Politicians warned on Assembly

Business leaders in the North have warned local politicians any suspension of the Assembly would have an immediate impact on …

Business leaders in the North have warned local politicians any suspension of the Assembly would have an immediate impact on the economy and could result in investors shunning Northern Ireland.

The G7 organisation, the umbrella body that represents the North's leading business bodies, has warned that the current political uncertainty could lead to "profound economic consequences".

It has called for no further "short-term fixes or any more carefully crafted fudges" by the North's politicians.

The group said it was disappointed politicians had failed to grasp that political uncertainty caused investors to think twice about locating in the North.

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In a statement G7 said: "Our region cannot afford to have its eye taken off the ball by constant political crises, particularly when there are so many pressing issues locally and global economic uncertainty."

The group, which includes the Institute of Directors, Chambers of Commerce and the Confederation of British Industry, said many sectors in Northern Ireland, such as agriculture and textiles, were facing an uncertain future without the backdrop of a political crisis.

"The fortunes of the tourist industry are now again overshadowed by acute concerns about Drumcree. It is deplorable that, years after the eruption of a local issue which has blighted what should be one of our major industries, the parties involved have not yet met face to face to try to resolve the issue," G7 added.

Francess McDonnell

Francess McDonnell

Francess McDonnell is a contributor to The Irish Times specialising in business