Mr McKay said: "Sinn Féin have placed proposals in front of the Minister for Finance calling for a proper assessment to be carried out into the economic impact of the harmonisation of fuel duty across the island of Ireland as a mechanism to deliver real and tangible savings.
"The proposals could deliver extra revenue which would be accrued through the reduction in losses in trade to southern counties. It would also in the long-term help stabilise local economies along the border corridor allowing for greater sustainability in economic growth.
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"This would help offset any potential loss which the lowering of the northern level of fuel duty would present to the British Exchequer. Despite this the Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has indicated that he has no interest in making any movement to investigate these possible savings or indeed open a negotiation with the British treasury.
"He has clearly set his face against three areas of taxation that could make a real and immediate difference to the local economy, generate revenue and aid local people. His refusal to do so will cost local people money.
"He and his party are tied to an ideological and dogmatic position which, instead of delivering for local people, will automatically oppose anything that contains either a cross border solution to building the economy or indeed challenges the British exchequer."
(CD/MH)
