The President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Brian Campfield, today (July 4) called for a renewed effort to reach a deal on the formation of an Executive in Northern Ireland, but warned that political institutions "cannot deliver for the people here" while austerity remains in place.
Mr Campfield was also critical of the DUP's role in ensuring that the Conservatives" "austerity government" remains in office, following its disastrous election results.
Addressing delegates at the Congress Biennial Delegate Conference in Belfast, Mr Campfield said: "It is disappointing that no agreement has been reached so far and I would call for a renewed effort to resolve the outstanding issues.
"But we also need a reversal of the public expenditure and social welfare cuts that have been visited on us. The political institutions in Northern Ireland cannot deliver for the people here while austerity continues to be the policy of the Westminster government," he said.
Referring to the DUP's role, Mr Campfield said: "It is to Northern Ireland's shame that the austerity government has been given a lifeline by the DUP, despite the financial package that was negotiated.
"We need a permanent end to austerity, not special treatment."
Mr Campfield also said it was time for an honest debate on how to create a "coherent, united and more effective trade union movement" that would actively challenge the political and economic status quo.
Mr Campfield was addressing some 700 delegates and observers attending the all-island union gathering in Belfast's Assembly Rooms, from July 4-6.
The conference was also addressed by Michael D Higgins, President of the Republic of Ireland and will also hear from Frances O"Grady, the head of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Luca Visentini, the head of the European Trade Union Confederation.
For more information: Macdara Doyle 087 9174171
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