Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“Throughout my time at Stormont I have highlighted the fact that North Antrim receives a raw deal from Invest NI when it comes to both inward investment visits and jobs created.
“Recently I received figures which cover 2014-15 and I am appalled that there has been no improvement in the situation. In fact, it is worse than ever. Over that period there hasn’t been a single inward investment visitor brought to North Antrim.
“Over the same period there were 61 to South Belfast alone and North Antrim was the only constituency without a single FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) visit.
“This is totally unacceptable.
“Invest NI needs to promote ALL of Northern Ireland, including North Antrim.
“These figures would be shocking at any time but they are particularly so given the huge blow which North Antrim suffered with the loss of JTI Gallahers. Following the announcement of its closure there were many grand promises of support from the Executive and particularly Invest NI to do all they could to bring new employment opportunities to the area.
“These figures reveal the sad truth that while there was a lot of talk there was no action.
“TUV will continue to keep up the pressure on these issues to ensure that North Antrim secures the investment and jobs it so badly needs.”