RITCHIE CALLS FOR 25-YEAR SPENDING PACT WITH TREASURY SDLP Leader Margaret Ritchie MP has called for a 25-year compact with the Treasury which would free up the Executive to take the necessary action to rebalance the Northern Ireland economy and create jobs and economic growth. In a keynote speech to the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, she said, “Let us have a 25 year framework economic and financial compact with the Treasury which maps out the future in terms of tax-varying powers, the creation of our own social security system and the long-term delivery of the Block Grant.” Ms Ritchie added that the long-term project of re-balancing the local economy would require the compact to be sustained even if the north’s constitutional position were to be changed democratically. She said, “We would undertake to very gradually reduce the subvention in the long-term but with a guaranteed level of Treasury support – even if the constitutional position of the North should change in the meantime. This is the only way we can truly take control of our own future.”]]>

Councillor O’Neill said, “As we all know, the Red Arrows will return to Newcastle this summer following the great success of last year’s event. This type of event tourism is an excellent way forward to build on the success of our growing tourism industry in South Down and draw visitors to our area. It is vital that we maximise upon our full tourism potential as this is one of the key growth areas in our economy that will lift us out of this recession. “However, government investment is required to enable maximum returns. For instance, there is currently not enough support to develop our agri-tourism sector which can be a truly unique and interesting experience for visitors as well as being a wonderful way of helping local food producers and creating local jobs. “Down District Council, under the SEED Europe programme, carried out a training scheme with 14 food producers in the Down area. It was so successful that all participants increased their produce, doubled their workforces creating employment for people in their communities. This is a prime example of how European investment can transform our local businesses and build prosperity in South Down. We must use Europe more to help our indigenous businesses flourish. “The SDLP believe that we must capitalise upon our strengths, give people real chances to secure employment and take meaningful action to reduce the widespread emigration that is currently tearing the soul out of our island,” xa0Councillor O’Neill. ]]>

th to Easter Tuesday 26^th, so that you and your family can hunt for Easter eggs in the spring sunshine for even longer this year.

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DOWN District Community Safety Partnership has opened its first round of funding for 2011/12. Constituted community groups within the Down District Council area are invited to apply for small grant funding up to a maximum of £1,000 for the delivery of community safety initiatives which address local community safety issues and have an impact on reducing anti-social behaviour, crime or fear of crime.

Any girl from 16 years of age is welcome to apply.xa0 The course will run from 9.30am-5.30pm on April 15th,xa0May 8th and 15th. The cost is £220.00 per candidate.xa0 To apply and register for the course contact Fiona Adair: [email protected]]]>

THE Public Health Agency (PHA) is warning parents about the importance of protecting their children against the serious infectious disease measles, which can be life-threatening and spread to those who are unprotected. The PHA is urging families to get their children fully immunised with two doses of MMR before travelling off to other countries, including European destinations for Easter holidays. Although most common in children, measles can occur at any age. It is very infectious and can be caught either through direct contact with an infected person, or through the air when the patient coughs or sneezes.

IRISH SUPERBIKE EASTER FESTIVAL RACES Good Friday 22^nd April and Saturday 23^rd April are the two daysxa0 that the 2011 Irish Superbike Championship fires up atxa0 the Irish Superbike Easter Festival Races at Bishopscourt Racing Circuit near Downpatrick. This will be a major event for Down District and will attract thousands of visitors form across Ireland and beyond.

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