NI Conservatives’ Chairman, Irwin Armstrong, has welcomed the Secretary of State’s forthcoming speech to the DUP Conference, during which she will explain government policies.
“We feel that it is important for Theresa Villiers to speak to members of the largest pro Union party in Northern Ireland, to ensure they understand the implications of the UK’s fiscal position and the coalition’s policies on Europe”, Irwin noted.
“The government has set about repairing the UK’s finances and getting us back on the road to growth and prosperity. The deficit has already been reduced by a quarter, which is good progress, but the whole of the UK, Northern Ireland included, must continue to contribute to combating our debt problem. The truth is that we simply can’t go on borrowing and spending beyond our means.”
“The test for the DUP, as a pro-union party, is whether it can prove responsible and see this bigger picture, or whether it will fall back on populism. Ultimately the right action for the UK economy is the action that will put Northern Ireland in the best position for a strong recovery. We need a rebalanced economy which provides sustainable jobs and prosperity for everyone. The secretary of state is taking the opportunity to put that message directly to the DUP.”