DEPUTY First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said the Covid-19 crisis should be a turning point towards a "fairer, greener, and safer economy for all".
Sinn Féin's northern leader said an economic plan must address problems of the past, defend against the public health crisis of the present, and tackle the threat of climate change in the near future.
"Since February, the Covid-19 pandemic has gripped the world. In that time we have all paid a staggering human cost, not least in the hundreds of thousands of people who have perished," she said.
"In these tragic circumstances, it’s difficult to think about the economic impact of the crisis. But at this point the impact is already clear - we are in the midst of the sharpest economic recession in centuries.
"Despite unprecedented economic intervention from states around the world, the world economy will be hit hard, and unemployment will rise, disproportionately targeting the least well off in society, young people, and the vulnerable."
Ms O'Neill said society now stands at a crossroads.
"One path can lead us to a new economy, based on security, safety and compassion for all. We need to carry these values into the post-pandemic world," she said.
"The other path leads back to a recent past, where governments slash public spending, attack public services, and target the most vulnerable to pay for tax breaks to millionaires.
"Now is the time to begin planning for a fairer, greener, and safer economy for all, and to resist another devastating bout of Tory-imposed austerity."
