Corporation Tax reduction essential

The Ulster Unionist Party has said that the Northern Ireland Executive needs to give urgent consideration to a report from the Northern Ierland Economic Reform Group.

Commenting on the report, UUP MLA David McNarry who sits on the Finance Committee said; "Today's Northern Ireland Economic Reform Group report gives the clearest possible indication that a real step-change in our economic performance is dependent on reducing corporation tax. We should not forget that all the main parties in the Assembly have called for reduced corporation tax - but this Labour government has been unwilling to listen.

"The report's conclusions must be studied closely by the Assembly, Executive and Westminster. If there is seriousness about ensuring that Northern Ireland plc is genuinely competitive in the global marketplace, movement on this issue is vital.

"A business-as-usual approach to economic policy cannot be a serious option for Northern Ireland. Real growth, real job creation, real economic opportunity, all require radical thinking. I therefore urge the Executive to give urgent and serious consideration to the report.

Ulster Unionist Trade and Tourism spokesperson Mark Cosgrove added; "The Ulster Unionist Party's partnership with the Conservative Party offers a genuine possibility that a future Conservative and Unionist Westminster government will act to deliver reduced corporation tax for Northern Ireland. This demonstrates the UUP's commitment and ambition to see the Union and mainstream UK politics delivering real results for all the people of Northern Ireland."