Ulster Unionist Economy Spokesperson Sandra Overend has re-stated the Ulster Unionist Party’s call for increased spending on capital projects in order to reignite growth in the Northern Ireland economy.
Sandra Overend, who is a member of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee said:
‘Our economy in Northern Ireland is lagging worryingly behind the rest of the UK in terms of recovery with our unemployment rate rising above the UK average which is currently showing signs of improvement. It is up to Stormont to take every step within its power to create an environment to change this state of affairs.’
‘The Ulster Unionist Party clearly set out that increased spending on capital projects has the potential to really boost growth and kick start the economy both before this Assembly term began and at our economic conference in the aftermath of the job losses at FG Wilson. There is clear evidence that this approach would succeed, supported as it is by the findings of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) report on a Path to Growth which highlights the importance of capital investment for the economy.’
'Ulster Unionists will continue to advocate policies which will have a positive effect on our economy and increased spending on infrastructure is vital to that.'
‘It is now up to the First and deputy First Ministers to put this case forward to the Treasury and I would call for action sooner rather than later.’