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Good morning John,

The news yesterday was all focused on the United States President and Sinn Fein’s decision not to visit the White House this year. I found it all a bit odd.

SF politicians were happy to go to the White House last year when bombs were being dropped on Gaza but don’t want to go this year when there’s a ceasefire. Go figure that principled position!

My conclusion is that Sinn Fein is on manoeuvres to shore up their left wing for the Southern Presidential election at the end of the year. Hence why a press conference about the Northern Ireland First Minister going to the White House was held in Dublin.

With Parliament in recess this week, I’ve been out and about across Northern Ireland, meeting local communities, businesses, and industry leaders to discuss both challenges and opportunities.

One of the highlights was my visit to Limavady, where I saw a fantastic shared-education site in action. It’s a brilliant example of how young people from different backgrounds can learn together while maintaining their own school identities.

I also got to call into Royal Portrush Golf Club where the excitement is already building ahead of The Open Championship in July. These world-class events showcase the best of Northern Ireland- our hospitality, stunning landscapes, and excellence in hosting major tournaments. We must attract more of this investment to boost tourism, business, and the wider economy.

Throughout the week, I met with businesses struggling under Labour’s increase to employers’ National Insurance. Job losses have already begun, and more are expected. Rising costs are forcing tough decisions on investment, and ultimately, consumers will pay the price. Our Taxed to Death campaign highlights the damage caused by excessive taxation, and we will keep pushing back against policies that stifle jobs, growth, and investment.

In West Belfast, community workers in the Shankill are deeply frustrated by the lack of housing. Young families want to stay in the area, but new homes are simply unaffordable. One major barrier is NI Water’s extortionate developer levies, which are making housebuilding unviable. We need viable solutions to wastewater infrastructure, without adding yet another tax burden on hardworking people.

I also met farmers alarmed by the Government’s proposed inheritance tax changes. Farming isn’t just an industry, it’s the backbone of our rural communities. To sustain it for future generations, we need policies that support succession planning, not undermine it. I will continue to push for a fair and workable approach that protects family farms.

In every conversation, it was clear that at the forefront of people’s minds is that Northern Ireland faces real economic and social challenges. Doing the same things won’t deliver different results. We need reform, prioritising spending, improving public sector efficiency, and delivering better outcomes.

But change requires willing partners. In our system of mandatory coalition, making Northern Ireland work depends on genuine collaboration. My message to people this week, and to you, is that the DUP is ready. We hope others are too rather than being focused on elections elsewhere.

Have a great weekend,

Rt. Hon. Gavin Robinson MP
DUP Leader

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