Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson, Adrian Cochrane-Watson MLA, has stated that only days after announcing a deal, the comments from Jim McVeigh, the leader of the Sinn Féin Belfast City Council group, demonstrate a serious fault line developing in Sinn Fein`s attitude to devolving corporation tax varying powers to Northern Ireland
Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson, Adrian Cochrane-Watson MLA, said:
“Sinn Féin and the DUP have been going to endless lengths this week to self-congratulate over the so-called “Fresh Start”. But just like Sinn Féin pulled the plug on the Stormont House Agreement, a serious fault line has already appeared in Sinn Féin’s attitude to Corporation Tax.
“While Martin McGuinness is endorsing a date and rate of April 2018 and 12.5%, a senior colleague is not. Jim McVeigh, who leads the Sinn Féin Grouping at Belfast City Council, said:
“As for corporation tax, we won`t be signing up to any cut unless we can afford it and we won`t be able to afford it anytime soon comrades! This is about taking further fiscal powers back to Ireland.”
So which is it, Sinn Féin? Are we seeing another rollover? Will the same thing happen to corporation tax as happened to welfare reform when there was discontent in the Sinn Féin ranks? It`s time for them to be upfront about their intentions.”