SDLP Youth today held a demonstration outside Belfast City Hall against the homophobic comments made in local press and at Westminster committees by Iris Robinson MP MLA.

SDLP Youth Chair Peter Armstrong said: “It is clear that Iris Robinson believes it is acceptable for her to preach outrageous messages of hate and discrimination based on her interpretation of ancient biblical texts. However, the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland do not agree with her comments.”

“Our demonstration today has attracted a large turnout, who all share the opinion that it is time for Iris Robinson to apologise for her outrageous comments and resign as Chair of the Assembly’s Health Committee.”

Full press release on today’s demonstration: http://sdlpyouth.com/news_view.php?id=202

Photos from today’s demonstration:
Campaign to End Homophobia

SDLP Youth have today announced a demonstration against the homophobic comments made in local press and at Westminster committees by Iris Robinson MP MLA.

SDLP Youth Chair Peter Armstrong said: “It is clear that Iris Robinson believes it is acceptable for her to preach outrageous messages of hate and discrimination based on her interpretation of ancient biblical texts. However, the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland do not agree with her comments.

“We believe that Iris Robinson does not have any public support. She has shown the extent of her homophobia on television and radio interviews, at Stormont as an MLA and in committees that she sits on as an MP at Westminster. We believe it is intolerable that she can remain as the Chair of the Assembly’s Health Committee after the comments she has made.

“Iris Robinson has failed to apologise for her hateful comments. She has offended many decent right-minded people. There has also been complete silence from other DUP representatives, which would make us think that First Minister Peter Robinson and his DUP party colleagues all share the same viewpoint.

“As a party born from the civil rights movement the SDLP has long been a champion of society’s most vulnerable and those open to discrimination. The SDLP represents people from all faiths and none. As public representatives we have a duty to legislate in the best interests of all the people.

“We believe faith and government are not mutually exclusive. However, all public policy and legislation must stand up to the rigours of basic and guaranteed human rights.

“As a party we have consistently campaigned for a comprehensive and progressive Bill of Rights setting out the principles that should underpin the new society we are trying to build and help ensure events of the past and division of the present is overcome for good of everyone on this island regardless of race, class or creed.

“If you are against the comments made by Iris Robinson, please join us on Thursday 31st July at 1pm outside Belfast City Hall where we will hold a demonstration. Everyone is invited, including family and friends of gay and lesbian people.”

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See photos: Belfast Pride 2007


See photos: Belfast Pride 2006

Trade unions have tabled 130 amendments to the Labour Party’s national policy forum designed to demand a change of direction from Gordon Brown’s beleaguered government. Welcoming a proposal to extend the full minimum wage to younger workers, SDLP Youth spokesman Liam McNulty said:

“The minimum wage varies according to age so a 17 year-old doing the same work as someone 2 or 3 years older than them earns substantially less per hour than their older colleague. We believe that this undervalues the contribution young people make to the workplace and means that in a time of rising prices it is increasingly difficult for many young people to make ends meet. Extending the full minimum wage to young workers would also create a greater incentive for young people to find work.”

“The principle of equal pay for equal work is one which we hold dear. The public would not accept a wage system that discriminates on the basis of gender or ethnicity so there should not be such tolerance for one that discriminates against young people. “

“Unfortunately this matter is still reserved by the British Treasury until the Assembly is devolved the tax-raising powers it needs to function as a proper parliament but we hope that Gordon Brown listens to these proposals and shows leadership on this issue. It is clear that his current right-wing strategy is not working so a new centre-left direction would be much welcomed by all in the youth movement. It is clear that something must be done to protect the most vulnerable in this time of economic turbulence and extending the full minimum wage would be a welcome first step.”

SDLP Youth will be taking part in the ‘Pride March’ on Saturday 2nd August in Belfast City Centre.

SDLP Youth Chair Peter Armstrong is keen for as many SDLP members and elected representatives to attend the march. This will be our 4th year participating in the parade.

