Ritchie Calls For More Women In Public Life
SDLP Leader and South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has encouraged women to get involved in political and community life.
Speaking on the 100th International Women’s Day, Ms Ritchie, who is the first female leader of a major political party in the North, said,
“While female political representation has improved over the years, we have still a long way to go.
“Many women have attributes which make them great public representatives. Our ability to multi-task, take a more collaborative approach to problem solving and often be more compassionate to the difficulties people are facing can make us ideal leaders within our communities.
“I urge women with zeal and passion for their community not to be put off by the male dominance within politics and to get involved in public life whether as a candidate for a political party or as a community activist lobbying on issues that matter to local people.
“Above all, I believe that women can be excellent persuaders and crusaders improving policies to make lives better for people.
“We must be forthcoming and courageous if we are to ever break the mould,” she added.
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OFMDFM Announce Abuse Consultation
AN Interdepartmental Taskforce on Historical Institutional Abuse has announced the opening of consultation with victims and survivors
Over the next number of weeks, the recently established Interdepartmental Taskforce will be engaging directly with survivors of historical institutional abuse.
In line with its terms of reference, the Taskforce is seeking to hear survivors’ views on how an inquiry should be taken forward.
Baillie Calls For More Funding for Downe
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Ms Baillie, who is standing for Sinn Féin in May’s Assembly elections made her call after talks concluded on the budget and the announcement that an additional £120 million has been earmarked for health.
The Sinn Féin representative said, “Threats to the provision of essential services in the Downe have persisted in recent years and we have witnessed the reduction of accident & emergency hours and other key health services in the Down area.
“Before this extra money was allocated in last week’s budget the South Eastern Trust claimed that money was needed to avoid the closure of beds and the loss of jobs.
“Extra money has now been identified and given to the Department. I want to see this money used wisely to underpin services and restore other services that we have lost in Down.
“The Health Minister Michael McGimpsey should use his authority to ensure that the South Eastern Trust gets what is required and that it is used to maintain and enhance the health services that the people of Down need.”]]>
Lead Stolen From Leitrim Parish Hall
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He said, “Last Monday morning a man was observed stripping lead from the old parish hall building in Leitrim village.
“In a blatant act of vandalism, the roof of the hall was damaged and lead stolen presumably to be sold. The person responsible for stealing the lead was identified and challenged by a local man and his actions have greatly annoyed local people.
“Despite the fact this building is derelict, the removal of lead will lead to water damage and further damage and the person responsible should be brought before the courts and charged with theft.
“I would also encourage people to be vigilant for this type of activity which is on the increase during these difficult times. Rural communities can be particularly vulnerable and are often easy prey to unscrupulous thieves.”]]>
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