Ulster Unionist Party Responds to Finance Minister Climbdown on Rates Reval 2026

Ulster Unionist Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA said:

“The recent climbdown by Finance Minister John O'Dowd on Rates Reval 2026 starkly highlights Sinn Féin's tone-deaf approach to the economy. Is this a case of Sinn Féin policy taking precedence above all else, and could such policies be acting as a deliberate wrecking ball to Northern Ireland's economy?

“The Minister must now explain why he failed to intervene at an earlier stage to recognise the devastating impact these punishing rate increases would have on core hospitality providers, including hotels, pubs, and food outlets.

“We also need clarity on whether the Minister received a briefing from Land & Property Services in advance of their findings on the Reval 2026 exercise. If so, why did he not foresee how damaging this would be to the cornerstone of hospitality in Northern Ireland?

“I hold this Minister wholly responsible for the widespread alarm he has caused across the industry. I now call on him not only to provide immediate intervention but also to assure the sector that, going forward, it will be treated as an integral part of economic growth policy, fully supported to protect livelihoods, the tourism industry, and vital supply chains.”