First Minister expects budget by Christmas

However he described the decrease in capital funding as a ‘real worry.’  He confirmed that the Finance Minister had met all other Ministers to discuss the budget and the Ministerial group on the budget had been meeting regularly. The First Minister described the budget as a test for the Executive and an opportunity for government in NI to prove itself and show leadership by challenging vested interests.  He said that health, education and policing sat alongside growing the economy as priorities for government.  

The First Minister added that he was a ‘massive fan’ of the voluntary and community sector and regularly took the opportunity to visit organisations and see their work for himself.  He added that the Executive needed to explore how to best utilise the expertise of the sector and work in real partnership.