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26/10/2018
CBI Boss Urges NI Politicians To Govern Ahead Of Brexit
The head of one of the UK's top business groups has urged politicians in Northern Ireland to work together in the face of Brexit, and learn from the compromise that led to the Good Friday Agreement.
John Allan, the president of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said he wanted to address local elected representatives directly.
"Let's not sleepwalk into a no-deal Brexit," he warned.
Mr Allan was speaking at the launch of CBI Northern Ireland, which took place at Titanic Belfast yesterday, Thursday 25 October.
He urged politicians to get back to power-sharing at Stormont to enable decision-making on key infrastructure projects such as the North-South Interconnector and the upgrade to the A5.
"Why not learn form recent history what compromise can achieve? We're 20 years on from the Good Friday Agreement that put people, peace and prosperity first; we need the spirit now.
"Specifically, over 90% of CBI Northern Ireland members believe the proposed backstop is a better outcome for the economy than 'no-deal'.
"Does anyone want history to say a reasonable exit from the EU was thwarted by a generation of politicians who would not compromise?," he said.
A new CBI report revealed that while Britain is Northern Ireland's largest market for goods by value, more businesses trade across the border than across the Irish Sea.
Mr Allan also emphasised the "emigration problem" in the region, and warned that people are going elsewhere, increasing the reliance on international workers.
"Many go back to their home countries in the EU. A third of young people leave Northern Ireland to complete their education. Many don't come back.
"So businesses need action now to address the shortfall, support prosperity and secure vital public services."
The CBI leader called for political leadership to restore the power-sharing Executive in Northern Ireland.
He told politicians: "It is time to do what you were elected to do-govern.
"It's not just Brexit. It’s about a billion pounds worth of Northern Irish infrastructure projects waiting a decision.
"It's failure to reform the health system, failure to deliver a regional industry strategy.
"Northern Ireland deserves better."
(JG)
John Allan, the president of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said he wanted to address local elected representatives directly.
"Let's not sleepwalk into a no-deal Brexit," he warned.
Mr Allan was speaking at the launch of CBI Northern Ireland, which took place at Titanic Belfast yesterday, Thursday 25 October.
He urged politicians to get back to power-sharing at Stormont to enable decision-making on key infrastructure projects such as the North-South Interconnector and the upgrade to the A5.
"Why not learn form recent history what compromise can achieve? We're 20 years on from the Good Friday Agreement that put people, peace and prosperity first; we need the spirit now.
"Specifically, over 90% of CBI Northern Ireland members believe the proposed backstop is a better outcome for the economy than 'no-deal'.
"Does anyone want history to say a reasonable exit from the EU was thwarted by a generation of politicians who would not compromise?," he said.
A new CBI report revealed that while Britain is Northern Ireland's largest market for goods by value, more businesses trade across the border than across the Irish Sea.
Mr Allan also emphasised the "emigration problem" in the region, and warned that people are going elsewhere, increasing the reliance on international workers.
"Many go back to their home countries in the EU. A third of young people leave Northern Ireland to complete their education. Many don't come back.
"So businesses need action now to address the shortfall, support prosperity and secure vital public services."
The CBI leader called for political leadership to restore the power-sharing Executive in Northern Ireland.
He told politicians: "It is time to do what you were elected to do-govern.
"It's not just Brexit. It’s about a billion pounds worth of Northern Irish infrastructure projects waiting a decision.
"It's failure to reform the health system, failure to deliver a regional industry strategy.
"Northern Ireland deserves better."
(JG)
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