Menu
26/04/2010
Prosperity Must Be Part Of Shared Future: SDLP
SDLP South Belfast candidate Alasdair McDonnell said jobs and the economy should be the focus, not just of the upcoming general election, but also of Northern Ireland's entire devolved political system.
He said: "We have done peace, now we must do prosperity. We can argue about the best way to build our economy but no one can argue with the idea that this is the great challenge we face.
"We have put our ideas on the table: 30,000 'Green New Deal' jobs, enough to fill Casement Park; 12,000 new jobs that could fill Ravenhill from all-island tax harmonisation. And they are not just our ideas: they also come from economists, industry, farmers, the Sustainable Development Commission and the Economic Reform Group. It is the role of political leadership to bring together the best ideas in the form of realisable policies and that is what we are doing.
Mr McDonnell continued: "Economic regeneration must be driven by our devolved political institutions. But it can’t be done without a strong voice at Westminster and that is why we will be there, where it counts when it counts. There is also a strong all-Ireland dimension, not only with regard to uniform corporation tax but also in realising the massive employment potential of the green economy. The SDLP is able and ready to offer political leadership at all these levels and to win broad community support on the ground for our job creation proposals.
"We will debate these ideas with anyone and if other parties decide to take up the jobs challenge we will debate their ideas too. Our politics must have a broader dimension than slicing up the block grant. The purpose of political action must be to make life better for people. We cannot achieve social objectives, we cannot abolish poverty and protect the vulnerable unless we embrace the concept and practice of wealth creation. Prosperity must be part of our Shared Future," he said.
(NS/GK)
He said: "We have done peace, now we must do prosperity. We can argue about the best way to build our economy but no one can argue with the idea that this is the great challenge we face.
"We have put our ideas on the table: 30,000 'Green New Deal' jobs, enough to fill Casement Park; 12,000 new jobs that could fill Ravenhill from all-island tax harmonisation. And they are not just our ideas: they also come from economists, industry, farmers, the Sustainable Development Commission and the Economic Reform Group. It is the role of political leadership to bring together the best ideas in the form of realisable policies and that is what we are doing.
Mr McDonnell continued: "Economic regeneration must be driven by our devolved political institutions. But it can’t be done without a strong voice at Westminster and that is why we will be there, where it counts when it counts. There is also a strong all-Ireland dimension, not only with regard to uniform corporation tax but also in realising the massive employment potential of the green economy. The SDLP is able and ready to offer political leadership at all these levels and to win broad community support on the ground for our job creation proposals.
"We will debate these ideas with anyone and if other parties decide to take up the jobs challenge we will debate their ideas too. Our politics must have a broader dimension than slicing up the block grant. The purpose of political action must be to make life better for people. We cannot achieve social objectives, we cannot abolish poverty and protect the vulnerable unless we embrace the concept and practice of wealth creation. Prosperity must be part of our Shared Future," he said.
(NS/GK)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 June 2012
Queen's Students Win Most Technologically Innovative Idea Award
Students from Queen’s University Belfast, Aaron Robinson, William Imrie, Michael Neill, Alastair Mitchell and Andrew Beckett (AWAMA) have today won the ‘Most Technologically Innovative Idea Award’ at this year’s Enterprise Ireland Think Outside the Box Awards, winning a prize of €5,000, co-sponsored by Cruickshank Intellectual Property Attorneys an
Queen's Students Win Most Technologically Innovative Idea Award
Students from Queen’s University Belfast, Aaron Robinson, William Imrie, Michael Neill, Alastair Mitchell and Andrew Beckett (AWAMA) have today won the ‘Most Technologically Innovative Idea Award’ at this year’s Enterprise Ireland Think Outside the Box Awards, winning a prize of €5,000, co-sponsored by Cruickshank Intellectual Property Attorneys an
04 April 2011
'Diplomatic Drive' To Win EC Support
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore has said he will lead a "co-ordinated diplomatic drive" to win political support for Ireland among EU member States.
'Diplomatic Drive' To Win EC Support
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore has said he will lead a "co-ordinated diplomatic drive" to win political support for Ireland among EU member States.
18 June 2004
Food retailers slam 'inept political spin' surrounding salt issue
Leading UK food industry companies have sent a letter to Health Minister John Reid to protest at comments by a government minister that not enough had been done to cut salt from certain products – describing her claims as “inept political spin which has nothing to do with real attempts to improve the nation's health”.
Food retailers slam 'inept political spin' surrounding salt issue
Leading UK food industry companies have sent a letter to Health Minister John Reid to protest at comments by a government minister that not enough had been done to cut salt from certain products – describing her claims as “inept political spin which has nothing to do with real attempts to improve the nation's health”.
23 April 2015
SDLP To Invest In Neglected Areas Throughout NI
The SDLP is to invest in neglected areas throughout Northern Ireland to attract more investors. Mid Ulster Westminster candidate Cllr Malachy Quinn said the SDLP is aiming to rebalance the economy. He said: "I'm very proud that the SDLP's central pledge at this election is the creation of a Prosperity Process to build on the foundations of peace.
SDLP To Invest In Neglected Areas Throughout NI
The SDLP is to invest in neglected areas throughout Northern Ireland to attract more investors. Mid Ulster Westminster candidate Cllr Malachy Quinn said the SDLP is aiming to rebalance the economy. He said: "I'm very proud that the SDLP's central pledge at this election is the creation of a Prosperity Process to build on the foundations of peace.
19 July 2019
Trade NI Issue Plea For Stormont Deal
A coalition of business bodies has called on Northern Ireland's political parties to reach agreement and "do the deal", as negotiations to restore power-sharing continue.
Trade NI Issue Plea For Stormont Deal
A coalition of business bodies has called on Northern Ireland's political parties to reach agreement and "do the deal", as negotiations to restore power-sharing continue.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
