Planning Service Cuts Wrong

I fully understand the shock of Planning Service staff – many of them professional planners – who find themselves threatened with transfer because of a lack of strategy in budget and civil service management.

There is a need to make sure that this service is well-geared to take positive developments forward as we strive for recovery after the recession, particularly in the construction sector. In areas like Derry, the cuts proposed run contrary to expressed public policy from the Executive.

Many of these staff resent the devaluation of their work and the dislocation they now face – as well as the worry that they could be affected by deeper cuts in the future. I have written to Environment Minister Edwin Poots objecting to these proposals.

Trade Union Conference

After some constituency work visits this morning, at lunchtime I participated in a Fringe Debate at the City Hotel on the future of Public Services. It took place as part of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions NI Committee Conference taking place in Derry's City Hotel.

I outlined the SDLP's credible opposition to public services cuts here - matched by costed alternatives. With Northern Ireland now being targeted by the Tories for major cuts in our public services, the SDLP will be in Westminster to stand against cuts to frontline services and workers.

Cameron Cuts Worry

David Cameron’s comments on Friday night’s Jeremy Paxman interview should worry everyone who depends on public services and the many who work hard to deliver them.

The Conservative leader’s comments show that the North will be a target for his public expenditure cuts should he take office. Services in this region would be squeezed both directly and indirectly in the spending plans of a Tory government.

One of the challenges in the next Parliament will be the fight to defend frontline services overall and the North’s budget share in particular. People here need MPs who will stand up for them in that Parliament to defend vital services and protect social security benefits and pensions. MPs can’t really stand up for people on these issues when it counts, where it matters, if they never take their seat.

SDLP Manifesto Launch

Here is my contribution to the SDLP Manifesto launch this morning in Belfast. I set out some home truths about what other parties are promising to the electorate on 6th May.

Skeoge Businesses Impress

This afternoon I went on a walkabout of Skeoge Business Park with John McGowan of North West Marketing. This enterprise hub was one of the results of the Integrated Development Fund which I championed after the collapse of Desmonds.

I was really impressed by the spirit of entrepreneurs who are ready to take a risk and have a go – making opportunities not just for themselves but for their employees and the local economy.

Their innovation, their invention and their endeavour are a credit to them, and hopeful assets for the North West economy.

A Clean Sweep!!

This morning I joined a clean-up of the tourist walk around Derry’s Walls with volunteers from the three McDonald’s branches in the city – for the Belfast Telegraph / TIDY Northern Ireland Big Spring Clean.

Culmore Bomb Attack

The attack on a home in Spruce Meadows in the early hours of this morning is totally unacceptable and must be condemned. People in the area were put out of their homes in the dead of night and that disruption is rejected by the people of this city. I urge anyone with information to provide it to the PSNI.