NI leaders' New Year message

Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers have appealed to the community to work with them to address the challenges in the coming year.

In their joint New Year message, David Trimble and Mark Durkan said greater effort was needed to tackle the legacy of the Troubles.

They said stable government could help deal with the daily issues that affect the people of Northern Ireland.

"We have made a good start but we recognise that there is a lot more to be done to tackle the legacy of a generation of violence and disadvantage."

Improvements

The ministers highlighted improvements in health, education and roads as main priorities for the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2002 and some of its successes.

"We have demonstrated the ability to tackle crises such as foot-and-mouth and north Belfast," the statement said.

"The Executive had announced plans for a cross border gas network, free nursing care and travel for the elderly, improved student support, investment in the roads network and were developing proposals for a Children's Commissioner.

"Recent positive meetings of the North South Ministerial Council and the British Irish Council provided a basis for co-operation for everyone's benefit.

"By working together with the community we will continue to address the many challenges that face us in 2002," they said.