Yesterday, Betsy Gotbaum spoke at a press conference hosted by NY State Comptroller DiNapoli about the state Common Retirement Fund investment in Northern Ireland.
The Public Advocate visited Belfast last May, and met with leaders last winter, after the NYC Pension funds announced an unprecedented investment in Northern Ireland.
Public Advocate Gotbaum said, "I was very happy to see the immediate statements released by First Minister Peter Robinson and First Deputy Minister Martin McGuiness, following the recent violence in Northern Ireland. After reading the unified denouncement of violence and the call for continued peace I was very proud to say I know them both.
Because of this, I think there is no better time to reaffirm our commitment to investing in Northern Ireland and support peace there. Comptroller DiNapoli's announcement today sends a clear message to any groups that might try to derail this hard-earned peace: Promoting peace in Northern Ireland is not only the right thing to do, but it results in economic benefits for everyone, stabilizes the nation, and provides an excellent investment environment. Northern Ireland will never again return to the era of violence and economic despair for its residents.
While we must recognize the recent global downturn in the market, I am confident that the State Comptroller will continue his tireless efforts on behalf of the employees and beneficiaries of the State to ensure proper performance of the State's pension funds. Today's announcement and the Comptroller's identification of a key investment, is part of that plan. My best wishes go out to the Irish community in New York and abroad this St. Patrick's."
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