Foster accuses Government of belittling North economy

First Minister Arlene Foster has accused the Government of belittling the Northern Ireland economy and attempting to lure investors away from the North.

Ms Foster, in her first keynote speech to her party conference as First Minister and DUP leader, insisted that “Brexit means Brexit” and claimed Dublin was trying to exploit the referendum result to the disadvantage of Northern Ireland.

"The reality is that political instability in Dublin, and fears for their own future, are driving their decision-making at present as much as any concern about Northern Ireland," Ms Foster told the conference in the La Mon Hotel in east Belfast on Saturday.

“And while they seek to take the views of people of Northern Ireland on the issue of Brexit at home, their representatives are sent out around the world to talk down our economy and to attempt to poach our investors,” she said.

"It is clear . . . that the one place that a hard border does exist is in the mind of the Irish Government. I don't believe in a hard border and am happy to welcome shoppers looking for a bargain from across the border anytime they want to come," she added.

“And I am quite confident that the investment offer that will be available, both now and in the future, will mean our reputation as a place to invest will continue to grow.”

Notwithstanding that criticism Ms Foster said, “I am pleased that relations with the Irish Government are probably as good as they have been at any point in our history and I will continue to work with them where it is in the best interests of Northern Ireland to do so.”

Big opportunity

Ms Foster also was adamant the decision to withdraw from the EU would enhance the economic prospects for the North. "I respect those who believed that the United Kingdom's best interests were served by remaining within the European Union, but I have no time for those who want to refight the referendum. That debate is over," she said.

“Rather than talking up the challenges, we should be looking towards the opportunity. Brexit represents the biggest economic opportunity for this country in decades. But the only way that we can ensure that Northern Ireland’s interests are best served is if we are united and determined.”

Ms Foster said five simple principles would guide her during the Brexit negotiations. "Firstly, Brexit means Brexit. The whole of the United Kingdom leaves the EU," she told delegates.

“Secondly, the economic and social benefits for Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom are far more important than our relationship with the EU. “Thirdly, any deal must recognise the reality of our geography and of our history. Fourthly, we will work with whoever we need to, to get the best deal for Northern Ireland at home and abroad.

“And fifthly, whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, it will not divert me from delivering on my plan to build a better Northern Ireland.”

Ms Foster said Brexit negotiations must not “divert and distract from the normal business of government, nor should it be used as a basis to reopen settled political agreements”.

Tribute

The First Minister paid tribute to her predecessor Peter Robinson who helped see Northern Ireland and the party "through to better times" although she made no direct reference to her main partners in the Northern Executive, Martin McGuinness and Sinn Féin – apart from saying how she and Mr McGuinness were dubbed "Marlene".

She did say, however, that the Executive was “functioning better than at any stage since the restoration of devolution in 1999”.

Ms Foster said the "darkest moment" since she took over as DUP leader in December and as First Minister in January was the murder by the "New IRA" in March of prison officer Adrian Ismay. "We will not forget him nor will we allow those who murdered him to divert us from our course," she said.