Unionists/SDLP "years behind the times" on anti-sectarianism - Long

10.23.12am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 5th Oct 2006

Alliance Vice Chair, Cllr Michael Long

Alliance Party Vice Chair Michael Long has said the Ulster Unionists and SDLP are misleading people when they talk about a trip to Scotland "displaying courage and leadership" - noting that the Alliance Party has been going on such trips for years.

The Castlereagh Councillor, who visited Scotland to study anti-sectarian policies with the Alliance Party in 2003, stated: "Not for the first time, the sectarian parties are displaying anything but courage and leadership here. On the contrary, it has taken them three years to follow our lead. They are years behind the times on tackling sectarianism, and there is

no evidence they are serious about it even now.

"One of the first things they will learn is you cannot overcome division while promoting and propping up a divided political and social system, which is what Ulster Unionists and the SDLP have done when given the chance.

"These are the parties who left the whole 'Shared Future' document on the shelf in 2002, yet claim they will learn from Scotland in 2006. These are the parties who failed to implement the Football Offences Act in 2002, yet claim they will learn from Scotland in 2006. These are the parties who have lacked the courage and leadership to take any action on these issues when the opportunity exists. Only the Alliance Party is capable of thinking and feeling on behalf of everyone in Northern Ireland, and of taking the tough decisions to ensure a better future for everyone."

ENDS