Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Economic fears soar
STORMONT’S former leaders have warned the US vice-president of “dire economic consequences” if a case taken against Bombardier is upheld.
In a letter the DUP’S Arlene Foster and Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’neill told Mike Pence there is a “very grave” threat facing the plane firm’s Belfast factory.
It has alleged the development of the C-series aircraft has been unfairly subsidised by both the Canadian and UK governments.
The US Department of Commerce is looking into the case taken by aerospace giant Boeing that alleges Bombardier was selling the plane at a cut price rate and undercutting its equivalent model.
The Belfast plant employs more than 4,700 staff, a large number of whom are involved in making the wings for the C-series. The former First Minister and Deputy First Minister asked Mr Pence to keep Northern Ireland in mind when considering the outcome of the case.
They added: “For a small economy such as ours, the significance of the contribution that Bombardier makes cannot be understated. The threat facing us as a result of the ongoing case is alarming and goes much wider than it may immediately appear.”
The party leaders said the economy is a big factor in ensuring the continued success of the peace process and the Bombardier uncertainty creates a “potentially critical factor”.
They added: “The United States has been our friend and ally for many years. Your long-term friendship has been of incalculable value in helping deliver peace and prosperity.
“At this crucial and sensitive time for the future we would ask you to give consideration to the implications any decision may have here.”
Both leaders signed the letter and copied in the chair and chief executive of Boeing, Prime Minister Theresa May, and the Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland, Business and Defence.
Their intervention follows a report earlier this week that Mrs May had telephoned US President Donald Trump last week to raise the threat to jobs in Belfast over the Boeing issue.