07/11/2002
Political crisis threatens confidence, investment and jobs
Three-quarters of Northern Ireland business leaders say the collapse of the Good Friday Agreement would destroy business confidence.
The unexpected result was part of a BBC Northern Ireland Business Day Poll survey which also revealed that if current levels of violence escalate, half of local employers would postpone planned investment or cut jobs.
Carried out by business advisors PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) as part of the BBC's Business Day poll, the report revealed that the majority of the 500 Northern Ireland CEOs and business leaders surveyed supported devolution for the province.
Eight out of ten said Assembly control of economic strategy was the best option to grow the Northern Ireland economy while employers said that devolution, backed by political stability; peace and foreign direct investment were the keys to future economic prosperity.
The result of the survey clearly indicates that business leaders in the Province want the economy at the top of the political agenda with control of the economy in the hands of local politicians.
BBC Business Correspondent, James Kerr, said: "The BBC survey confirms that political and security stability are inextricably linked with business confidence, investment and jobs."
The poll also revealed that short-term business confidence was low, and that fewer than three out of ten CEOs believed the economy would improve in 2003, most said that it would stay the same or deteriorate.
All-Ireland business links are also high on the local business agenda - nearly 70% of Northern Ireland business leaders say local businesses should develop closer ties with the Irish economy.
(MB)
The unexpected result was part of a BBC Northern Ireland Business Day Poll survey which also revealed that if current levels of violence escalate, half of local employers would postpone planned investment or cut jobs.
Carried out by business advisors PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) as part of the BBC's Business Day poll, the report revealed that the majority of the 500 Northern Ireland CEOs and business leaders surveyed supported devolution for the province.
Eight out of ten said Assembly control of economic strategy was the best option to grow the Northern Ireland economy while employers said that devolution, backed by political stability; peace and foreign direct investment were the keys to future economic prosperity.
The result of the survey clearly indicates that business leaders in the Province want the economy at the top of the political agenda with control of the economy in the hands of local politicians.
BBC Business Correspondent, James Kerr, said: "The BBC survey confirms that political and security stability are inextricably linked with business confidence, investment and jobs."
The poll also revealed that short-term business confidence was low, and that fewer than three out of ten CEOs believed the economy would improve in 2003, most said that it would stay the same or deteriorate.
All-Ireland business links are also high on the local business agenda - nearly 70% of Northern Ireland business leaders say local businesses should develop closer ties with the Irish economy.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 February 2024
Naomi Long Re-Elected As Justice Minister For Northern Ireland
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has been re-elected as Justice Minister for Northern Ireland, following a cross community vote in the Assembly. Minister Long previously held the Justice portfolio from January 2020 to October 2022.
Naomi Long Re-Elected As Justice Minister For Northern Ireland
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has been re-elected as Justice Minister for Northern Ireland, following a cross community vote in the Assembly. Minister Long previously held the Justice portfolio from January 2020 to October 2022.
08 February 2024
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
Online Business Ideas Gaining Traction In Northern Ireland
Are you looking for a new business venture that can be operated from the comfort of your own home? The rise of the internet has provided countless opportunities to start an online business and reach customers from all over the world.
29 January 2024
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
The Ultimate Guide To Bingo Halls In Northern Ireland
Bingo, a game that has been a staple in Northern Ireland's entertainment scene for decades, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts across the region. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in bingo hall attendances, and some attribute this surge to the growing popularity and accessibility of bingo sites.
20 September 2002
Sustainable development does not mean 'sacrificing economic progress'
Recognising the importance of sustainable development does not mean sacrificing economic progress, the First and Deputy First Ministers said today.
Sustainable development does not mean 'sacrificing economic progress'
Recognising the importance of sustainable development does not mean sacrificing economic progress, the First and Deputy First Ministers said today.
13 January 2004
NI Economic Research Institute swings into operation
The new Economic Research Institute will play an important role in contributing to economic debate and understanding in Northern Ireland and in the development of the local economy", according to Ian Pearson Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.
NI Economic Research Institute swings into operation
The new Economic Research Institute will play an important role in contributing to economic debate and understanding in Northern Ireland and in the development of the local economy", according to Ian Pearson Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with further outbreaks of rain this morning, heavy at times, especially over north Antrim. Becoming drier and brighter this afternoon with sunny spells and a few showers. Winds becoming light. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Further showers this evening, some heavy, especially in the east, dying out early tonight. Then mainly dry with clear periods developing, leading to a touch of frost and icy patches. Minimum temperature -1 °C.