The rest of the morning was about the economy where we were able to engage with employers who are anxious about the budget in a few weeks.
Arlene Foster was the guest speaker. I was glad to pay tribute to her. As Enterprise Minister she saw the potential of our screen industry long before most. From where we were meeting, just along the shore at Giant's Park we have a £72 million virtual production campus. It's the only facility of its kind on the island of Ireland, and among the most advanced anywhere.
But what I heard most from employers is cost, and above all energy. Since the conflict in the Middle East began, every firm moving goods has felt fuel prices swing. Because VAT sits on top of duty, the Treasury's take rises with them. It is a tax on a tax.
Extending the fuel duty freeze was the right call. When the Chancellor stands up later this month, the planned rise must be cancelled. Almost everything here moves by road, so every penny on diesel lands harder in Northern Ireland.
As we look ahead, next week, the First Minister must be held to account in the Assembly, and the PSNI must be allowed to pursue its investigation without fear or favour.
Alongside that however, we will be tackling the issues that affect our economy and households right across Northern Ireland.
Others may want us to walk away. We were elected to deliver, and that is exactly what we will do.
Yours sincerely,
