NI Spending Cuts Provoke Debate

Ulster Unionists have responded to the Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson's call for his Executive colleagues to get a "reality check" about the prospect of forthcoming budget cuts.

The DUP's Mr Wilson said all politicians needed to be realistic and added: "Everyone is going to feel the pinch of what is coming down the line over the next number of years."

The Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) on 20 October is expected to mean a cut of up to £2bn in the NI budget.

Now, Ulster Unionist Finance Spokesperson David McNarry has said: "I am pleased that the Finance Minister has changed his position from 'not a penny' during the election campaign, to a rather more rational position that reflects the gravity of the challenges we face.

"However, in light of the fact that the next 'CSR' period is getting ever closer, the Minister must give clarity on what preparations he and his Executive colleagues have been making.

"Indeed I am interested to hear what progress they have made in working more cohesively on spending reductions," the MLA said.

"In line with his new, rational self, I wonder might the Minister also accept that - given improved levels of spending by Departments in recent years - there is an element of risk in relying on capital over-commitment of £10.6 million and £45 million of reduced requirements for current spending," he continued.

"To my mind there us a danger that we might break Treasury rules on public spending, and I would be concerned about the consequences of such an error."

Sinn Fein MLA Mitchel McLaughlin last week said that the Executive should not just "roll over" but should fight proposed reductions.

(BMcC/GK)