Economic liabilities of unionism

The north of Ireland experiences lower growth than any other part of Ireland or Britain:

Northern Ireland is now one of the slowest growing UK regions, below both the UK and the Republic of Ireland averages, an economic report revealed yesterday.

According to the Ulster Bank PMI (Purchasing Manager's Index) the levels of output in the Northern Ireland private sector economy continued to increase in February. However, easing for the seventh successive month, the rate of growth was modest, and the weakest since May 2003.

Chief economist Pat McArdle said: "While the US marches on, activity in the 'old world' tended to decelerate in early 2005. PMI surveys indicate that UK growth is still over three per cent, but Northern Ireland is now one of the slowest growing UK regions, below both the UK and ROI averages. Respondents indicate that employment growth has effectively ceased in the face of slowing order books and rapidly rising costs. However, employment is holding up well, as NI was one of only three UK regions not to experience some job losses in February."

The Six Counties continue to be the Sick Man of Ireland.