PUP leader calls for action on inequality

PROGRESSIVE Unionist Party (PUP) Deputy Leader Nigel Gardiner has said more must be done to tackle inequality in Londonderry and described the attack on the city’s UK City of Culture office last week as a “thoughtless action” that will damage efforts to improve the lot of people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Londonderry loyalist has urged the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure it continues to work to tackle social inequalities even in the current difficult economic climate.

Mr Gardiner was addressing local Party members recently at a meeting to discuss issues facing communities in his home town of Derry, where he plans to contest the next Council elections.

He said: “A number of issues have been covered in the media in the past few days, that are totally unrelated, but nonetheless made me think carefully about social inequality in the City.”

The first issue related to the lack of funding for the staffing of a planned Radiotherapy Unit in Altnagelvin. Nigel said: “Health inequalities are a key indicator of social deprivation.

“A range of research demonstrates that people in disadvantaged communities die younger than those in more affluent areas, and sadly, cancer related deaths are a key contributing factor. “

He said this was why such a centre was badly needed in the North West.

He also responded to the recent dissident Republican attack on the City of Culture offices in the City by saying, “The attack has a wider impact than destabilizing community relations in the City.

“The successful City of Culture bid will help to engage all communities in the City and help address cultural inequalities through supporting people from all backgrounds to access culture and the arts.

“This thoughtless attack places in jeopardy any attempt to promote the regeneration of our City and provide opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds,” he said.

Mr Gardiner concluded: “Addressing inequality is at the core of the Progressive Unionist Party beliefs and I will continue to work locally to support working class communities.”