First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she was “incredible” in a deal for the Belfast plant in a UK government deal, supplying Ukraine with air defense missiles.
“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”.
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 she was “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.
“We should be very proud”
Deputy Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said people should be “pride” for the aerospace and defense industries in Northern Ireland.
She is answering questions about O’Neill’s comment from the O’Neill of the OUP.
When he mentioned the efforts to support the economy, he asked: “When today’s first minister was asked about the investment of £1.6 billion and 200 additional work in Northern Ireland, we found it incredible?”
In response, the Democratic Union Party (DUP) minister said: “We have an excellent aerospace and defence industry in Northern Ireland, most of which revolve around supporting people to ensure peace.
“We all want to see peace. We want to see a peaceful outcome negotiation.”
She told parliament members: “We should be proud of the world-class products and contributions they have made in very, very important areas.”
Earlier, East Belfast MP and DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the order was “very important” given the “turmoil” in international relations and the recognition of the “skills and creativity” of the Thales team.
