Maginness: Make the SDLP Champions of Europe

Tuesday 26 May 2009

SDLP European election candidate Alban Maginness has said this poll is the ideal opportunity for the people the north to signal their disappointment with the performance of other parties by giving them the yellow card.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's Manifesto launch, Mr Maginness said the SDLP are the only party offering policies that can make us all win again.

He said: "This election takes place against a global economic crisis. But it also the public's first real chance to give their assessment of the past two years of devolved government in the North.

"For the past six months I have travelled across the North and I have heard the fears and concerns of communities and their hopes and aspirations for the future.

"On the doorstep expenses has not been the only 'e' word on people's lips.

"Our economy is shattered and while no one blames the other parties for a world wide recession, it is clear they are top on top of the issues locally.

"As firms and families feel the pressure, their response has been to do nothing, while the SDLP produced our New Priorities in Difficult Times document with £400m of new finance.

"Our education system is a mess, and with Sinn Féin and the DUP unable to find a way forward, SDLP proposals for an interim two-year compromise solution were blocked.

"And out environment is clearly under threat and it does not help we have an environment minister who does not believe in man-made climate change.

"It is clear people are very disappointed with what the other parties have delivered in terms of devolution.

"In this election there is no better opportunity for the electorate to give those who are failing in government here and in Europe the yellow card.

"The SDLP are the only party offering a manifesto that can secure financial security now and economic recovery in the future.

"The SDLP has always been a champion of Europe. It is time for us all to win again."

ENDS