DUP and SF need to up their game for the sake of NI economy

David McNarry, Ulster Unionist Party Spokesperson for Finance and Personnel, has commented on the Prime Minister's speech, which addressed the difficult budgetary decisions that lie ahead, saying that the Executive and Assembly need to prepare for difficult decisions.

In a statement Mr. McNarry said:

"The Prime Minister has given the economic debate in the United Kingdom an injection of realism. He is correct to say that we cannot duck the tough decisions that have to be made and he is right to be honest with the people of the UK. Whilst we must do all we can to get the best deal for Northern Ireland his message is in stark contradiction to the parallel universe some local politicians have been living in, in recent times.

"The Prime Minister's assurance that the most vulnerable in our society will be protected is welcome and the public will hold him to this commitment.

"Sammy Wilson's call for a mature debate on the budget deficit last week was a welcome departure from the school boy antics that the DUP have demonstrated to date. However, I think few will take Nigel Dodds' comments seriously when they take into consideration that the DUP, despite much talk, have introduced no serious measures 'to cut the fat out of the system', indeed during the election campaign they even claimed that no savings were needed.

"The DUP and Sinn Fein need to up their game to ensure Northern Ireland comes out of this period in a stronger position.

"I believe there are a number of things we should be doing now to ensure that we make more informed and better decisions before the Budget is published on 22nd June.

"Firstly the Executive must do all it can to get the best possible deal for Northern Ireland, whilst recognising we cannot avoid very difficult decisions.

"The Executive must begin to re-write the Programme for Government to ensure that it is fit for purpose in very changed financial circumstances - this is something the UUP has been calling for, for over a year.

"The Northern Ireland Assembly should introduce an Assembly budgetary review committee to build consensus and transparency amongst the political parties on the best way forward.

"The DUP and Sinn Fein must commit to protecting our health service from further cuts, matching the commitment made by the coalition Government.

"The Executive must also start a process of working with the coalition Government to grow Northern Ireland's private sector. If Northern Ireland is to have a sustainable economy and long-term economic and social security re-balancing our economy is vital.

"It is imperative that within days of the emergency budget details being announced, that the Assembly holds a debate to give guidance on and credence to the future economic direction Northern Ireland must take."