The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce has today signed a letter along with 20 other business organisations, calling on our political leaders and representatives to redouble efforts to restore the Assembly and Executive.

The business groups from Northern Ireland say they are deeply concerned by the lack of political representation at a time of great economic uncertainty and are calling for a “redoubling” of efforts to restore the Assembly.

“Two and a half years on from the collapse of the Executive, and now approaching the likely conclusion of the Brexit process, the Northern Ireland business community is deeply concerned at the continued absence of a functioning administration and is calling on political representatives to redouble their efforts to reach agreement to get the Assembly and Executive working again.

“There has seldom been a time when strong and effective leadership has been more necessary, both to deliver on the domestic agenda and also to speak up for Northern Ireland in the Brexit process.

“We need a fully functioning administration to agree and deliver a Programme for Government that will build infrastructure, reform our health service and education system, ensure we have a strong economy, and create opportunities for our young people. We also need effective representation in the Brexit discussions, even at this late stage in the process, to ensure that the economy is protected through whatever changes arise and that all necessary mitigations are sought and secured.

“The business community will give encouragement and support to those politicians who stretch themselves to reach a compromise. Without such a commitment and associated action from our elected representatives, we risk irreparable damage to our economy and our society for which future generations will judge us harshly.”

Signatories include:

  • Belfast Chamber
  • Causeway Chamber of Commerce
  • CBI NI
  • Centre for Competitiveness
  • Construction Employers Federation NI
  • Federation of Small Businesses Northern Ireland
  • Freight Transport Association
  • Hospitality Ulster
  • IoD NI
  • Londonderry Chamber of Commerce
  • Manufacturing NI
  • Mineral Products Association NI
  • Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade
  • NI Grain Trade Association
  • NI Hotels Federation
  • NI Tourism Alliance
  • Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association
  • Northern Ireland Retail Consortium
  • Retail NI
  • Women in Business NI