NI Conservatives’ economy spokesman, Johnny Andrews has accused the executive of being “unfit for purpose”, after the latest economic statistics showed another rise in unemployment and stagnation in the construction industry.
“After the two largest parties in the executive spent the week engaging in a ‘sham fight’, we learn that the jobless figures have risen yet again, by an alarming 22% over the course of the past year”, Johnny observed. “There can be no clearer symbol of the failure of this administration. Employment in the rest of the UK continues to rise while here it continues to fall. Yet, when the government at Westminster offers to work with the executive to deliver a package to create jobs and growth in Northern Ireland, ministers prefer to preen and posture, rather than do their bit to achieve progress toward building a shared, prosperous society.”
“Then there’s the sustained, worrying stagnation in our construction industry, where the executive has money sitting unused that could provide immediate help. It is outrageous that the A5 project continues to tie up £330 million, having cost taxpayers £60 million already, all of which could have been boosting construction and providing employment. The executive must end this vanity project right now and divert the savings into schemes like the Belfast – Derry road which can provide lasting benefits to the economy in Northern Ireland.”
“Whether it’s on boosting employment, investing in infrastructure or reforming public services, as highlighted in the CBI’s report, published this week, the executive is failing. Until ministers start to put in place these building blocks for a successful economy, a stable, shared society, competition and efficiency in public services, targeted investment in roads and infrastructure and a business friendly, enterprise culture they will continue to fail.”