Emma Little-Pengelly slams criticism of NI economy: 'I am sick of some who constantly talk down NI'
'We are now 27 years on from the Good Friday Agreement, as we all know a historic moment where we settled on the democratic and institutional arrangements to end what was a conflict that ran for centuries,' she said.
'We created the space to build peace and reconciliation, build friendships, build relationships across the island of Ireland, but also between Ireland and Britain. At the heart of that agreement is the commitment to a referendum to make the decision on partition.
'Just remember, more than a century ago Ireland was partitioned down the barrel of a British gun. There was no democracy involved. It was imposed on the island, and the consequences of it were literally devastating for our island, and deeply damaging to he relationship between Britain and Ireland. We need to fix all that.
'Politics has changed, we've all moved on, the peace has been established, I think we have made enormous strides, all of us, and I think Ireland and Britain and all the political leaders and the people deserve great credit for that.
'Now we're at a point where we say 'what's the next chapter?' For us, logically, in economic terms, in social terms, in democratic terms Irish unity makes sense.'
Speaking at the QUB Global Economic Forum on Tuesday, Ms Pengelly criticised the comments and highlighted successes across several sectors.
"I am sick of some who constantly talk down Northern Ireland,' Ms Little-Pengelly said.
'We are tasked with the responsibility and the honour of promoting this wonderful place with so much potential.'
The DFM added that the region has attracted high levels of foreign direct investment and has over 1500 international firms operating locally.
'NI has one of the lowest levels of unemployment across the UK, and one of the highest educated and youngest workforces across these islands,' she continued.
'Northern Ireland deserves champions to promote all that is great about Northern Ireland. Those who believe in the future of our economy and will work to realise it."
Ms Little-Pengelly also hit out at comments made by GMB host Richard Madeley who said Northern Ireland is 'close to being a basket case.'
During the interview, Mr Madeley asked Ms McDonald: 'Why do you want Northern Ireland still so badly? Because, economically, I think it's fair to say it's close to being a basket case at the moment.'
News Catch Up - Tuesday 15th July
Ms Little-Pengelly rejected this claim and said the region is a 'base case for investment.'
"Northern Ireland is far from an economic "basket case", indeed it is a base case for investment,' the DUP MLA said. 'And I welcome that was recognised by the many economists and experts in the Global Economic Forum today.'
She called for Sinn Fein minister clarify if they are 'working to promote' the local economy.
'Our position has part of the UK, while having huge international access and appeal can truly elevate NI to new heights.
"The economic plans of Sinn Fein as outlined by Michelle O'Neill and Mary-Lou McDonald in London this week are based on vagueness and fantasy. It is economic illiteracy.
'Michelle O'Neill and SF Economy Minister Archibald need to be open with the public - are they working to promote our economy or have they simply binned it as economically unviable."
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