THE Northern Ireland economy could be heading for disaster if there is a repeat of last year's street disturbances and paramilitary violence, according to the Economy Minister, Mr Adam Ingram.

Speaking at the Northern Ireland Exporter of the Year Awards, Mr Ingram said that such violence only succeeded in undermining the achievements of local companies in overseas markets.

"The purchasers of goods and services have to be confident that their suppliers can rely on quality products delivered on time," he said.

"This confidence, essential to any successful business relationship, is a fragile commodity which can be all too easily shattered by negative and destructive images of the environment in which we work."

Mr Ingram said the appalling scenes of last summer, and the breakdown of the IRA ceasefire, were a serious threat to the long-term prospects for the Northern Ireland economy.

In Belfast, businesses are waiting to see if there is any sign of compromise on the marching issue before deciding what to do.

This year, according to the chief executive of the Belfast Chamber of Trade, Mr Frank Caddy, business owners will be taking advice from the security forces about the likelihood of trouble.

Most shops will take the traditional holiday on Saturday, July 12th, reopening on Monday, July 14th. But Mr Caddy said that given the threat of trouble, and the fact that large numbers of people are taking holidays outside Northern Ireland next week, many of his members were considering staying closed until the following weekend.