Sinn Fein and the DUP are clearly carving up power between them. On the issue of parades, they have decided that the 6 person group thatwill decide on the system for managing parades, is to be made up of 3 DUP and 3 Sinn Fein Assembly Members. Is that democratic or inclusive?
“During the Hillsborough talks, Sinn Fein and the DUP huddled and colluded, keeping the Ulster Unionists and the SDLP out of the talks. The deal they agreed means that no nationalist need apply for the policing and justice Ministry. According to democratic mandate, theSDLP is in line for the next Ministerial position. Alban McGuinnessis our candidate, and he is eminantly qualified for the job. Probably the most qualified person in the Assembly. He will not get it.
“When the SDLP and Ulster Unionists were the biggest parties, we in the SDLP ensured, as a matter of principle, that all parties should be fully included in talks. We made sure SF was involved at a time when others wanted them excluded. And we did that because each of the parties represented a section of our people. The DUP and SF are now saying, that only their parties, and the sections of the community they represent matter. They are excluding the rest of our communities are to be excluded. That is not acceptable.
“Their approach is to create crises and then covering themselves inself ritcheous praise for solving the crises. People are getting verywary of their exclusivist approach.”
Thursday 11 February 2010
Thursday 14 January 2010
Pat Ramsey Calls on the Minister for Finance and the Executive to Implement the Bain Report and Decentralise Jobs
Pat Ramsey will move a motion in the Northern Ireland Assembly next week calling on the Minister of Finance to Personnel reconsider his stated position on the implementation of the ‘Independent Review of Policy on the Location of Public Sector Jobs and for the issue to be discussed at the next Executive meeting.
Speaking from his constituency office Mr Ramsey said
“Decentralisation of public sector jobs, as recommended in the Bain Report, would distribute jobs and wealth more fairly throughout the north. It would go a long way in providing a long term economic boost to the West in particular.
“At the minute, most public sector jobs and related spending happens in and around the Belfast area. That means that the Belfast area has a huge and continuous injection of public money that benefits the local economy through wages and through public sector spending.
“In addition to high levels of public sector jobs and spending Belfast and towns close to it also have the highest levels of private sector investment in jobs.
“Meanwhile, areas outside of the Belfast drive to work region have very high levels of unemployment and the lowest levels of public sector investment and lower levels of private sector spending. This is in addition to serious underinvestment in transport and University education. The result of skewing investment to the east is long term disadvantage for areas in the West in particular.
“In the long run, Derry and the west need long term investment in University and transport infrastructure so we can compete for jobs, but those investment – if they happen - will take at least a decade to have a real impact. Decentralisation of public sector jobs would have an immediate impact.
“This is about balanced regional development, it is about equality”
“The Executive could decide to do decentralise jobs and make a real positive difference - so why don’t they?”
ENDS
Motion reads as follows
That this Assembly notes the significant social, regional development, economic and long term environmental benefits of a programme of decentralization of public sector jobs; calls on the Minister of Finance and Personnel reconsider his stated position on the implementation of the ‘Independent Review of Policy on the Location of Public Sector Jobs’; welcomes the Minister’s recognition that it requires an Executive decision and calls on the Executive to discuss the issue at its next meeting with a view to taking immediate action to fully implement the Review’s recommendations by assessing options for decentralising public sector jobs within all Government departments and public sector agencies.
Speaking from his constituency office Mr Ramsey said
“Decentralisation of public sector jobs, as recommended in the Bain Report, would distribute jobs and wealth more fairly throughout the north. It would go a long way in providing a long term economic boost to the West in particular.
“At the minute, most public sector jobs and related spending happens in and around the Belfast area. That means that the Belfast area has a huge and continuous injection of public money that benefits the local economy through wages and through public sector spending.
“In addition to high levels of public sector jobs and spending Belfast and towns close to it also have the highest levels of private sector investment in jobs.
