SDLP Councillor Alban Maginness MLA - Communications and Press Releases

Daily Dispatch Monday 13th November 2006

ANTI-POVERTY STRATEGY MUST BE FUNDED TO SUCCEED - SDLP

SDLP North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness has welcomed the launch of the Anti Poverty Strategy this morning in Parliament Buildings. Speaking after attending the launch Mr Maginness stated:

“The SDLP welcomes the launch of the Anti Poverty Strategy although we regret the lengthy delays in publication. We will study the contents of the report in full before commenting in detail.

The Anti Poverty Strategy is critical to the achievement of political progress and an inclusive society but it needs a dedicated and long-term funding stream if it is to make a real difference to the lives of people across the North. It must be implemented without unnecessary delay and without funding shortfalls.

In our submissions to the consultation, we stressed the need for clear targets and timetables at the heart of the strategy. We are glad to see progress in this respect but implementation will be the key challenge.

We have also pointed to the clear North-South opportunities to tackle poverty and promote social inclusion, particularly in rural and border areas. The acknowledgement of this dimension is welcome and also vitally important as it has the capacity to change the lives of thousands of people for the better without threatening the rights of anyone.”

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone, who also attended this morning’s launch stated:
“The SDLP put poverty and social inclusion at the heart of the political agenda and ensured it was raised and included in the St. Andrew’s deal. The Anti Poverty Strategy must be the central plank of efforts to improve the lives of the people most in need in our society.

At times in the past there has been an association with anti poverty strategies and urban areas. What also must be remembered is that rural deprivation and poverty, much of it latent, is a huge issue and needs to be factored into any strategy. The SDLP will ensure that rural awareness remains central to this strategy.

The SDLP believes that only in the context of real, accountable, devolved Government as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement, can these problems be suitably addressed and tackled. It is up to all parties to move towards that goal. The people of the North will not forgive any party who spurns the opportunity to move forward now by holding progress back for their own gain.”