First Minister: Stop community group cuts

First minister Peter Robinson is urging his Stormont ministers to stop implementing the kind of budget cuts of the type which have seen the axing of the Waterside Links Festival.
The Mayor, Councillor Brenda Stevenson, and Alderman Drew Thomnpson, Chairman of the Waterside Area Partnership at last year's Waterside Community Links Festival in St. Columb's Park. DER2914-136KMThe Mayor, Councillor Brenda Stevenson, and Alderman Drew Thomnpson, Chairman of the Waterside Area Partnership at last year's Waterside Community Links Festival in St. Columb's Park. DER2914-136KM
The Mayor, Councillor Brenda Stevenson, and Alderman Drew Thomnpson, Chairman of the Waterside Area Partnership at last year's Waterside Community Links Festival in St. Columb's Park. DER2914-136KM

Mr Robinson was speaking on a visit to Londonderry today in support of Foyle DUP election candidate Gary Middleton.

“It was necessary for me to point out to ministers at the last Executive meeting how important it was that they kept the life blood going to these community organisations,” he said.

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“They provide the necessary services to our local communities.

The Mayor, Councillor Brenda Stevenson, and Alderman Drew Thomnpson, Chairman of the Waterside Area Partnership at last year's Waterside Community Links Festival in St. Columb's Park. DER2914-136KMThe Mayor, Councillor Brenda Stevenson, and Alderman Drew Thomnpson, Chairman of the Waterside Area Partnership at last year's Waterside Community Links Festival in St. Columb's Park. DER2914-136KM
The Mayor, Councillor Brenda Stevenson, and Alderman Drew Thomnpson, Chairman of the Waterside Area Partnership at last year's Waterside Community Links Festival in St. Columb's Park. DER2914-136KM

“In cultural terms the add the colour to our society.

“They are what bind us together.”

The first Minister also condemned the bomb attack in Drumahoe earlier this week.

“The random nature of attacks of this type is that anybody could be targeted, hurt or killed,” he said.

“That shows the mindset of the kind of individuals that use this kind of weapon.”

For the full interview, click on the video above.