Government’s Economic Pact

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Northern Ireland – in the House of Commons at 11:30 am on 11 March 2015.

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Photo of Theresa Villiers Theresa Villiers The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 11:30, 11 March 2015

I very much agree with the hon. Gentleman. Now is the time for level-headed consideration of how we can resolve this matter. In the autumn, Northern Ireland faced a budget crisis that was so serious that the very sustainability and future credibility of the institutions was at stake, and we were looking over a cliff at the possibility that devolution would collapse altogether. Returning to that position would be a huge step backward. The Stormont House agreement was a big step forward, and it is vital for all parties to work to ensure that it is implemented fully and fairly.