Sinn Fein’s record of representation in West Belfast is nothing short of appalling and an affront to the people of west Belfast, local Workers Party representative Conor Duffy has said. .

“The story has been one of rising unemployment, an increasing reliance on benefits and food banks, escalating levels of poverty and low-income”, Conor said

This is how West Belfast has fared under three decades of Sinn Fein representation:

• 43% of children in West Belfast are growing up in poverty
• Local unemployment levels are running at almost 8%
• Only 6% of Invest NI funding has come to West Belfast in the past three years
• Nearly half of all local people over 16 are dependent of at least one form of benefit
• A lower number of pupils from West Belfast, than elsewhere, go on to further education”

“Sinn Fein will say that West Belfast has suffered years of neglect and a lack of investment. What they avoid saying is that it’s happened on their watch”., Conor said

“It couldn’t be any clearer that working class people – employed, unemployed, young people and pensioners – need a Workers Party, committed to defending their interests”. he concluded.