Gillespie comments offer a compelling agenda for prosperity in NI, but UUP takes issue with all-island Development Body
Ulster Unionist DETI spokesman and North Down MLA Leslie Cree today responded to comments made by Dr. Alan Gillespie about Northern Ireland’s economy. In a statement Mr Cree said,
“Taken as a whole Dr. Gillespie’s comments offer a compelling agenda for economic prosperity in Northern Ireland. A vibrant, entrepreneurial private sector, a competitive tax rate to attract FDI, growing innovative local businesses and a public sector oriented towards partnership with the private sector – all these are supported by Ulster Unionists. Our Executive and Assembly must have an authentic commitment to a stronger economic future for Northern Ireland. As Dr. Gillespie states, this requires commitments ‘to be translated into delivery’.
“We also agree with his assessment that effective international marketing of Northern Ireland is essential. However, Ulster Unionists would take issue with the suggestion of a single, all-island international economic development body. This is not actually a matter of sovereignty, but of practical economics. As Dr. Gillespie himself notes, ‘we are not a homogenous island’. With differing tax and regulatory frameworks, and the fact that both jurisdictions are economic competitors, it is important that sensible, pragmatic North-South economic co-operation is not undermined by overly-ambitious and impractical proposals.
“A vibrant economy is in the interests of all in Northern Ireland. Our well-being and cohesion as a community requires economic opportunities and growth. Alan Gillespie has given a powerful challenge to the Executive and the Assembly. Ulster Unionists are ready to do their part in rising to that challenge.”