Ó Muilleoir committed to delivering for Derry

Date published: 9 June 2016

The Minister undertook a number of engagements in the City and said he is committed to being a Minister for all the people.

Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said: “I don’t want to be a Minister who only pays lip service to the outstanding work taking place outside Belfast, nor to the pressures and funding needs being faced by public services right across the north. I want to be a Minister for all our people - a Minister who listens, engages and makes a positive difference to service delivery and communities.”

While in Derry, the Minister had meetings with John Kelpie, Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council, and Seamus Neely, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council. The Minister also met with Professor Paddy Nixon, local businesspeople and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce.

The Minister said: “Derry is the economic hub of the North West and today’s visit will be the first of many that I will make to the City as Finance Minister. I am committed to working with my Executive colleagues to help drive the region forward. We must work hard to ensure the opportunities that exist, and the talent that is so abundant here, are maximised for the benefit of everyone.”

The Minister continued: “I am delighted to have had the opportunity to engage with civic leaders, businesspeople and academics from the local area and have gained a real insight into some of the needs and ambitions that exist here. I look forward to working constructively with them to do what I can to ensure that the people of this City and the whole North West region are supported to achieve a vision of prosperity.”