Belfast News: Northern Ireland Winter Blues?

There is little comfort to be had from the news that the recession is over and that we are merely in an economic downturn.

One only has to look at the average high street or shopping centre to see businesses that have closed down or that are conciliating their business. A prime example is Esprit in the heart of Belfast City Centre, where the staff indicate the Belfast branch of this chain is the latest economic casualty.

With home re-processions on the up, employment climbing and bankruptcies the length of the newspaper page carrying the gloom news, are we again entering a 'Winter of Discontentment'. All of this comes ahead of substantial cuts to be announced by the Stormont Executive and union threats to oppose them.     

So far, we've said goodbye to Halifax Property Services, Woolsworths and Savvi. We've seen high street brands such as Barratts narrowly avoid closure and many other companies including property development companies go to the wall, with anger continuing to grow against the banks who caused this worldwide chaos, now reaping rewards.

Northern Ireland will soon know whether our politicians have the courage to go against public opinion, break their electoral pledges and introduce water rates, when the Chancellor's cuts are announced. In such a scenario, we will also find out whether the Northern Ireland electorate have the courage to vote out those politicians whose word has become meaningless.

Last Updated: 28th September 2010