THE North's economy is healthier than it has been for 30 years and it is up to people to make the most of the improved conditions, the Northern Economy Minister, Baroness Denton, has said in her New Year message.

She predicted that many more jobs would be created over the next year. "Over the past 12 months we have responded to the challenge to build and develop the economy," she said.

"We have laid the foundation for even more prosperous times times which everyone can, and must, share. In the New Year, the opportunities will still be there for Northern Ireland, but it will be up to all of us to make sure we identify them and make the most of them."

Baroness Denton said that unemployment was at its lowest level for 14 years manufacturing output was growing twice as fast in the North as in Britain exports had increased by 25 per cent in three years home occupancy rates were at their highest levels and visitor numbers were set to reach 1.5 million, with tourism revenue up by 20 per cent.

In a New Year statement, Sinn Fein councillor, Mr Mairtin O'Muilleoir, said that nationalists in the North must obtain economic justice in 1996.

"Despite the press releases from Baroness Denton, economic justice is as far off for nationalists today as it was 12 months ago, he said.

Although they make up just 38 per cent of the workforce, nationalists continue to make up over 63 per cent of the long term unemployed.

"While key investments have gone to unionist areas over the past 12 months, and while businesses and hotels enjoy the benefits of the peace process, west Belfast had to make do with the Community Work Programme farce.