Belfast Pride March is a colourful carnival parade through Belfast city centre followed by a free party in Writers Square, Donegall Street, later that evening.

Pride Week is about raising awareness of issues relating to gay and lesbian people and increasing their visibility within society.

SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Mark Durkan has signed a Parliamentary motion congratulating The Independent newspaper for launching its Fair Tips, Fair Pay campaign which aims to put an end to the situation in the hospitality industry where service charges, tips and gratuities are used to pay staff wages.

Mr Durkan said:

“I would like to congratulate The Independent newspaper for launching its Fair Tips, Fair Pay campaign which I will be supporting alongside other MPs and trade unions.

“The regulations under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 legally allows for service charges, tips and gratuities to be used to pay staff wages.

“Therefore, I will be calling on the government to introduce amendments to the appropriate statutes to ensure that all tips and gratuities are paid to staff in addition to (at least) the hourly minimum wage rate.”

SDLP Youth has elected its new executive at the group’s Annual Conference held at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast. Conference speakers included Party Leader Mark Durkan MP, Deputy Leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP and Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA.

Speaking after the first meeting of the new SDLP Youth Executive, the newly elected Chair of SDLP Youth, Peter Armstrong, said: “SDLP Youth have held an incredibly successful Annual Conference with guests from charities, youth development organisations and other political youth groups. Youth Conference have passed a large number of motions on issues affecting young people, which we will campaign on over the next year and lobby for at SDLP Party Conference.

“SDLP Youth is now bigger, stronger and more active than ever before. We regularly organise protests, political debates, workshops and other social events across the north. Our members are active in their local SDLP branches and SDLP Youth are active within the Young European Socialist (ECOSY) group allowing our members to attend conferences across Europe.

“At its first meeting, our new Youth Executive have decided on a range of hard-hitting campaigns to draw attention to the problems faced by young people. SDLP Youth are also planning for upcoming recruitment drives at University Fresher’s Fayres and Colleges throughout the north, where we intend to recruit a record number of young people.”

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See photos: SDLP Youth Executive


See photos: SDLP Youth Conference

SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Mark Durkan MLA has said the potentials and possibilities of realignment will be the catalyst for change in politics North and South in the 21st Century.

Making the keynote address at the SDLP Youth Conference Mr Durkan told delegates the party’s legacy of keepers of the ideals of civil rights, social democratic values and vision as constitutional republicans will be maintained in the changing political landscape.

He said: “The SDLP was first to recognise that with a settled political process would come both significant challenges and exciting opportunities. We also understand that, if we are to maximise its potential, the possibilities for political realignment in Ireland must involve every party and impact upon every person on this island, North and South. Pivotal as the SDLP is to the debate on realignment; leading that debate as we are; it is vital to appreciate that this debate is bigger and wider than just us or the future direction we will take. It is about the future shape of politics in Ireland in the first half of the 21st century.

“This party was born because our founders had the vision to imagine a new politics in a time of challenge. Now, again in a time of change, we need to show the courage, tenacity and vision to lead the way in unfolding a new political landscape. In ways that will ensure that the SDLP, the values we uphold and the vision we hold out will be at the heart of the democratic life of the nation going forward. And will also create the best conditions to allow all parties to work together in the best interests of the people of this country we love. Delivering that outcome is not just our desire as a political party; it is our duty as patriots.

“It is on that positive, confident and imaginative basis that the SDLP’s All-Ireland Working Group has been exploring the opportunities for new politics.

“The working group has held positive meetings with the main parties in the South – including just this week with Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour. Those exploratory discussions will continue and grow in the time ahead.

“Facilitated by our Deputy Leader, Alasdair McDonnell, the group is also engaging constructively in the North, including with the unionist community. “As we scope out new and wider terrain, it is crucial that we work to reassure people, as well as to persuade them of the potential of our approach.

