‘Weak programme for government won’t deliver growth’ – Ritchie
Margaret Ritchie, the SDLP MP for South Down, has questioned the Conservative-led government’s proposals outlined in the Queen’s speech at Westminster.
Speaking following the announcement Ms Ritchie challenged the government to start growing the economy, saying: “This was a notably minimalist programme for government from a Tory- led coalition that has delivered little more than a double dip recession. The government seems set to continue to heap the burden of austerity on people facing serious economic challenges rather than helping them. This burden is not delivering growth or economic recovery and is being passed on by the DUP and Sinn Féin without question to people in the North of Ireland.”
“As hard working families across Northern Ireland face up to record fuel prices and home heating costs they may well ask where the Government’s priorities lie.” She continued, “There was nothing in this speech that suggested any remedy for these problems. Instead we hear a government preparing to increase the burden of public sector worker’s pension contributions and introducing measures that will make it easier for firms to fire people. Most worryingly, this is legislation that will likely be passed through Stormont with little more than a nod from the DUP and Sinn Féin.”
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