THE habitually-asked question of the last 650 days was re-posed tonight at the north's biggest business dinner of the year: ‘When do we get our government back?’
Dozens of politicians - from MPs and MLAs to local councillors - were among a black-tie audience of more than 900 at ICC Belfast for the NI Chamber of Commerce's President’s Banquet.
And they heard Chamber president Cathal Geoghegan challenge - but also show some empathy with - the politicians in the room, who he told: “We're ready to work with you.”
He told guests: “It’s frustrating that for yet another year, at this time, indeed on this very stage, we must ask when do we get our government back?
“We are fast approaching 650 days without an Executive. That's a milestone no one in this room wants to see, because for all of us, that’s vital time lost for decisions about spending and overdue reforms on health, climate change, planning and so much more.
“As we’ve repeatedly stressed, a fully-functioning, stable Executive is our most urgent priority.
“But we must be clear, we want an Executive that lasts, that takes tough decisions, and delivers on its priorities.”
And speaking directly to the representatives of the five main political parties, he proposed a partnership approach to the in-tray of issues awaiting new ministers, telling then: “Business understands the scale of the challenge ahead of you.
“We want to work in partnership with a new Executive, helping you to move beyond defining problems, to designing solutions.
“The membership of NI Chamber, the leadership represented here tonight, is an unrivalled resource - and it’s ready to start co-designing and co-delivering on workable, innovative new ideas, right now.”
Mr Geoghegan also heaped praise on the businesspeople in the audience for the resilience they’ve demonstrated, singling out some of the region’s most innovative firms for their outstanding global success.
He added: “Whatever the challenges, our members will remain confident and resilient. Our companies are agile and ambitious and quick to adapt to changing circumstances. They want the growth of Northern Ireland to continue. They want our global impact to expand.
“But we need that restored and renewed Executive with a clear ambition for boosting economic growth if businesses are really going to realise their true potential.”
Guests were also due to hear from Ireland rugby captain Johnny Sexton in what was his first corporate speaking engagement since returning from the World Cup in France.
