“Fingers crossed”, indeed.

You wouldn’t know it from the ministerial press release, but what the Northern Ireland Finance Minister, the DUP’s Nigel Dodds, actually announced in the Assembly today was that the administration “of all the talents” has a current over-commitment of £63million. Perhaps he could mention that figure in the discussions with the UK Treasury.. Below the fold the UUP’s David McNarry makes it £75million, by adding another £12million over-spend on capital projects. That’s on top of an estimated £1billion shortfall in anticipated revenue – from such things as the abandoned Workplace 2010. Best summation of the day to BBC NI’s Jim Fitzpatrick – “We live in hope..” [What is that ticking sound? – Ed] “Fingers crossed”, indeed.

Northern Ireland Finance Minister, the DUP’s Nigel Dodds, tells Assembly of the NI Executive’s £63million over-commitment.

In the Stormont Live studio, the UUP’s David McNarry makes it £75million. On top of an estimated £1billion shortfall.

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