Budget shows why the north needs greater economic control and tax varying powers – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin’s economic spokesperson Mitchell McLaughlin MLA (south Antrim) has said that any boost to the economy in the north is welcome but that ‘economic policies concocted in Whitehall are designed to benefit Whitehall.’

Speaking from Stormont today Mr McLaughlin said;

“The arguments for greater economic control to be developed to the hands of locally elected and responsible politicians is becoming increasingly relevant within the current economic climate.

No British Budget is about easing the burden of citizens here in the north; there must be greater economic control devolved to our local institutions in Ireland, particularly tax varying powers, so that as our political projects matures we can continue in our work to deliver in amore positive way for the citizens we represent.

In particular we need to see the ability to harmonise the economy on an all-Ireland basis to attract greater economic investment in our workforce and their ability to deliver throughout many industries.

The reality is that economic policies emerging from Whitehall are not designed for the long term benefit of the economy or citizens here in the north of Ireland. The ability to control these issues ourselves should be granted to local and accountable politicians.”