Stormont parties cannot afford to “restart” budget discussions with a new secretary of state, the DUP leader has said.
Engagement with new Secretary of State
Mr Robinson said he hopes engagement with the newly appointed Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant, will build on those already under way as Stormont’s budget crisis continues.
Sir Chris replaced Hilary Benn as the Cabinet minister leading the Northern Ireland Office when Andy Burnham became Prime Minister on Monday.
DUP leader's comments
Speaking to reporters at CS Lewis Square in east Belfast, Mr Robinson said he had “many exchanges” with the Rhondda and Ogmore MP, describing him as “good fun”.
“I think he’s been clear about his desire to see Northern Ireland’s position within the United Kingdom strengthened, that is a good thing, that is something that I welcome,” he said.
“But he will know, and if he doesn’t, he will quickly learn that there are some significant challenges that we need to deal with in Northern Ireland, including financial stability.”
Budget crisis
Just weeks ago, the parties met Mr Benn at Hillsborough Castle as devolved ministers have failed to agree a budget for the current financial year, with departments operating on contingency budgets since April.
Ministers have consistently made the point that they need more money from the Treasury to address a funding crisis facing public services in the region.
Mr Robinson said he wants to “build on the progress” of those discussions with “a new Prime Minister, a new Chancellor, and a new Secretary of State”.
Asked if new personalities may disrupt that momentum, he replied: “I don’t think we can afford to restart the discussions that we’ve already had.”
“The fact that we stand here today at the back end of July and there’s no budget in Northern Ireland is not good enough for the people of Northern Ireland or the public services that they deserve,” he said.
“And that’s before you deal with trying to ensure that these cliff edges, when it comes to financial stability, don’t emerge year after year after year.
“And that takes some longer-term decisions and more trying, systemic decisions that I hope this Government will ensure are the product of the work we’ve already engaged in.”
