THE President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce has said the time has come for those who oppose the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement to outline a viable alternative.
Speaking to over 850 guests at the Chamber's annual banquet last night, President Ellvena Graham described the deal brokered by Prime Minister, Theresa May as a "welcome step forward".
“After a long period of negotiation we now have a draft Withdrawal Agreement which is undoubtedly a welcome step forward for the majority of businesses in Northern Ireland and it is definitely much better than a no-deal scenario," she said.
“We want the outcome that’s best for businesses, for consumers, for the economy and for the future stability of Northern Ireland – and we’ll do everything we can to ensure that we get it."
Ms Graham called on local politicians who support the agreement to "do everything in their power" to influence their counterparts in Britain to join with them and challenged those opposed to provide an alternative solution.
“For those that are not in support of the draft agreement, it is now time to outline your alternative proposals. We are willing to listen," she told the audience.
The DUP has been the most vocal local critic of the deal, currently being promoted across the UK by the Prime Minister, with the party's 10 MPs set to vote against it on December 11.
In her address the Chamber President also re-iterated calls for the restoration of local government and said it is stifling investment
“We have a vibrant and innovative business community that wants to invest and grow but it’s stymied because of the prolonged absence of a regional government and the endless Brexit bickering," Ms Graham said.
“Every action – or indeed non-action – has consequences. And the consequence of a lack of real political representation means that we have no consolidated voice to speak for us at a time when we have never needed it more.”
Jed Mercurio, creator of hit BBC dramas, Bodyguard and Line of Duty was guest speaker at the annual banquet held in the ICC Belfast (Belfast Waterfront).