Alliance Deputy Leader welcomes Barroso EU cash taskforce

Alliance Deputy Leader Naomi Long has welcomed the announcement by European Commission President, Manuel Barroso, that he is to establish a Northern Ireland taskforce to examine how to boost the community and economy locally. The announcement came following Mr Barroso’s working lunch at Stormont with Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness.

Naomi Long MLA said: “I strongly welcome this initiative because Northern Ireland must maximize the potential of economic and social links with fellow EU member states.

“This development, along with the potential that EU links can unlock, illustrates the real need for the new Executive to take a broader outlook on local issues and reach out to our European partners.

“I am also pleased that Mr Barroso has committed 600 million pounds, over the next six years, to projects in Northern Ireland and the Border counties. This cash will provide a much need boost for the local community.”

ENDS