Act decisively in uncertain times, Northern Executive told

Business leaders today told the North's First Minister Peter Robinson that the Executive must act to tackle the growing economic crisis.

CBI Northern Ireland chairman Brian Ambrose told an employers’ conference that work must proceed on key projects if the North is to prosper.

He outlined a 10-point plan for the economy and called for decisive political leadership on issues such as the proposal for a multi-sports stadium at the former Maze prison site.

Mr Robinson was at the CBI Northern Ireland Annual Lunch in Cultra, Co Down, where Mr Ambrose addressed 380 senior business executives and guests, including public servants and academics.

The Northern Executive has not met for three months because of a dispute between the DUP and Sinn Féin over the devolution of policing and justice powers to Stormont.

But Mr Ambrose addressed economic concerns and said: “Leadership is required, particularly at times of uncertainty. We can steal a march on the competition by taking advantage of local decision-making and with a sense of urgency take appropriate action.”

He added: “It will require leadership from the First Minister and his Executive colleagues, it will require taking bold steps in uncertain times and it will necessitate practically everyone in this room making a contribution.”

In his 10-point plan for progress he called on government to prioritise key infrastructure projects, to enhance competitiveness and called for tourism to be boosted by the creation of signature schemes including the Titanic project.

Mr Ambrose said the successful US/Northern Ireland investment conference of earlier this year should be built on by driving forward its top six opportunities.

He called for the Dublin-Belfast rail link to run hourly and under faster travel times and demanded action to tackle planning issues and health service efficiency.

Urging an overhaul of the public sector, he added: “We are justified in questioning the type of structures which are appropriate to govern a region with the same population as that of greater Leeds.”

His call for a decision to be made on the future of the Maze site came as Sinn Féin also demanded action on the issue.

DUP culture minister Gregory Campbell last month said he was close to revealing his decision on whether a stadium to host soccer, rugby and Gaelic games would go ahead.

Prominent unionists have opposed plans to build a conflict transformation centre around buildings retained from the Maze prison/Long Kesh site, including one of the infamous H-blocks.

But Sinn Féin’s Barry McElduff said the failure to make a decision was putting potential jobs at risk.

“The DUP needs to show vision for the future,” he said. “The debate around the Long Kesh site has been going on for well over 10 years now. The inquisition is now over, it is time to act.

“There is huge economic uncertainty and serious pressure on the construction industry. Yet, we have at our disposal an opportunity to create thousands of jobs.”

He said DUP in-fighting had delayed a Maze decision since the Assembly was formed in 2007.

“We need to develop this provision for sport and recognise that the three main governing bodies of sport have already reached a consensus and that there is an urgent need for progress.

“As DUP junior minister Jeffrey Donaldson has already pointed out there is a real danger that opportunities related to the London 2012 Olympics will also be lost.”