SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood says Derry has been failed by DUP and SInn Fein leadership over the past decade leaving the city to “play second fiddle” to Belfast.
The Foyle MLA said: “The PWC report is a damning indictment of leadership from Sinn Féin and the DUP that jointly lead Government here for the past decade.
“At the heart of the DUP / Sinn Féin led Government was a rot. A rot that was characterised by raging inequality and narrow political interests.
“This inequality was not just simply their failure to deliver language or marriage equality, but the systematic failure of the DUP and Sinn Féin to deliver economic equality.
“In truth while jointly leading the Executive Sinn Féin and DUP prioritised and promoted their own interests over the interests of the North West.
“For years the SDLP has argued that Derry was being left to decay, while the rot at the centre of government was allowed to fester.
“It was only the SDLP that argued that the big two were leaving Derry to play second fiddle to Belfast.
“It was only the SDLP that had plans to bring forward a Private Members Bill to address regional disparity.
“And it was only the SDLP that has consistently called for a City Deal for Derry to drive jobs and investment.
“During the talks process, the SDLP placed a number of key asks on the table including calls for the expansion of Magee, investment in skills and a City Deal for Derry – yet neither the DUP or Sinn Féin have been interested in talking about addressing economic inequality.
“As we face into Direct Rule next week, the people of Derry will be exasperated but not surprised to learn that neither the DUP or Sinn Féin is interested in talking about their futures.
“Why would they be? They haven’t been for the past 10 years.
“Derry needs to be served better than a team of MLAs from Sinn Féin and the DUP who take their wages but won’t go to work.
“And better than a Sinn Féin MP who takes her expenses and her trips to London but won’t go to work.
“With Brexit coming down the line and a prospect of a hard border, I’m pleased that the PWC report at least acknowledges the ‘particular challenges’ we in Derry face.
“But it’s of little comfort to those of us who know the devastating impact a border on the island would have.
“Derry deserves a better strategy. It needs one.
“The past ten years have proved that the DUP and Sinn Féin are not up-to the job.
“The time for a new strategy has arrived,” added the SDLP leader.