“Meanwhile, areas outside of the Belfast drive to work region have very high levels of unemployment and the lowest levels of public sector investment and lower levels of private sector spending. This is in addition to serious underinvestment in transport and University education. The result of skewing investment to the east is long term disadvantage for areas in the West in particular.
“In the long run, Derry and the west need long term investment in University and transport infrastructure so we can compete for jobs, but those investment – if they happen - will take at least a decade to have a real impact. Decentralisation of public sector jobs would have an immediate impact.
“This is about balanced regional development, it is about equality”
“The Executive could decide to do decentralise jobs and make a real positive difference - so why don’t they?”
ENDS
Motion reads as follows
That this Assembly notes the significant social, regional development, economic and long term environmental benefits of a programme of decentralization of public sector jobs; calls on the Minister of Finance and Personnel reconsider his stated position on the implementation of the ‘Independent Review of Policy on the Location of Public Sector Jobs’; welcomes the Minister’s recognition that it requires an Executive decision and calls on the Executive to discuss the issue at its next meeting with a view to taking immediate action to fully implement the Review’s recommendations by assessing options for decentralising public sector jobs within all Government departments and public sector agencies.
Thursday 17 December 2009
RAMSEY APPEALS FOR PEOPLE NOT TO DRINK AND DRIVE THIS CHRISTMAS SDLP
Chair of the All-Party Group on Road Safety Pat Ramsey has appealed for people not to risk drink driving in the run up too, and during, the festive season this year. The Foyle MLA said:
"Christmas is in the air and people are planning celebrations. When doing so I would urge people to arrange lifts if they are going to take a drink and never to drink and drink.
"People who drive under the influence lose a lot of respect in our society because it is such a stupid, dangerous and criminal thing to do.
"From my own personal experience I know the terrible, long term pain that road accidents bring to people who are injured and bereaved. People's lives are suddenly and irrevocably shattered. “When accidents happen because a driver is selfish enough to drink and drive, that pain is very difficult to bear.
"I would appeal to people to make sure that they plan their transport home after a night out and the morning after so that no-one drives when under the influence of alcohol this festive season.
"Drink responsibly and let's make sure that this is a great Christmas for everyone."
"Christmas is in the air and people are planning celebrations. When doing so I would urge people to arrange lifts if they are going to take a drink and never to drink and drink.
"People who drive under the influence lose a lot of respect in our society because it is such a stupid, dangerous and criminal thing to do.
"From my own personal experience I know the terrible, long term pain that road accidents bring to people who are injured and bereaved. People's lives are suddenly and irrevocably shattered. “When accidents happen because a driver is selfish enough to drink and drive, that pain is very difficult to bear.
"I would appeal to people to make sure that they plan their transport home after a night out and the morning after so that no-one drives when under the influence of alcohol this festive season.
"Drink responsibly and let's make sure that this is a great Christmas for everyone."
Tuesday 29 September 2009
SDLP CONTINUES FIGHT FOR STREAM WORKERS
Pat Ramsey MLA - Back to Latest NewsSDLP Employment spokesperson and Foyle MLA PatRamsey has accompanied Stream workers to meet with the Minister ofEnterprise, Trade and Investment and the Employment and LearningMinister to discuss employee’s concerns over remuneration packages andjob losses.
Mr Ramsey said: “An SDLP delegation accompanied Stream Internationalemployees to meet the two Ministers at today’s meeting in Stormont tocontinue our support for Stream workers at this difficult time and toreinforce the importance of retaining the Stream workforce in Derry.
“We appealed to the Employment Minister to champion the cause of therights of workers to ensure they get the best deal possible in theirremuneration and redundancy packages.
“SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Mark Durkan has already contacted somepotential clients on behalf of the company so it can explore possiblecontracts in order to secure whatever jobs that can be saved.“The SDLP has also been pressing Invest NI to intervene and they haveidentified some emergency European funding to retain a number of corestaff for up to six months while market options are explored.“It is now down to Executive Ministers to act urgently for Streamemployees, their families and the wider community in the North West.”
