Statement by TUV East Belfast Assembly candidate Andrew Girvin:
“Today’s news of job losses at Bombardier is another big blow for East Belfast and manufacturing generally in Northern Ireland.
“In November Jonathan Bell, the DETI Minister, told the DUP conference: “Don’t let anybody tell you that manufacturing in Northern Ireland is in a difficult position”.
“He evidently hadn’t been listening to Bombardier. The complacent attitude of the Minister is inexcusable. Those who are only interested in hearing good news are ignoring the reality faced by many families who will now lose a pay-packet but still need to pay their mortgage and other essential bills.
“Clearly the Executive is on the wrong track when it comes to securing and retaining jobs for Northern Ireland. The single transferable speech on corporation tax just doesn’t cut it. If corporation tax is the “silver bullet” some claim why are high value jobs such as these leaving the Province when there is the prospect of a reduction?”