30 May 2000

SIR REG EMPEY SAYS EVERYONE IN NI HAS A STAKE IN THE ECONOMY

Sir Reg Empey, MLA, was back at his desk today at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment following the period of suspension of the Assembly.

Speaking at the Department's Netherleigh Headquarters this morning, the Minister said: "The single most important factor in building a successful Northern Ireland economy is political stability. We now have a second chance to make devolution work and with devolution, the economy will be given the much needed impetus to reach its full potential.

"Business and industry has been frustrated and restrained with the lack of a local administration. That is set to change and every man, woman and child now has the opportunity to become stakeholders in the new Northern Ireland economy and to enjoy the benefits which will flow.

"Tourism, inward investment, trade and the retail sector will all reap the benefits of economic confidence. A better quality of life for everyone and total inclusion will allow everyone to play their part to the full.

"Change is all around us, political change and economic change. We must all reach out and embrace it," he said.