Leading Derry business figures took part in a keynote discussion on Brexit at Saturday's Alliance Party Autumn Conference at the Everglades Hotel.
Sinead McLaughlin of Derry Chamber, Philip Gilliland, managing partner of Caldwell & Robinson Solicitors and Stephen Kelly, CEO of Manufacturing NI, took part on the panel, along with former Minister of Employment and Learning Stephen Farry. The packed session, entitled 'Brexit Means Barriers' was chaired by Stewart Dickson MLA.
The conference was also addressed by Derry businessman Colm Cavanagh who is Vice President of the Alliance Party, while Jim Roddy of City Centre Initiative gave a speech on reconciliation, regeneration and future challenges.
"Hard or soft border isn't really the point, any border will have an impact in the North West," said Mr Roddy. He ended his address by asking political leaders to be bold, be courageous and to "walk on air against their better judgement".
Stephen Farry told delegates that Alliance was "at the forefront of efforts" to find a unique solution for the North.
"We should look to our overarching European identity that can underpin a Northern Ireland solution," he said.
"Our region can only function through sharing and interdependence, yet Brexit entails new divisions and boundaries."
'Cut wages'
Alliance leader Naomi Long, making her return to the public eye after her recent illness, again called for the salaries of MLAs to be cut.
“The situation where 90 MLAs continue to be paid a full salary is simply not sustainable in the long term," she said.
"The public anger and exasperation with that is rapidly souring into bitter cynicism, and what little respect the public had for politics and the institutions is fast leeching away.
“That’s why back in March, when the first deadline was missed, I called for salaries to be reduced to by about one third, reflecting the more limited responsibilities that MLAs were exercising, and that’s why I reiterated that call this week as over Halloween, what was the indoor fireworks equivalent of a political deadline passed – with more of a wimper than a bang.”
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.