SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin
She was speaking after a report by Ibec, Ireland’s largest business representative group, found the Good Friday Agreement brought significant benefits to the economies on both sides of the border.
Ms McLaughlin called for greater cross-border cooperation to address economic issues being experienced in the North and South.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The Good Friday Agreement has brought significant opportunities to this island, with Ibec’s report identifying significant growth when it comes to investment, trade and employment, but these successes mask the numerous failings we have experienced since 1998 due to a failure to fully realise our potential.
“The North still lags far behind the South when it comes to productivity and regional economic balance.
“All too often the political failures that have marked the years following the agreement has scared away investment and left us wondering what might have been.
“People in places like Derry and west Belfast have yet to benefit from these economic changes and that’s something that will have to be addressed as we work towards a renewed all-island economy.
“It is not lost on me that as we prepare to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the agreement that once again our institutions are not functioning.
“There can be no doubt that the DUP’s ongoing boycott of Stormont has had a profound impact on our economy, particularly in light of the significant challenges facing families.
“Now and in the future we need to have political stability in the North and across these islands if we are to realise our full potential and improve the lives of people across our communities.”
