DUP claims on unionist discrimination dismissed
Sinn Féin Equality and Human Rights
Spokesperson, South Down MLA has dismissed the claims of DUP MP Gregory
Campbell that an inherent bias against unionism exists in the employment
market.
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