Belfast shoppers hope Covid voucher cash giveaway will get new year off to a good start

Glenn Martin (27), from Comber, works as an aeronautical engineer and said it was a positive step towards prosperity after the pandemic.

"I think it's a good way to reboot the economy if it works, but I'm no expert. I'd maybe spend it on something fun like a new driver for the golf bag," he said.

Catherine Johnston (47) and her daughter Rachel Wheeler (17), from Downpatrick, said a morale boost for households was badly needed.

Catherine said: "I think it will be a really good thing for people to get out and get a wee bit of cheer and happiness.

"So I think people should spend it on things that would make them happy, or for someone else and share it around, like something nice to wear."

Rachel added: "People don't have a lot of money at the moment so they would appreciate anything. It could be nice for people to spend money on children if they don't have a lot."

Tolis Papathanasiou (27), from Lisburn, said the scheme does not go far enough to help struggling families.

"I'd probably spend it on groceries as I was made redundant a couple of weeks ago so I know exactly what it feels like," Tolis explained.

"I've a mortgage and kids, if they really wanted to help they could pay my mortgage for the next couple of months."

Business student Carter Herdman (21), from Hillsborough, said: "I think the only thing you would really use a voucher like that for would be necessities, for me though it would probably be clothes at that time of year.

"I say it would be better to use it for smaller businesses. I know larger businesses have struggled too, but smaller businesses are closing down left, right and centre."

Rachel Moore (21), from Belfast, said: "I'd probably spend it on homeware as I've been doing some home improvements this year."

Her friend Victoria Hutchinson (25) added: "I have a new wee niece or nephew on the way this week so for me it would probably be baby items."

Business owner Alan Ferris (64), from Banbridge, however, said he had no confidence Stormont would properly manage the scheme.

"I'd welcome people getting money to spend in my shop, but knowing Stormont it'll not work. Our business has been doing okay, but the hospitality industry has been hit really badly by the restrictions this year."

Adrian Higgins (45), from Belfast, said: "It can only be a good thing, especially for the smaller traders and the independents. That's where I would direct it to. I've a wife and three kids, I suspect the lion's share of it will go on items for the children, maybe a little bit of food or a treat."

Hayley Johnston (27), from Bangor, was out shopping with her daughter Harper (3).

"I'd probably spend it on my daughter and maybe a little bit on myself," she said.

Asked if she felt Stormont could run the scheme efficiently, Hayley added: "I don't really know, but if they can make it work it would be a good thing."

Belfast Telegraph