Cunningham leads Dalriada protest to Stormont

Cllr Cunningham said that public service cuts, endorsed by the DUP and Sinn Féin in the draft budget, have united the community in opposition to austerity which will hurt the most vulnerable hardest.

He said: “Today’s turnout shows the depth of feeling on this issue. So many people have made the journey to Stormont to send a clear message to MLAs and Ministers- we will not roll over as you launch an attack on our public services and our community. We will not stand idly by as the axe of austerity cuts into the life and soul of our area and damages our ability to care for the sick and vulnerable.

“For too long we have been neglected as a region. We have not enjoyed the dividends of peace as other areas have. Now the Stormont administration is trying to take back what little we have. This community will fight back like never before and I’m extremely proud of that.

“We will leave no stone unturned in our fight to save Dalriada. To close a hospital as we enter the winter months when seasonal pressures will increase is misguided, betrays utter political incompetence but most importantly, will put lives in danger. As a member of this community and as a local representative, I cannot allow that to happen.

“Today sent a message. If the DUP and Sinn Féin, or any political party, thinks they can walk over us and close Dalriada without a fight, they have another thing coming.”