STORMONT politicians have been urged to embrace the opportunity of the Fresh Start agreement and engage more in the economy.
At the Chartered Accountants Ireland annual dinner, the body's president said it was critical, MLAs "back up the words with action by starting to engage in economic politics".
The agreement paved the way for the devolution of powers to lower the north's rate of corporation tax, with a rate of 12.5 per cent set for April 2018.
However, Tony Nicholl was political instability was damaging the north's future.
He was speaking to 400 delegates at the body's annual dinner in Belfast City Hall.
“Instability is devastating. Northern Ireland has a great deal to offer as an investment location. It is a great place to live and it can be a great place in which to do business. We cannot afford to damage and disrupt our future any longer," he said.
“We cannot risk our economy, our jobs and our reputation with potential investors, especially as we work to recover from the longest recession in living memory. Our politicians have a difficult job. Of course they want Northern Ireland to prosper. That is not in doubt. But we can no longer allow the past to delay our future."
Mr Nicholl said Stormont's structures had "been in disarray for many years".
"We have had many fresh starts and while the business community is hopeful, it remains to be seen whether or not this fresh start is in fact a false start," he added.
Mr Nicholl, who heads Northern Ireland Chartered Accountancy group GMcG, also welcomed the setting of a potential date and rate for a corporation tax cut in Northern Ireland.
“We see it as a step which will improve Northern Ireland’s competitiveness. A reduction in the corporation tax rate can be an important catalyst for economic development in Northern Ireland, just as it has been for the Republic of Ireland," he said.
“It is critical that this incentive is backed up with investment in skills and infrastructure, along with stability and a new commitment to economic politics at Stormont.”
The audience of business leaders at Belfast City Hall was also addressed by journalist, broadcaster and political aide Alastair Campbell.
