Economic growth North's 'next big battle'

Developing the economy in the North and delivering greater prosperity is the "next big battle" facing the Northern Ireland Executive, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said yesterday.

In his first meeting at Government Buildings with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern since the Executive was established, Mr McGuinness said the North was now entering a much more optimistic era for economic development.

He said the Taoiseach was fully supportive of corporation taxes being cut in the North, although it was ultimately a matter for the British government.

Mr McGuinness said the North was facing a crucial period following the restoration of the Executive to show the people of Northern Ireland that the political system can help deliver greater prosperity.

"There is a narrow window of opportunity there. Between now and the summer of next year, we will be trying to bring plenty of economic investment, plenty of well-paid jobs to Northern Ireland," Mr McGuinness said.

"Ian Paisley and myself have laboured the need for a level playing pitch and I think the Taoiseach has publicly been very supportive of us in doing that.

"Obviously, we are still doing quite a bit of brainstorming as to how this can be accomplished. I'm very encouraged by what I heard from the Taoiseach," he said.

"I think we can all work together, the Irish Government, the British government and whatever support we get from the EU and US administrations, to deal with all these issues in a way which will see us take the best advantage from what is a limited window of opportunity."

The Taoiseach and Mr McGuinness also discussed the future development of the peace process, North/South co-operation and the devolution of responsibility for policing and criminal justice matters to the Executive. Major projects, such as road and canal links, were also on the agenda.

Last week the Irish Government confirmed its €400 million contribution towards infrastructure in the North. Part of the money will go towards the route linking Dublin to Donegal and passing through Co Tyrone. The road between Belfast and Larne is also to be upgraded.

The Northern Ireland Assembly, meanwhile, has established a working group to report by next spring on progress towards devolving powers over policing from London to a local minister. Mr McGuinness said it was clear there had been underfunding and neglect of Northern Ireland, especially in the use of EU funds, but hoped this would change over the coming years.

A key event in the development of the North's economy over the coming months will be a major investment conference, due later this year.