UUP disappointed at spin over substance on Financial Package
Monday, May 7th, 2007
Responding to recent negotiations with Chancellor Gordon Brown and the financial package on offer, Ulster Unionist Leader and incoming Minister for Employment and Learning Sir Reg Empey MLA said;
‘My party has been deeply disappointed by the content of the package, especially the ’spin’ surrounding the two meetings held in Downing Street with the Chancellor. Totally misleading impressions were left with the public, who were given to believe that huge additional sums were being offered.’
‘We now know from our Departments that little above what would have been coming here has been added. Indeed, the money offered by the Irish government, however generous, will require substantial funds from within Northern Ireland for it to be spent in the first place.’
‘As DEL Minister I will have a particular interest in the innovation fund. But even this is smoke and mirrors with little beyond a first year contribution being new money. No meaningful research project can be pursued in less than three years. What we are being invited to do is spend our own money and call it Gordon Brown’s Innovation fund!’
‘I wish OFM/DFM well in their negotiations, but fear more of the same from No 11.’