James Nesbitt: “We have highly-skilled and dedicated workers, great infrastructure, and the heart…we just need to Unite”

February 4th: Regional Secretary of Unite, Jimmy Kelly welcomed the support for the demand for investment and jobs which was offered by the Ballymena-born actor, James Nesbitt OBE:

“The Rally For A Future campaign was launched by workers in Michelin and JTI-Gallaher factories who faced redundancy when it was announced that their factories would close. They chose not to be bystanders to that fate but to do campaign to demand real action for secure investment and jobs for their town and to safeguard a better future.

“Their initiative has been met with widespread enthusiasm and support from across the community. Their campaign has been backed by the local Chamber of Commerce, local sports groups, including Ballymena United, and by Ballymena star, Liam Neeson. Now James Nesbitt has taken the time out from his busy schedule to encourage unity of purpose in the ambition of securing a better future.

“It is clear that Rally For A Future continues to gather momentum as we move towards Saturday. It is vital that everyone in the local community makes the effort to join with us in sending the strongest possible message to our political leaders”, Mr Kelly concluded.

James Nesbitt OBE sent the following message in support of the Rally For A Future campaign:

“I share the pain of the loss of so many jobs following the announced closure of the JTI-Gallaher and Michelin factories in Ballymena. While my career has taken me far from home, I’ve always had a great affection for the town and its people. The loss of these well-paying and stable jobs not only threatens those affected directly and their families, but will have a devastating impact on the wider economy and community.

“We must seize this moment to show Ballymena and Northern Ireland’s ambition to be a highly sought after centre for international business. We have highly-skilled and dedicated workers, great infrastructure, and the heart to make it happen. We just need to Unite together as workers, community members, elected officials and business leaders, to show the world that we can build a better future.”