Robinson and McGuinness outline Executive's position on budget process

First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA met with representatives from NI Committee Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Business Alliance and the NI Council for Voluntary Action today to outline the Executives position on the budget process.

First Minister Peter D. Robinson said: “Today’s meetings provided an opportunity to listen to the sectors’ concerns and update them on the current position with regard to the budget following our meeting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Tuesday.

“We again stressed that we will continue in the coming weeks to press the Coalition Government to deliver the sort of support that will ensure the continued growth of our private sector. There is no doubt in our minds that Northern Ireland needs to be considered as a special case.”

Mr McGuinness said: “We are undoubtedly facing a very difficult fiscal position in the coming years, and it is vital that Government works innovatively with the business, community and voluntary sectors and the trades unions to ensure we achieve growth in the economy whilst protecting the most vulnerable in our society.

“We assured everyone we met today that we have put a very strong case to George Osbourne that this region has special circumstances, and the dangers of cutting too deep, too fast here.”

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