on her elevation to the post of First Minister, I should say that it is the second most important job that she will ever take on. Her most important job has been, and will remain, that of a wife, mother and daughter. Family will always come first. I know that that will be the case with Arlene, and it should be the case.

It is a really positive day for Northern Ireland, in that we have a new First Minister to lead us forward. In looking at the attributes that Arlene has for the office, I find that she is feisty, fiery and passionate but also intelligent and articulate, compassionate and caring. Anybody who takes up a role like this needs to embody all those things. In doing the job that she has to take on, she will be in the coalition that we happen to be in. I got a bit of flak from some people for saying that we "hold our noses" to work with Sinn Féin. That expression was commonly used in the last Westminster Parliament in exchanges between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. Sinn Féin is not our first choice as a coalition partner. However, the people make the decisions, and the people decide who get the seats. If the people decide that Sinn Féin is to have the number of seats that puts them there, we will get on with the job that the people task us to do. I know that Arlene will be tough on occasion, and there will be other occasions when we will seek to drive projects forward together because they are in the wider public interest. I have absolutely no doubt that what we are doing is in the wider public interest, that we will do the job well and that Arlene will give us the leadership to do it.

Mr Nesbitt used a musical analogy when he referred to Arlene as holding the baton. I suggest to Mr Nesbitt that, in this instance, he is the drum and should expect a good beating.

[Laughter.]

Thank you, Members. Time is up.