The British chancellor of the exchequer, George Osborne, provided further indications at Stormont yesterday that the British government was positively disposed to allowing the Northern Executive a special dispensation to lower corporation tax, writes Gerry Moriarty, Northern Editor.
First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness lobbied the chancellor on making a move on corporation tax when Mr Osborne made his first visit to Belfast since taking office.
They also called on him to reduce air passenger duty.
Mr Osborne said Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness made it clear to him they believed cutting corporation tax would help stimulate the Northern Ireland economy.
A British treasury consultation on the issue ends on July 1st, and Mr Osborne said the British government would probably decide in the autumn.
“I wouldn’t be here . . . if we didn’t think it was an idea worthy of very, very serious consideration,” he said.