Mr Ramsey said: “An SDLP delegation accompanied Stream Internationalemployees to meet the two Ministers at today’s meeting in Stormont tocontinue our support for Stream workers at this difficult time and toreinforce the importance of retaining the Stream workforce in Derry.
“We appealed to the Employment Minister to champion the cause of therights of workers to ensure they get the best deal possible in theirremuneration and redundancy packages.
“SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Mark Durkan has already contacted somepotential clients on behalf of the company so it can explore possiblecontracts in order to secure whatever jobs that can be saved.“The SDLP has also been pressing Invest NI to intervene and they haveidentified some emergency European funding to retain a number of corestaff for up to six months while market options are explored.“It is now down to Executive Ministers to act urgently for Streamemployees, their families and the wider community in the North West.”
Monday 14 September 2009
Pat Ramsey Condemns Vigilante Shootings
Pat Ramsey has condemned the latest in a spate of vigilante attacks carried out by dissident republicans in Derry.
"The people of Derry condemn, without reservation, the shooting of anyone. Vigilante organisations have no regard for human rights or human life. Their contribution to our society is to make it a more violent place.
"We, the people, have clearly stated through referenda that we want a normal society, where human rights are upheld and respected. The community has made it clear that we do not want violence to have anyplace in our society.
"I would urge anyone with information about this or any other crime to contact the police."
"The people of Derry condemn, without reservation, the shooting of anyone. Vigilante organisations have no regard for human rights or human life. Their contribution to our society is to make it a more violent place.
"We, the people, have clearly stated through referenda that we want a normal society, where human rights are upheld and respected. The community has made it clear that we do not want violence to have anyplace in our society.
"I would urge anyone with information about this or any other crime to contact the police."
Childcare for students and staff should be continued by University of Ulster
“The Employment and Learning Committee discussed the range ofproposals on the future of crèche facilities at the four campuses ofthe University of Ulster. Students and staff have expressed concernthat crèche facilities might be privatised or closed.
“It is very important, from the point of view of access and equality,that students and staff have access to crèche facilities that areaffordable and in the facility of the campus where people are workingor studying.
“At my suggestion, a letter will be sent to the University managementon behalf of the Stormont Employment and Learning Committee makingclear that the Committee gives high priority to childcare provisionacross the campuses.
“I had previously met with management of the University of Ulster whoadvised me that they want to ensure that childcare services continueto be made available.
“Naturally, I hope that the University will be able to continue toprovide high quality childcare provision”
SDLP Pat Ramsey MLA Support for Community Radio Stations
SDLP Pat Ramsey MLA Support for Community Radio Stations
“I have signed the petition asking the British Government to increase funding for local community radio stations.
“Community radios stations bring a great service to local people and have been described by the telecoms regulator OFCOM as “one of the great UK broadcasting success stories in the last few years.
"But local radio stations are restricted, in law, in the percentage of revenue they can get from advertising. Government is committed to co funding local community radio stations but the level of funding is totally inadequate and community radio stations are struggling.
“Given the service they give to their communities, I hope Government will agree to increase the funding to community radio.”
ENDS
For further details contact Paul Herron at 71 361 444
Also see http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/allthevoices/
“I have signed the petition asking the British Government to increase funding for local community radio stations.
“Community radios stations bring a great service to local people and have been described by the telecoms regulator OFCOM as “one of the great UK broadcasting success stories in the last few years.
"But local radio stations are restricted, in law, in the percentage of revenue they can get from advertising. Government is committed to co funding local community radio stations but the level of funding is totally inadequate and community radio stations are struggling.
“Given the service they give to their communities, I hope Government will agree to increase the funding to community radio.”
ENDS
For further details contact Paul Herron at 71 361 444
Also see http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/allthevoices/
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