Business

Time for the political class to move away from absolutism, conflict and red lines

Stephen Kelly greets British prime minister Boris Johnson at the Trade NI event in Westminster
Stephen Kelly greets British prime minister Boris Johnson at the Trade NI event in Westminster Stephen Kelly greets British prime minister Boris Johnson at the Trade NI event in Westminster

LAST Wednesday the largest business delegation of the north’s business community descended in Westminster for a series of engagements with politicians, policy-makers and diplomats from over 40 countries.

The message was, regardless of the political environment, our business community is determined and poised, if given the right conditions, to create more wealth and work.

It was an appeal to politicians and others that the economic health of Northern Ireland must be a priority.

Alongside colleagues in Hospitality Ulster and Retail NI, under our new collective Trade NI banner, we launched an ambitious plan for our local economy – Vision 2030 - which focuses on:

:: A sustainable economy where growth is stimulated by investment in education and skills, supported by responsible consumption and production.

:: A competitive economy that provides a supportive environment for doing business.

:: A global economy that is visible and attractive to the outside world with an infrastructure which supports connectivity.

:: An economy supported by revitalised communities where people want to live, work and visit.

It is the start of a conversation perhaps setting the scene for new economic policy should the Executive get back up and running. These are our ideas which we hope people can support or indeed challenge. But we must break the current paralysis. We must be looking forward and someone has to be taking action.

There is much to be proud of. Indeed in the words of Kevin Kingston, chief executive of Danske Bank, speaking at the launch, our businesses “punch well above their weight” in markets at home and abroad. But they can’t fight with their hand tied behind their back.

To realise the ambitions of our Vision 2030 plan, we need three things. If the UK is to leave the EU, then it must have concluded an exit deal with the EU which workable and protects our firms, farmers and families. Next, that the NI Executive is restored and taking decisions. Finally, business must be provided with an environment in which they can compete.

In the coming month, the political class must move away from absolutism, conflict and red lines. Compromise is a good thing and it is required in order to avert disaster. In engagements in Belfast, Brussels and in London, it is clear that a Brexit deal which focuses on protecting Northern Ireland is possible. For us, it is desirable but must be workable. Do that and we remarkably have the potential to grab victory from the jaws of defeat!

A deal must ensure unfettered access to the EU and the UK markets including no quotas, tariffs nor origin rules and one which does not cripple our firms with costs and complexities which would be just as damaging as leaving on No Deal.

The Northern Ireland business community found its voice last autumn, we cleared our lungs again last Wednesday, and as we approach the most critical month in recent history for our employers and workers, we won’t be found wanting.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar concluded his recent speech to the British-Irish chamber by referencing Charles Stuart Parnell: “Be hopeful, energetic and determined”.

We are and we will be. Should a late compromise emerge on Brexit and on the Executive in the coming weeks, we will be there to make sure that this is cherished and celebrated.