Programme For Government Thrashed Out

Job creation and investment in smaller businesses are to be at the heart of the new Stormont Executive Programme for Government.

In a late night session yesterday, a long meeting at the seat of the NI Executive at Stormont Castle finally decided what the priorities will be over the next four years and how they will spend taxpayers' money.

Although there is yet to be a formal announcement, it has been reported that the Executive has given a commitment to potentially creating upwards of 30,000 new jobs.

This should help areas that have so far suffered badly, with the Sinn Fein MP for West Belfast, Paul Maskey having already called on Executive Ministers to increase their efforts in bringing employment opportunities to areas like West Belfast, North Belfast and Foyle.

This followed the publishing of statistics which indicate Foyle and West Belfast as amongst the top five in unemployment levels in the UK.

Among further measures expected to be announced at the Stormont Assembly on Thursday is a pledge to provide one years free pre school education for children while the Executive also pledges to provide double glazing for all Housing Executive properties - where at present only 40% have been completed.

It's believed that a reduction in local councils from 11 to 15 will go ahead despite opposition from Ulster Unionists and the SDLP.

The deal also promises a £50m fund to lend money to small and medium sized business.

(BMcC)