Sinn Fein Leader: Future Executive must prioritise a new economic strategy - 5 Leaders; 5 Days - Networking For Businesses in Northern Ireland

Tue 26th Nov 2019

Sinn Fein Leader: Future Executive must prioritise a new economic strategy – 5 Leaders; 5 Days

Sinn Féin leader Michelle O’Neill today (Tuesday 26 November 2019) outlined her plans for jobs and the economy to leading members of the Northern Ireland business community ahead of the forthcoming election.

The Sinn Féin leader was speaking at the latest event in the ‘5 Leaders; 5 Days’ series, a programme organised by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), at which the party leaders from five main political parties outline their plans for jobs, growth and the economy.

Today’s event followed an address on Monday (25 November) by SDLP Leader, Colm Eastwood.

Addressing an audience of local business people in BT’s Belfast headquarters, Ms O’Neill said: “Over the last three years pro-remain parties and industry leaders have united to protect our economy from Brexit.

“Through co-operation we have protected the Good Friday Agreement and the all-Ireland economy. We have also shown that a new kind of politics is possible. The next test for this new politics is the Westminster election. We want to see as many pro-remain candidates elected as possible.

Ms O’Neill continued: “Sinn Féin stands ready to restore the local institutions on a credible and sustainable basis.

“A priority for a new Executive will be a new economic strategy that brings about a step change in the economic policy. I am committed to building a prosperous economy; decent jobs; world-class public services, and a zero-carbon society.”

John Healy, President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, added: “Business people have been very clear that the restoration of Stormont is an absolute priority and the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce stands ready to support all politicians who are committed to this end. We welcome Ms O’Neill’s commitment to a new economic strategy for Northern Ireland, and her pledges to jobs and the environment – the sooner the executive is restored, the sooner we can begin to tackle these issues in partnership.”

The 5 Leaders; 5 Days series continues with Naomi Long, who is set to address businesses on 2 December. UUP’s Steve Aiken will speak on 3 December, while DUP Party Leader Arlene Foster will conclude the series on 6 December.