'I don’t want to be a Minister who only pays lip service to the outstanding work taking place outside Belfast'

The new Finance Minister has said he will do what he can to help Derry’s economy.

Máirtín Ó Muilleoir was in the city this week for a number of engagements.

He said: “I don’t want to be a Minister who only pays lip service to the outstanding work taking place outside Belfast, nor to the pressures and funding needs being faced by public services right across the north.

“I want to be a Minister for all our people - a Minister who listens, engages and makes a positive difference to service delivery and communities.”

While in Derry, the Minister had meetings with John Kelpie, Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council, and Seamus Neely, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council (pictured above).

The Minister also met with Professor Paddy Nixon, local business people and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce.

The Minister said: “Derry is the economic hub of the North West and today’s visit will be the first of many that I will make to the City as Finance Minister.

“I am committed to working with my Executive colleagues to help drive the region forward. We must work hard to ensure the opportunities that exist, and the talent that is so abundant here, are maximised for the benefit of everyone.”