H&W "an integral part of the economic and cultural fabric of Belfast" - Lesley Veronica

The announcement today that Harland and Wolff is to go into administration for the second time in five years is a real blow to the local economy for Northern Ireland.

Green Party deputy leader Lesley Veronica said "Harland and Wolff is an integral part of the economic and cultural fabric of Belfast and it cannot be underestimated how devastating further reductions in operations will be for local workers and their families."

"This has a huge impact moving forward for the ability of the region to provide vital shipbuilding and renewable services."

"While the news that a number of companies have shown interest in the acquisition of the company there are significant concerns about what this might mean for the future of the business and for the workforce here in Northern Ireland."

"A deal should be announced towards the end of October, however it is imperative that the UK government should step in now to do all that it can to save a company which has played such a definitive role in the NI economy and symbolises so much to so many."