SDLP siting Westminster candidate for South Down Margaret Ritchie has hit the election trail following her lodgement of her election registration papers at the Banbridge Electoral Office.
In addressing a key economic development issue, Ms Ritchie promised that the SDLP will make securing a VAT cut to boost the local tourism and hospitality sector a priority following the election.
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South Down MP Margaret Ritchie pictured with her election agent Cllr Colin McGrath hands in her registration papers at the electoral office in Banbridge.[/caption]Ms Ritchie stated today:xa0“I was disappointed that another Budget went past in April in which the opportunity was missed to cut the VAT rate for the tourism and hospitality sector.
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Margaret Ritchie MP hands in her election papers at the Banbridge electoral office. Included is Cllr Colin McGrath.[/caption]“Here we have a ready-made policy that would boost growth, create jobs and deliver results for the entire local economy. We have so much to offer visitors, from our stunning scenery to world class events and locations such as St Patrick’s Country with early Christian heritage and the majestic Mourne Mountains, but we need to make our industry more competitive by creating a level playing field.
“Britain and Northern Ireland is one of only two countries in the EU not to offer some form of relief for the tourism sector. The introduction of such a scheme in the south of Ireland has been a huge success and is credited with having lifted the industry out of the worst times of the recession, yet still the UK Treasury is reluctant to follow suit.
“This policy is key to further developing an all-island tourist market and encouraging visitors to extend their trips to Northern Ireland.
“This policy will be an absolute priority for the SDLP at Westminster and it is something we will be asking for commitments on during any negotiations following a hung parliament.
“We were the first party from the North to champion this policy and will continue to do so after the election.
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