The Sinn Féin Minister for the Economy Conor Murphy MLA has announced that the party’s Commission on the Future of Ireland will be holding a major economic conference on 22 November.
The conference will discuss the impact of partition west of the Bann and examine how Irish Unity can redress the generational disadvantage that part of Ireland has suffered.
Conor Murphy said:
“Several weeks ago I launched an economic plan to address regional imbalances in the North’s economy. This includes providing £45m for councils to distribute through new “local economic partnerships” over the next three years. The plans also include the restructuring of Invest NI and the Department for Economy and the creation of a new regional balance unit.
“I also recently opened Invest NI’s new hub and event space in Dublin to take account of the growing all-island trade that is currently taking place. In the last six years trade between both parts of the island has grown by 125%. The all-Ireland economy offers a significant opportunity for growth, new businesses, and jobs.
“Sinn Féin has made the promotion of tackling regional balance a priority since our ministers took up office, recent announcements including the proposal to move ahead with building the A5 road project are another step towards creating a fairer, more balanced economy.
“This can only get better with Irish Unity.
“Academics, the business sector, media columnists and more are engaged in a daily conversation on the constitutional future of the island of Ireland.
“But it must be planned for. Preparatory work needs to begin now, and people must have their say on what the future shape of the new Ireland will look like.
“A strong and fair economy is the basis for a thriving society and for this reason Sinn Féin’s Commission on the Future of Ireland is hosting this latest economic event in Canavan’s in Ballygawley on 22 November.”
Note to Editor: The conference will take place in Canavan’s in Ballygawley on Friday 22nd November and run from 11 am to 1pm.
Those taking part will include Sinn Féin’s senior finance spokespersons and Executive Ministers – Pearse Doherty TD, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Conor Murphy MLA and John O’Dowd MLA.
