Parsley welcomes IKEA, but cautions over dependence on retail

2.12.00pm GMT Fri 27th Jan 2006

North Down Alliance Councillor in Holywood, Ian James Parsley, has welcomed confirmation that a new IKEA store could be open at Holywood Exchange by the end of the year. He cautioned, however, that the Northern Ireland economy cannot continue to rely on retail for jobs growth.

The Holywood representative stated: "I first contacted IKEA to campaign for a store in Northern Ireland in 2003. Naturally I welcome news that the store may be open as early as November, and I have no doubt that many people in the Holywood area who have made the trip to Scotland in the past will welcome a store on their doorstep. This will bring welcome employment to the area too.

"However, news of employment at one site is countered by the news that a similar number of jobs are under threat at the Farm Fed factory on the north coast. This is a worrying sign that not only is the local economy too dependent on the public sector, but it is also too dependent on retail. This is simply not tenable.

"As we enter the next phase of political negotiations, who will be negotiating on behalf of those people who have lost their jobs? Who will be ensuring that there is a viable economy for any future devolved government to govern?

"While it is welcome that we are now a European leader for retail, if we fail to find the right economic and employment balance we should not be surprised that people feel politicians, whether in London or Belfast, are failing to deliver where it really counts."

ENDS