23 March 2026
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has said it is clear the Executive has no plan to drive forward Northern Ireland’s economy.
She was speaking after the publication of a report from the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee examining economic growth.
The report found that while the Northern Ireland economy is growing, the Executive has failed to put in place the infrastructure and planning needed to make the most of existing opportunities.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said:
“This report highlights that the Northern Ireland economy has grown since the Covid-19 pandemic and underlines the significant opportunity that exists. However, it also identifies clear failures by both the Executive and UK Government to put in place the planning needed to realise that potential.
“Our SMEs are unable to fully benefit from dual market access due to a lack of support. We continue to face deficits in infrastructure, skills and planning, and there remains a clear imbalance in economic growth outside Belfast. The report also warns of the serious threat posed by cuts to Local Growth Fund support, which risks the loss of vital services and potentially thousands of jobs.
“The Executive lacks a coherent economic vision for Northern Ireland. Departments are operating in silos, constrained by the political priorities of individual Ministers. There has been a failure to agree a multi-year budget, no clear investment strategy and no credible plan to address the challenges while capitalising on the opportunities ahead.
“Earlier this month the SDLP set out a detailed plan for the future of our economy based on an all-island approach. There are clear opportunities to strengthen our economy by working with both Dublin and London. Instead, we have an Executive more focused on internal division than delivery. Until that changes, progress will remain limited.”