Anderson in smaller government call

Sydney Anderson said the call made by the Chief Economist of the Northern Bank mirrored long standing DUP concerns.

He said: “For a long time the DUP stood alone in calling for a significant reduction in size of government in Northern Ireland. Initially all of the pro-Belfast Agreement parties opposed us and we were left to make those calls on our own.

“Coming hard on the heels of similar calls from the CBI, this latest call, this time from the Chief Economist of the Northern Bank is further evidence of the correctness of our position and represents yet further support for it.

“I welcome the fact that more and more people recognise the good sense and good government that lies behind the long standing DUP policy. I am, however, disappointed that the other parties in Stormont still do not, for whatever reason, have the will to really set about reducing the number of MLAs, department etc.”

He added: “Northern Ireland simply does not require 12 Departments and 108 MLAs nor does it need the glut of Quangos that have spread across the Province.

“If people have to tighten their belts in the current economic climate, then there is no justification for a continuation of bloated government.”