Menu
18/11/2010
'Don't Rush Budget', Says McGuinness
As it emerged that Executive Ministers are to review progress on budget discussions this afternoon - with a report from Stormont's own specialised review committee expected to be presented - First Minister Peter Robinson's insistence on the need for the Executive to agree a budget soon has come in for criticism.
The Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: "I agree there is a need to agree a budget and that the Executive must work collectively.
"But the budget we agree has to be the right budget, a budget that grows the economy out of recession, which safeguards public services and tackles disadvantage.
"We cannot be rushed into bringing forward a budget that fails the community, dismantles public services and deepens the economy crisis," he said.
"We have brought forward ideas for recovery; many have been supported by the other parties. We also need clarity on the powers we will have to raise the revenue required to invest in growth and public services. This is an essential element of the budget," the Sinn Fein Minister said, noting that they had a meeting with NIO Secretary of State, Owen Patterson, "in which there was a lack of clarity on the position of the Tory-led government with regard to building our economy".
"We want to work with all parties, we want to provide financial clarity and we want to agree a budget.
"However it must be the right budget and not a rushed job. It must be a budget which counters the blow inflicted on us by the Tories," Mr McGuinness said last night.
The DUP leader, Peter Robinson has already said that NI is dealing with arguably the greatest economic threat Northern Ireland has ever faced.
"This is a test which the Executive and Assembly cannot afford to fail. The budget needs to be finalised quickly in order to offer the necessary consultation before it is presented to the Assembly for approval.
"Time is not on our side, but I am determined that devolved government will mean responsible government. It is not responsible to leave departments in the dark about their future funding until the eleventh hour of an outgoing financial year," he said.
"Of course, every party around the Executive table has its own ideas about how to respond to the challenges we face.
"Some believe in tax and spend and some in slash and burn. But as a former Finance Minister, who successfully introduced a four-year budget in 2007, I have seen and heard it all before," he said.
"The economy is in a greater crisis now and the public have a right to demand and expect of its representatives that they set aside party and personal axes and work together - collectively and in co-operation - to agree a four-year budget.
"I believe we can agree a budget. I hope all parties will join in that collective pursuit."
On Monday, the current Stormont Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson said that an emergency budget may be needed if the NI Executive fails to agree a draft budget.
He said the deadline was fast approaching for a budget to be passed and implemented in time for the end of the financial year and noted that NI will in any case be the last devolved administration to agree a draft budget following Chancellor George Osborne's Spending Review last month.
(BMcC/GK)
The Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: "I agree there is a need to agree a budget and that the Executive must work collectively.
"But the budget we agree has to be the right budget, a budget that grows the economy out of recession, which safeguards public services and tackles disadvantage.
"We cannot be rushed into bringing forward a budget that fails the community, dismantles public services and deepens the economy crisis," he said.
"We have brought forward ideas for recovery; many have been supported by the other parties. We also need clarity on the powers we will have to raise the revenue required to invest in growth and public services. This is an essential element of the budget," the Sinn Fein Minister said, noting that they had a meeting with NIO Secretary of State, Owen Patterson, "in which there was a lack of clarity on the position of the Tory-led government with regard to building our economy".
"We want to work with all parties, we want to provide financial clarity and we want to agree a budget.
"However it must be the right budget and not a rushed job. It must be a budget which counters the blow inflicted on us by the Tories," Mr McGuinness said last night.
The DUP leader, Peter Robinson has already said that NI is dealing with arguably the greatest economic threat Northern Ireland has ever faced.
"This is a test which the Executive and Assembly cannot afford to fail. The budget needs to be finalised quickly in order to offer the necessary consultation before it is presented to the Assembly for approval.
"Time is not on our side, but I am determined that devolved government will mean responsible government. It is not responsible to leave departments in the dark about their future funding until the eleventh hour of an outgoing financial year," he said.
"Of course, every party around the Executive table has its own ideas about how to respond to the challenges we face.
"Some believe in tax and spend and some in slash and burn. But as a former Finance Minister, who successfully introduced a four-year budget in 2007, I have seen and heard it all before," he said.
"The economy is in a greater crisis now and the public have a right to demand and expect of its representatives that they set aside party and personal axes and work together - collectively and in co-operation - to agree a four-year budget.
"I believe we can agree a budget. I hope all parties will join in that collective pursuit."
On Monday, the current Stormont Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson said that an emergency budget may be needed if the NI Executive fails to agree a draft budget.
He said the deadline was fast approaching for a budget to be passed and implemented in time for the end of the financial year and noted that NI will in any case be the last devolved administration to agree a draft budget following Chancellor George Osborne's Spending Review last month.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
19 November 2024
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
-
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.
