First Minister Michelle O’Neill described a government agreement by the British government for the Belfast plant to provide Ukraine with an “incredible” air defense missile.
“I don’t want to buy weapons of war, but rather see money invested in public services,” said Sinn Féin vice president.
The British government announced on Sunday that the Thales missile factory will provide 5,000 air defense missiles to Ukraine in a deal worth up to £1.6 billion.
It will involve recruiting 200 employees.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the order, and he developed a four-point plan to “achiev peace and defend Ukraine”.
Michelle O’Neill commented on Monday in the Stormont Conference Hall [PA Media]
In the Northern Ireland Parliament on Monday, Independent Parliament Member (MLA) Claire Sugden asked whether O’Neill would support the deal.
The first minister said that when “left, right and center cut public services” she found it “incredible”.
She added: “As we experienced 14 years of austerity, whenever the winter fuel payments were cut from the elderly, many local small businesses were going to the wall because they couldn’t afford the National Insurance hike.
“When our farmers are worried about inheritance tax, I think at a time like this, I would rather see money investing in public services.”
O’Neal said she believes that “the focus of the international community should always be on negotiations and peaceful settlements.”
“That’s my way of doing these things,” she added.
