THE NORTH’S Finance Minister believes Northern Ireland politicians must “take decisions within the coming days” to find a resolution to the position of the failed Presbyterian Mutual Society (PMS).

Sammy Wilson said there is a strong desire “to find a fair and reasonable resolution for PMS savers”.

“There are undoubtedly many complex issues to sort out but these should not be insurmountable if there is the political will. PMS members are in dire need of a resolution,” the Minister added.

The society went into administration last November leaving its 10,000 members without access to millions of pounds in investments and savings.

The Belfast-based society was started by Presbyterians in 1982 for the benefit of Presbyterians. Its membership was confined to members of the Presbyterian Church which has repeatedly stressed that the church and society were separate legal entities.

Last February, the church established a group to co-ordinate its response to the “crisis” at the PMS. The church yesterday urged a special working group be set up by Gordon Brown to help find a quick solution to the “acute plight” being suffered by investors.

Presbyterian Moderator Dr Stafford Carson said the church had been in constant contact with key individuals in relation to the PMS from the Secretary of State through to Executive Ministers and the administrator.

Dr Carson said: “We appreciate all the hard work that is being done to resolve this matter.

“I would also ask that Presbyterians continue to pray for a resolution to the matter. While we are actively engaged in practical activity to bring about a solution, prayer is also vitally important.”