The Conservative Party’s economy spokesman for Northern Ireland has described the Stormont Executive parties as “thoroughly pathetic”, after they failed to reach an agreement during talks on a budget and other issues. Johnny Andrews said they were more like “toddlers having a tantrum than a responsible administration” and he warned that they were in danger of “throwing away” the chance to transform the economy through lower Corporation Tax.
“The sum total of the DUP and Sinn Féin’s strategy, in particular, has been to stamp their feet and scream for more money”, Johnny continued. “The parties have no intention, seemingly, of facing up to their responsibilities, balancing the budget, implementing welfare reform, tackling legacy issues and taking the decisions which every single region in the developed world has been forced to take financially. This time, the very real prize of powers to lower Corporation Tax, which could transform our economy, is being allowed to slip away. It’s a depressing and pathetic situation and, as usual, everyone will be to blame except the protagonists themselves. Worst of all, it is all so wearily familiar.”
“We’ve seen the same pattern countless times. The parties fail to discharge the most basic tasks of government. They then precipitate a crisis, expect governments, leaders and diplomats to dance attendance during ‘hothouse’ talks and, rather than address issues properly, the whole charade usually comes down to money. It cannot go on like this. Concocting some type of financial deal, without addressing issues around competitiveness and rebalancing the economy, will only lead to the same thing happening again, a few years down the road. The parties in this Executive are bringing shame on Northern Ireland and they’re losing people here the chance of a successful economy powered by low Corporation Tax. It is clear that only one Party is serious about delivered the devolution of Corporation Tax - the Conservatives.”