Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has told a meeting of business leaders today that he and First Minister Peter Robinson are on the same side in fiighting for the North's economy.
The North's Executive has been struggling to deal with massive cuts in its budget imposed by London.
“The next big battle is around the economy and Peter Robinson and I are on the same side. Not a blade of grass between us,” Mr McGuinness said.
Following last October’s spending review, the first and deputy first ministers argued the Westminster coalition government had not fulfilled its commitments on providing capital spending to Northern Ireland.
Stormont ministers were particularly concerned about a cut in the capital spending budget - money which should have been used to build new roads, hospitals, schools and other public projects.
Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Paterson rejected claims that the government had broken its word on the capital budget. The coalition had been accused of breaking promises of £18 billion (€20 billion) funding for Northern Ireland made by Gordon Brown in 2007.
Mr Paterson said the capital fund had been reduced but they were otherwise “carrying on where he left off”.
But, speaking in Belfast, Mr McGuinness said: “This administration has reneged on those commitments and those recognised that the North required specific support as result of a legacy of decades of under-investment.
“The position of the current British administration on this matter is completely unacceptable. It is a complaint that will have to be dealt with under the joint ministerial protocols.”
The deputy first minister also claimed Executive impasses over education and local government reform in the North can be resolved following the election.
“The next four years will be an Assembly that can continue to go from strength to strength,” Mr McGuinness said.
PA