Northern Ireland First Minister the Rev Ian Paisley chose to defer the resolution of a number of issues in relation to the governance of Northern Ireland to allow for the foundations of peace and prosperity, he said.
Mr Paisley was speaking in Dublin over the weekend at an international conference on dispute resolution organised by the Irish branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Dr Paisley said he could have chosen not to enter into Government with Sinn Féin until all issues in relation to the future of Northern Ireland were resolved, but he decided to compromise and focus on the issues which were an "absolute necessity".
These were, he said: "That everyone must accept the police service of Northern Ireland as the legal law enforcement force; everyone must accept the fact that we as a people must obey the law; and everybody must support the law."
However, Dr Paisley told the conference, he was still surprised at the speed at which a deal was done once these core principles were accepted.
"I agreed I would move and we did move. I didn't think we were going to move at such speed but we did. I don't know what happened. The vehicle went faster than ever before and I am here today as proof positive that Northern Ireland has a Government, Northern Ireland has an Assembly, and Northern Ireland is going to go down further and further the road of peace and prosperity."
Mr Paisley said he looked forward to the day when everyone on the island shared a common denominator.
"To see that the people on both parts of this island have fair play, live with the protection of law and order and go forward to give their children a better place in this island, and I believe we should dedicate ourselves to this task."
Disputes and differences can only be resolved and proper foundations built when there is full awareness and good faith, Mr Paisley said.
"I believe we have got the proper foundation, the foundation stones are being laid and I believe that one day the building will be completed."
Dr Paisley was guest of honour at the conference which focused on commercial dispute resolution including arbitration, mediation, conciliation and adjudication. Joe Behan, chairman of the Institute said it was a great honour to have Dr Paisley present, "whose election to the post of First Minister is due to the resolution of what was once seen as an intractable dispute".
"In the past when we thought of Northern Ireland we thought of conflict. Now we think of resolution, hope and a bright future. Dr Paisley's commitment, determination and unfaltering negotiation skills played a significant role in bringing about resolution," Mr Behan said.
