Party Candidates Gemma Weir and Chris Bailie with Mark Langhammer, Director of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Workers Party candidates in North Belfast Gemma Weir ( Castle) and Chris Bailie (Oldpark) have welcomed the launch of a ‘Teachers Manifesto’ addressing the future of our local education system.

“This is a very welcome step in moving forward the debate about our education system”, said Gemma . “There are a number of very important issues which need to be progressed immediately for the benefit of children, parents and teachers”, she said.

Chris added, “The very structure of local education has been in stalemate at the Assembly for some time. Agreement must be reached on a way forward. Less money actually reaches frontline education here than in England, Scotland or Wales and the Transfer Test / Selection at 11 issue has now reached the stage of farce”, he said .

Mark Langhammer, Director of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers commented: “the Teachers Manifesto is aimed at local Council and European election candidates. It sets out the united view of the teachers unions. Many candidates will have roles in education within Education and Library Boards, on school Governing bodies and as parents. We are pleased at the early  engagement of the Workers Party with the manifesto and expect to meet all parties in the course of the campaign.”