Welcoming todays' announcement that 1000 new jobs will be created by EY in Belfast and the North-west, Ulster Unionist Party Economy spokesperson, Mike Nesbitt MLA said.

“On the one hand, this EY announcement is a wonderful affirmation of our economic eco system, not least the flow of high-quality graduates emerging from our universities. And it is far from a one-off. In a single generation, professional services organisations like EY, PWC, KPMG, Deloitte, BDO and others have invested heavily in their NI operations.

“On the other hand, this should sound a warning siren to those who refuse to allow a working devolved government. It is clear to me from recent discussions with business leaders that stable government is a desirable only, not an essential. Yes, they would all like to see Stormont back up and running, but business is not prepared to wait. It cannot, given there are wages to be paid on a Friday, invoices to be paid at month’s end, and decisions to be made on a daily basis. Devolved politics is in grave danger of becoming irrelevant to the business community.

“The Ulster Unionist Party congratulates EY on a wise and significant business decision to invest in Northern Ireland and encourages the entire business community to stand strong and united in calling for politicians to stop being the major negative when investment decisions are under consideration."