Neeson says rise in unemployment reveals how weak Executive's business policies are

11.50.00am GMT Wed 13th Feb 2008

Alliance Economy Spokesperson Seán Neeson MLA

Alliance Economy Spokesperson Seán Neeson MLA has stated that today's news of a rise in unemployment locally reflects badly on the Executive's business policies. He said that they must re-balance the economy, and to do this they must tackle the biggest problem in Northern Ireland - segregation. It was revealed today that unemployment in Northern Ireland has risen by 3,000 from 3.8% to 4.2% between October and December 2007.

The East Antrim MLA said: "The Executive must start making the moves necessary to strengthen and rebalance our economy. Today's figures highlight the ineffectiveness of their policies in this area.

"To re-balance the economy they must encourage the creation of more high-value, high skill jobs in Northern Ireland. The Executive must start tackling the biggest problem facing Northern Ireland, segregation, to increase the chances of attracting more high value investment here.

"The Executive lacks the ambition and vision needed to strengthen the economy, but we will keep the pressure on them to take the steps necessary to create more jobs."

ENDS