“We do all this conscious of the great responsibility we have to the SDLP, all that we have been through and everything we have seen through. Because this party – and its members – have stood taller, walked further and reached higher for peace, stability and progress in this country than any other. We would not let anyone else away with misrepresenting that fact; as we discuss and debate our future role in Irish political life, we must not forget it ourselves. Put simply, the SDLP is not up for sale. Our work is not just to promote the prospect of a better Ireland, but to fulfil the promise of a better Ireland.

“So going forward – as we embrace change and explore opportunities in new circumstances – our mission must be to preserve our legacy as keepers of the ideals of civil rights; to protect our values as social democrats; to promote our vision as constitutional republicans; and to put this Social Democratic & Labour Party, all that we stand for, everything we believe in at the heart of the new Ireland.”

SDLP Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has outlined her vision for a Shared Future in the North which she said can help tackle the problems of prejudice, poverty and paramilitarism.

The South Down MLA told the SDLP Youth Conference said a carve-up of power within the Executive was detrimental to the concept of power sharing.

She said: “The honeymoon period here is well and truly over.

“We are seeing increasing stalemate and cynicism from the parties at the centre. We have power-sharing in name but less so in practice. There is a workable formula that locks us together in government but, sadly, not the goodwill and spirit of joint endeavour that should go with it.

“If we are to deliver a Shared Future, we cannot have politicians dividing the spoils selfishly between themselves or allocating resources for narrow political advantage. Our goal must be to work together on a common project in the common good � and nothing less.

“Sinn Fein is happy with equal but separate. Equal but still divided. But the SDLP is not. We have a higher ambition for people. Yes we will continue the drive for equality � but we want reconciliation, mutual respect, sharing and friendship among our divided people.

“My vision is of a shared future where all our people have the same life chances and feel comfortable and safe together - at work, at home and at play.

“To me a shared society is also one where opportunity and indeed wealth is shared. That’s why a major priority must also be to tackle poverty - both by encouraging self sufficiency and by supporting those in real need.

“Of course, the devolved administration does not control all the levers here. Tax and welfare policy is set in London. But through my Department’s programmes � and actions by many other Departments too � the Executive can make a real difference.

“To achieve real social mobility, and deliver real sharing, we have to tackle our physically divided society. Take social housing � probably the most important area that I am responsible for � and my number one priority.

“The reality is that social housing in Northern Ireland is totally segregated. The statistics are stark: 94% of estates are segregated by religion, rising to 97% in Belfast. That is part of the appalling legacy of the Troubles.

“This is unacceptable to anyone who holds to the values of the SDLP and I am determined to make a start on de-segregating housing in Northern Ireland.

“Worse still, estates of different religions are often divided by peace walls. I recognise that these barriers are there because of fear, but I also believe they can reinforce division and deprivation. After all, business-people and investors want stability � and peacelines suggest only barely contained strife.

“I want to see the day when peacelines come down. I know that it won’t be easy � and won’t come quickly. Peacelines will only come down when communities are ready and feel safe.

“Clearly, we have to build affordable and social housing for all who need it, no matter who they are. But it’s difficult in an area where space is so bitterly contested.

“That’s why united action by all politicians across the whole of the North is so important. The new Executive needs to agree on some key principles. That people should be free to live where they want. That people’s identities should be respected and protected.

“And that, above all, our future lies together.

“Then we need to convert those principles into concrete actions. To help resolve our disputes over flags and parades. To see our space not as “ours” our “theirs” but “everybody’s” � and to take action to guarantee this.

“One of the challenges that face us as we set out to do this is continued paramilitarism. Nothing has been more responsible for driving communities apart than the actions of paramilitaries.

“I want to enable people to live normal lives; to free up communities so businessmen and women can create jobs without fear of extortion; to provide better role models for young people in loyalist communities than paramilitaries.

“And I can assure you that as far as I am concerned, the days of appeasing and cow-towing to the hard men and gatekeepers are over.

