The North's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Sir Reg Empey, has visited Newtownards, Co Down, to discuss the decline of the local textile and clothing industry with town officials.
Sir Reg yesterday met the town's mayor, Mr Alan McDowell, and other councillors to discuss the future of Bairdwear, Hawkes Bay, Lamont and Regency Spinner - companies that have all had recent problems which threaten hundreds of jobs in the area.
"I am concerned at the already higher than average rate of unemployment in the north Down and Ards areas, especially amongst men, and I am considering what help I might be able to offer to relieve this situation," said Sir Reg.