The MLA for East Belfast was speaking after the latest report from the Ulster Bank showed Northern Ireland’s output has increased for the fourth successive month.
Judith Cochrane MLA said: “This latest report proves that overall Northern Ireland’s economy is surviving. – especially during a time of great political instability.
“While the construction industry remains the only sector reporting poor growth figures, it is encouraging that the private sector in general continues to grow in output – recording an impressive level of new orders.
“But we cannot allow these positives to lure us into a false sense of security. The fact remains Northern Ireland’s economic future remains on the edge, largely due to the failure of Sinn Fein, the SDLP and the Green Party to get real over welfare reform.
“I would appeal to all political parties to do the right thing for everyone in Northern Ireland and join Alliance around the table, finding a real solution to the inherent problems that perpetuate the divisions that have led us to this point.”