PMS proposal welcome

Sir Reg Empey MLA, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party has welcomed the announcement that the First and deputy First Minister have put a proposal to the Prime Minister on how to resolve issues surronding the Presbyterian Mutual Society

In a statement Sir Reg said:

"I warmly welcome the news that the First and deputy First Minister, on behalf of the Executive, have put a proposal to the Prime Minister and the Treasury on how to resolve the problems facing savers with the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

"While the details will have to be scrutinised by PMS savers, the Treasury, the Executive and Assembly, I am confident that the united will of all Parties in Northern Ireland and the Executive to see a positive outcome will pay off.

"In the absence of a credible commercial solution we would have envisaged a combined resolution between ourselves and the Treasury. However, it is crucial that all savers with the PMS are given meaningful relief.

"I said at my Party's AGM on Saturday past that I was more confident than at any time since this crisis began that progress was being made.

"Today's developments may herald at least a beginning of the end to this crisis.

"I urge the Prime Minister to respond positively to these proposals".