IBEC and CBI NI welcome new power-sharing talks

The Ibec/CBI Joint Business Council (JBC) has welcomed the start of a fresh round of talks between political leaders.  The JBC urges politicians on all sides to restore the devolved power-sharing Government in Northern Ireland and the institutions that stem from the Good Friday Agreement.

Business leaders across Ireland and Northern Ireland hope the parties will work together to end the political deadlock, which has lasted for more than two years.  At a time of great uncertainty, an Executive programme to support business investment and employment is urgently needed.

The £105 million city deal announced this week for Derry/Londonderry and Strabane, is aimed at tackling deprivation and increasing prosperity in the region.  However, this deal will require match funding from a power-sharing Government, private sector investment and active coordination through the North/South Ministerial Council.  For the positive impact of this deal to be realised in full, it must sit alongside parallel initiatives such as the Ireland Northwest Gateway to Growth initiative.  A restored Northern Ireland Executive and a reinstated North South Ministerial Council are essential if we are to protect and grow the all island economy.

The JBC strongly urges all parties to come together, compromise and have the devolved Institutions operating as soon as possible.