Former First Minister encourages Sinn Fein to show 'political leadership' on defence sector to boost NI jobs
Sinn Fein’s economy minister has been encouraged to show support for Northern Ireland’s multi-million pound defence sector – after virtual silence from Caoimhe Archibald on the industry since she took office.
With various global conflicts raging, and the UK government’s commitment to increase defence spending, the sector has seen major investment in the province.
Despite that, a search of the Department for the Economy (DfE) website shows no mention of the defence or security sectors – or big firms such as Thales – since Sinn Fein took over the portfolio.
The department did not respond to a query from the News Letter if it could point to any statements from the minister or department since the return of devolution, relating to Northern Ireland's defence sector.
Last year, first minister Michelle O’Neill said she was “incredulous” at a UK government deal for Belfast factory Thales to supply air defence missiles to Ukraine.
In response to a question from Baroness Foster this week, a government minister said he “thought that everyone would have welcomed” a recent a £1.6 billion investment in the weapons manufacturer.
Baroness Foster told the News Letter: “The focus this week has understandably been on the war in the Middle East, and we had the opportunity to look at HMG’s investment in the defence industry across the UK.
“Northern Ireland has a strong defence industry and supply chain but there are more opportunities for growth.
“It is therefore vital that political leadership across the UK – including in Belfast – pushes forward an ambitious plan for the sector.
“People needs jobs and Northern Ireland needs economic growth and that alone should push the agenda forward.
“I was pleased Lord Coaker, the defence minister in the House of Lords, was unequivocal in his answer and I hope the Minister of the Economy and the First Minister of NI take note”.
On Wednesday, Lord Coaker referenced a £1.6 billion investment in Thales, saying he “would have thought that everyone would have welcomed that for the jobs and prosperity it brings”.