Nigel Kells, press officer for South Antrim Traditional Unionist Voice urges the community to support their local shops and small businesses this Christmas

“As we enter into December and the run up to Christmas, I would like to urge and encourage everyone to support the local shops and small businesses in our community. We are in tough economic times at present and none are feeling it more than the small business sector, with family owned shops and businesses closing up and down the country.

During the IRA’s terror campaign if it wasn’t for the small businesses in Northern Ireland, Christmas would not have been Christmas at all.

The small businesses in this country employ 65% of private sector workers. Yet the DUP & SF have only managed to pledge £50m to help them in their programme for government. This is the same executive who managed to find £60m for the GAA in their last term. So I ask you, if we really want to get our economy going again and do some good in our local communities, please support your local shops and small businesses this Christmas. Thank you”