"My job now, as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, is to take this process forward, and that I'm determined to do, whatever old clippings you dig out and whatever old quotes you put before me"

This quote by Peter Hain is an action to a concern about his past political views. He is saying that his existing task as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is to take the procedure forward, and that he is figured out to do so, no matter what his past views might have been. He is stressing that his current task is his concern, which he is not going to be distracted by his past. He is showing that he is devoted to the procedure and is not going to be prevented by any criticism of his past. He is also showing that he wants to take obligation for his past views and is not going to shy away from them. This quote reveals that Peter Hain is a determined and responsible leader who is dedicated to the process of taking Northern Ireland forward.