Margaret Ritchie MP expresses disappointment at the closure of 11 Xtra-vision stores and presses NI Executive to look at small businesses with a view to financial assistance.     The announcement that Downpatrick Xtra-vision and ten other stores in the chain are to close with the loss of 58 jobs is disappointing news.  This will [...]

Speaking on today’s reports that Ulster Bank customers had problems using bank cards and making online transactions, which was reported  to be part of a UK-wide problem affecting the RBS banking group, the MP for South Down Margaret Ritchie said;   “Following the Ulster Bank/RBS payment crisis last year, I have been pursuing the Treasury [...]

The announcement that Bank of Ireland plan to close their branches in Kilkeel and Rathfriland is a blow for the staff the business sector and the wider community. The closure of the Kilkeel branch will leave a considerable gap in the town centre financial services offering to local the businesses and the whole community. The [...]

Speaking from Westminster on the 9th of January  Ms Ritchie stated:   “The hospitality and tourism industry is critical for our economy. Hotels, pubs and restaurants are central to the economic and social life in my own constituency and across the North of Ireland. However in the current climate many of these local businesses are [...]

Margaret Ritchie MP, today (8th January 2013) joined with a cross-party delegation of Northern Ireland MP’s to bring the case for the retention of Northern Ireland’s Regional Aid Status to Minster Michael Fallon, Minister of State for Business & Enterprise. Speaking after the meeting held in the Department of Business , Innovation & Skills Headquarters [...]

“A number of students have approached me about problems they were having in progressing from Further Education courses to Apprenticeship courses at our local Colleges of Further and Higher education.   This situation is causing many of our young people to loose out on career opportunities and valuable training. I took this case directly to [...]

SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie has welcomed confirmation that Libraries NI will issue a £250 payment to eligible staff members. Ms Ritchie stated, “Following representations, I have been advised that a proposal to enable a one-off non-consolidated Cost Allowance Payment of £250 was presented to the Department of Finance and Personnel in the summer for consideration [...]

Margaret Ritchie MP has made representations to the Employment Minister to seek protection for First4Skills workers whose jobs are at risk after the training provider was placed in administration. Ms Ritchie stated, “This situation affects workers in South Down, and it is vital that they are given protection following the sterling work that they have [...]

  Ritchie urges Environment Minister and Down District council to provide emergency funding for businesses damaged as a result of flooding during June and July 2012.  Margaret Ritchie said   “Many individuals, households and businesses were damaged as a result of the recent floods following periods of concentrated rainfall.  Councils under the direction of the Minister [...]

Margaret Ritchie MP Speaking at East Border Regions Exemplar Buildings Awards in Slieve Donard Hotel Friday 21st May       Speaking at the awards the MP for the area Margaret Ritchie said;   “This is an important initiative supported by the East Border Region Committee. It aims to reduce our carbon footprint; encourage, support [...]