Northern Ireland business bodies have pulled no punches in their criticism of the DUP’s decision to stand Paul Givan down from his role as first minister.
They have claimed the resulting uncertainty and likely collapse of the Executive increases headwinds for the economy at the worst possible time and damages the region’s international reputation.
The comments come as DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson told the BBC that even after an election it would be difficult for the party to form a government if issues around the Northern Ireland Protocol remain in place.
The protocol, put in place to ensure the free flow of goods on the island of Ireland in the wake of Brexit, annexes Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK, according to the DUP, by imposing checks on goods entering the province from Great Britain. Their decision to stand Mr Givan down is an attempt to force the Westminster government and European Union to remove the effective Irish Sea trade border.
Some of the most influential business lobbying groups have been scathing of the move.
“Combined with the directive to suspend checks at ports, this decision creates an unsustainable level of uncertainty for businesses, at a time when they need support and stability,” NI Chamber President Paul Murnaghan and Chief Executive Ann McGregor said in a statement. “It also has the potential to seriously damage local and international business confidence.
“The ramifications of this are far-reaching, impacting not just on business. People are facing significant challenges, with societal issues like fuel poverty affecting individuals and families already. Another political crisis exacerbates these problems and stalls progress for everyone.”
Gordon Milligan, Chair of the Institute of Directors Northern Ireland, said the now likely collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive is the last thing that businesses here could possibly want.
“Companies thrive on stability which creates the environment necessary to grow and drive the economic prosperity we all strive to deliver for this region. Not only does this damage our reputation on the international stage, it comes at a time when we are all trying to navigate the impact of COVID-19 and the growing cost of living crisis.
He said the business community will again have to shoulder the burden.
“It is incumbent on political leaders to do what the business community always does – step up to the plate and work together to find a solution. We simply cannot continue to stumble from one political crisis to the next.”
The group representing the hospitality sector here said the impact of the DUP’s move will hit all areas of the business community.
“The hospitality sector has only started to get back on its feet with some remaining restrictions still to be lifted,” Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster Colin Neill said. “We also need a focused strategy on the revitalisation of the sector brought forward.
“Whilst an election was imminent, we are really worried that without Executive approval this all could be in jeopardy and we need to be reassured that this is being dealt with.”
Paul Murnaghan and Chief Executive Ann McGregor called for a shift away from politicking.
“Political division has held Northern Ireland static for too long. Our recovery and future economic prosperity demands a dramatically different approach. The time is overdue for all our elected representatives to start consistently putting people and the economy before politics.”
