Campbell taken to task over 'inherent bias against unionism' claims
Sinn Féin Equality and Human Rights Spokesperson, South Down MLA has challenged
the DUP's Gregory Campbell to join Sinn Féin in defending the Equality
agenda and dismissed his claims that 'our society has reached a level of
almost inherent bias against unionism'.
Ms Ruane said:
"Gregory
Campbell like many within the DUP is obsessed with the myth that there is a
bias against unionism. These claims do not stand up to scrutiny.
"Across
every single indicator of poverty and deprivation the fact is that nationalists
fair worse than unionists. Yes there has been progress for nationalist and
Sinn Féin is committed to further advancing the equality agenda. Yes
there are deprived unionist areas and Sinn Féin is committed to
combating that. But the fact remains that in employment, housing, and ill
health that the reality for nationalists is worse.
"Unionists
have never acknowledged the history of the state, their own responsibility
for this and for the conflict which resulted from this. The Agreement
addresses Equality, Human Rights and Policing agendas precisely because
there has been institutionalised discrimination, sectarian policing,
injustice and repression.
"Gregory Campbell would do more for the
community he claims to serve is he stopped telling them lies and did more to
protect and advance the Equality Agenda." ENDS