The body representing accountants in Northern Ireland has added its voice to the call for the restoration of devolution in the province to tackle a range of economic and social challenges.
The Chartered Accountant Ulster Society said businesses want The Executive to be reinstated to provide “real leadership” to tackle growing issues in health, education and the economy. Speaking at the society’s annual dinner, chair Emma Murray said businesses want to help politicians in the rebuilding the economy and putting it back on an upward trajectory.
Such an approach is needed as three quarters of the society’s members believe the province’s economy is either contracting or stagnant while there is also an increasing the number of businesses in financial distress.
She called for a roadmap to boost the province’s economic fortunes.
“We want to see a plan that can transform the economy, fix our health service and fund our schools, colleges and universities,” she said. “We need the skills to build the economy of the 21st century that we all want to see.
“All of us have to make Northern Ireland work. We want to be able to offer our children, and the next generation, political stability, investment, well-paid employment and a society free from violence.”
The accountants’ body said the Windsor Framework provides huge opportunity for the Northern Ireland economy.
“Our members believe that the Northern Ireland Protocol, now replaced by the Windsor Framework, is a key opportunity for Northern Ireland in the years ahead, potentially providing a unique trading position for businesses here.
“There is a balance to be struck. Now is the time to put division behind us and to finally realise our potential.”
The Ulster Society’s Annual Dinner was sponsored by Danske Bank and MCS Group and held in Titanic Belfast.
