Conor Murphy begins new role as Economy Minister

Newry and Armagh MLA Conor Murphy joins the restarted Stormont Assembly as Economy Minister after accepting the position on Saturday during the Assembly's first sitting in nearly 2 years. Mr Murphy was Finance Minister up until the institution was mothballed in February 2022 by the DUP. As Finance Minister one of his greatest achievements locally was his announcing of £16.2m in funding to build phase 1 of the long awaited Newry City park.

The public representative has welcomed the return of the democratic institutions and the historic election of Michelle O’Neill as a 'First Minister for all'.

Mr Murphy said “Saturday was a historic day as we saw the return of the Assembly and Executive and Michelle O’Neill taking her place as a First Minister for all.

“All parties must now come together to get down to the business of delivering an ambitious agenda for change.

“There are many challenges that we need to address, key among these being to help workers and families with the rising cost of living, to invest in our public services and public sector workers.

“We must also work to transform our Health service, build more social and affordable homes, and to deliver a bold new Economic strategy for the north.

“As the new Economy Minister, I am determined to work with local businesses, trade unions, education providers and the community sector to help improve our local economy.

The new Economy Minister believes Invest NI needs reformed to ensure all areas get their share. He singled out the north west as an important area to highlight.

“A reformed Invest NI will be required to promote regional balance, ensuring that all areas, including the north west can share in the benefits of prosperity. 

“The Windsor Framework offers us exciting opportunities to use dual market access to grow our economy, attract investment and create new, good quality jobs. 

“It also helps to protect the now thriving All-Ireland economy, and we must fully realise its huge potential to benefit businesses and communities across the north.” concluded Mr Murphy.