Durkan welcomes new disability action democracy working group
Foyle MP Mark Durkan MLA has today welcomed a new democracy working group set up by Disability Action that aims to increase the local participation of disabled people in the democratic process.
After attending the first meeting of the group in Derry, Mr Durkan said: “I have no doubt that Disability Action’s ‘Count Us In’ project aimed at increasing the participation of disabled people in the democratic process will prove to be a very worthwhile endeavour.
It is essential that everyone with an interest in a truly healthy democracy that values the full participation of every citizen gets involved. I am heartened that ‘Count Us In’ is an initiative that will not only collaboratively discuss but actively address issues that are currently affecting disabled people in Derry.
This will work best when disabled people, those working in the disability sector, local political representatives and people from the public and voluntary sectors come together.
Currently, disabled people are all too often excluded or marginalised from our democratic process. I would strongly encourage more disabled people in Derry to get involved in all areas of political life in order to help address important issues affecting not only disabled people but the entire community.”
Mr Durkan added: “The SDLP is looking forward to playing a constructive role locally and in the restored institutions on disability issues, including carrying forward positive work we had begun in the previous Assembly.
Our challenge now is to work towards an innovative citizenship approach whereby we not only recognise but also engage with disabled people as equal citizens with equal rights and responsibilities.”
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Weather for Derry
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 8 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light rain
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