“With devolution, despite its imperfections, now up and running, we have in place the political architecture to enable us to tackle our problems � poverty, prejudice, paramilitarism.

“We have the chance to deliver change. To forge a new future of peace, prosperity and partnership. It will take time � perhaps decades.

“But we have been here before: Forty years ago we started the struggle against discrimination and denial of civil rights in jobs, housing voting and many other areas.

“We have been hugely successful but there is still much work to be done.

“But for me, the main challenge for our party now is to build the Shared Future � and overcome the nay-sayers at the centre of government today. And it is work we are well placed to do.

“Building a Shared Future in the North and on the island is, I believe, uniquely our destiny.”

SDLP Youth member Matthew McDermott has outlined some of the key themes to the party’s plans for an overhaul of the youth justice system.

The Lisburn Councillor told the SDLP Youth conference that re-offending rates were on the rise and we should consider new innovative methods to deal with you crime.

These include treating youth crime as a health issue and detaining youngsters only at weekend while they attended supervised rehabilitation programmes in the community during the week.

He said: “There is a clear problem with our current youth justice system. No one will deny that is the case.

“Anti-social behaviour is on the rise, while rates of offending are as high as those for re-offending.

“And those involved in the system are just as easily identifiable.

“More than half come from state care they come from underprivileged backgrounds, many lack age appropriate education, or suffer from mental health problems or substance and alcohol addiction.

“These are society’s most vulnerable and fragile individuals and by the time they come into contact with the system any potential or opportunity for development has been lost.

“At present, more than two-thirds of the youth justice budget is being spent on locking up young offenders, while a tiny proportion is going on preventative measures.

“But the biggest scandal is the current government is drawing more than half of this budget from health and social services merely to lock people up.

“In essence it is disinvesting in social care services for our most vulnerable children. Some might say locking them up and throwing away the key is the correct approach but the SDLP say the answer is much wider.

“I would argue that the youth offending is no longer a criminal justice matter but a health issue.

“It is now time to raise fundamental questions about whether the present youth justice agencies can adequately address the complex economic and social factors which are the cause of youth offending.

“Are there more effective solutions to be found outside the youth justice system in the delivery of a co-ordinated service through mainstream local authority children’s and young people providers and more effective child services?

“The SDLP is proposing a complete overhaul of the youth justice system.

“Keep and invest and roll out what works. Scrap what doesn’t. We want to see a preventative and caring approach that targets our must vulnerable and troubled children.

“A troubled child is a child in trouble. We must target those who are most at risk. If we invest in tackling their social and economic needs at early age we save later.

“More than two-thirds of children who are identified and worked with at an early age do not re-enter the youth justice system.

“We will be proposing an early intervention package – single point of contact for every targeted child to ensure proper integrated services and the highest quality of care.

“Youth conferencing deserves and demands adequate resources.

“We believe children must have a sense of citizenship instilled in them. Too many fell like they have nothing to lose and nothing to gain.

“We must make them feel part of the system – that there is help available.

“Acknowledging this as the best way forward we are under no illusion that some children and young people need to be detained and punished for the most serious of crimes.

“But custody in general, as a punishment except for serious offences should only ever be used as a last resort and then it should be to prevent reoffending.

“However, we should be imaginative and creative and look at best practice.

“Germany offers a mode that sees children detained only at weekends. They are released during the week and must attend youth conferences, programmes and courses. If they don’t they lose a day in the community.

“This system keeps children in their community, reduces detention costs and makes further savings in ensuring they attend mainstream education.

“This is proving to work for children and for safer communities with a very high success rate of preventing youth crime.

“With regards to post-release we must tackle re-offending.

“Those who re-offend often have no job, no home and no chance in life.

“Then we must work with those who have no job until they do, provide them with accommodation and offer all the necessary support.

“The SDLP is looking at a radical, smart and sensible transformation of the youth justice system that will make our streets and communities safer for all.”