THE lack of an Executive at Stormont is “deeply regrettable”, the new president of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce has told business leaders in the North West.
Selina Horshi, who was appointed in December, told the Chamber’s annual president’s lunch the absence of the Assembly is having a detrimental effect on investment and the economy in the north.
The managing director of the White Horse Hotel in Campsie, she addressed a room of 200 gathered at the City Hotel in Derry on Thursday afternoon, stating that entrepreneurs in the North West need a stable and certain environment to grow in.
“The ongoing lack of an Executive and Assembly is deeply regrettable once again,” she said.
“It’s extremely frustrating, for businesses and communities, that our MLAs have not been able to sit at Stormont and pass positive and progressive legislation for nearly a year.
“This is even more frustrating in the face of challenges like the cost-of-living crisis which have impacted everyone in our society.
Ms Horshi described the Windsor Framework as “a positive step” in relations between the EU and the UK, adding: “We remain cautiously hopeful that an agreed deal can lead to the restoration of the Executive.
“As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, it’s important that we recapture the optimism and hope of 1998 to ensure we can deliver prosperity for our businesses and our communities.”
Selina says the onus is on elected representatives to maximise NI’s unique economic position and says the return of the Executive is vital in achieving this. pic.twitter.com/V9o1HIBjwf
— Derry Chamber (@Derry_Chamber) March 9, 2023
The lunch took place during Derry and Strabane Enterprise Week, with Professor Liam Maguire from Ulster University delivering a keynote address on the progress and projects of the Derry and Strabane City Deal.
