Policymakers have a key role in local economic recovery – Wilson

Policymakers have a key role in driving the local economy forward, Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson has said.

The Minister was speaking at the Chief Executives’ Forum Annual General Meeting in Belfast. The Forum provides an opportunity for Chief Executives to consider issues of interest across the public sector.

During the meeting, Mr Wilson emphasised the need to remain focused on long-term goals in dealing with the challenges that need to be addressed.

He said: "It is vital we do not set aside the longer term development of the local economy to pursue short-term measures designed to alleviate the worst effects of the current situation.

"There will undoubtedly be competing demands for public expenditure, but I believe that the Executive must remain firmly committed to delivering on its first priority within the Programme for Government – growing the Northern Ireland economy.”

The Minister was welcomed by the Forum’s Chair, John Hunter CB. Speaking on the work of the Forum, Mr Hunter said: "The Forum has been actively pursuing partnerships with the private sector to explore how best to achieve the goals of the Executive’s Programme for Government, with its focus on growing the economy and modernising the delivery of high quality public services."

Mr Hunter emphasised the importance of creating the conditions for economic growth despite the financial crisis. Referring to a recent publication that came out of one of those partnerships, Mr Hunter said: "Let’s not waste a good crisis - the scale of the financial cutbacks facing the public sector demands creative thinking.

"Public sector leadership must seek to transform public sector delivery by working smarter and developing partnerships with the private and voluntary sectors."

Minister Wilson welcomed the Forum’s commitment to the Executive’s search for savings and greater efficiency in the delivery of public services.

The Minister concluded: "We must not underestimate the nature of the challenge. Quite simply, there will be a great deal less money in the public purse. Clearly, you as key policymakers will have a crucial role to play in ensuring the maintenance of a broad range of public services. Some difficult choices lie ahead and finding new ways of doing more with less is set to become a key measure of success.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Chief Executives’ Forum is the association of chief executive officers of civil and wider public service bodies in Northern Ireland. The Forum's vision is to be recognised for the contribution it can make in building a better future for the people of Northern Ireland. In summary its strategic aims are to support the democratic process and the transformation of public services to better meet the needs of good government.
2. Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7374 or 028 9052 27375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.