Derry Ógra Shinn Féin Stand Up For Derry

Derry Ógra Shinn Fein took part in a cavalcade to the steps of Stormont on Monday. The cavalcade was a part of the ‘Stand up for Derry’ Campaign.

The campaign was launched in November 2007 and has five central demands. It calls for more quality jobs for Derry, more social and affordable housing plus greater investment in health, education and infrastructure.

Derry Ógra Spokesperson Bronagh McKnight, who was also involved in the cavalcade said

“For far to long Derry, and indeed communities west of the Bann have been neglected by successive British Governments. This campaign is about challenging all of that and about bringing prosperity and hope west of the bann.

“In our view issues affecting young people must be addressed. The lack of youth facilities in Derry is a huge issue which should be addressed. Many young people in Derry and indeed further a field turn to alcohol and drugs in the absence of such facilities. This is a worrying trend and something we should work towards tackling.

"We are simply not prepared to let Derry be overlooked anymore. The people of this city deserve better and we intend to ensure that they get it.

MLA Martina Anderson has championed the campaign and said she was delighted with the turnout on Monday.

Ms. Anderson said

"I was delighted at the response today and the large numbers of people who made the journey to Belfast in atrocious weather are a credit to their city,"

"When we launched this campaign, we said that our aim was to unite opinion around the needs of Derry and to ensure that the new political dispensation delivers where those in the past have failed.

"Today was a very important step in that process and I was delighted to see the SDLP standing shoulder to shoulder with us because it's vital that we are all speaking with one voice on this issue.

"Today was also an exercise in participatory democracy - about bringing the people of Derry right into the heart of government and allowing them the opportunity to have their say.
"As elected representatives, we should never forget that we are public servants. The Assembly does not belong to politicians or any political party, it belongs to the people and we have a responsibility to deliver for the people.

"That's what Stand Up For Derry is all about - ensuring that our city and the North West in general get's its fair share.”