SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has criticised Sinn Fein’s Elisha McCallion following her claim that negotiations on a Derry City Deal had collapsed.
Mr Durkan said the Sinn Fein MP was more focused on “grabbing headlines” than on delivering progress for the North West.
The Foyle MLA said: “Here we go again, another populist headline grabbing stunt from Elisha McCallion.
“It was bad enough that earlier this week we witnessed the cringe-worthy comments from the MP claiming that she secured Mr Barnier’s visit to Derry – the EU Commission have clarified that that was not the case.
“Now we have the MP saying that plans for a Derry City Deal have been scrapped. This is also inaccurate.
“Last week the SDLP Leader met with the Secretary of State Karen Bradley and impressed on her the need to make an announcement about the commitment that the SDLP received to a Derry City and Strabane City Deal.
The SDLP understands discussions with Derry City and Strabane District Council have been unable to progress because there has been no mandate given to civil servants to continue the conversation.
“However, rather than throw in the towel it is our job as politicians to secure that mandate.
“The SDLP won’t be running away at the first hurdle just because we haven’t got an MP in Westminster that will stand up and fight for the North West.
“Maybe Mrs McCallion’s constant need to push so much noise and nonsense is to simply distract for the fact that her party ,hand in hand with the DUP, failed to back a City Deal for Derry in the previous Executive.
“Maybe it’s to distract from the fact that currently Sinn Fein and the DUP are doing what they did for ten years in Government – failing Derry.
“Mrs McCallion needs to face facts, she’s an MP and it’s about time she went to work.
“While Elisha sits at home, it is a Labour MP who is asking questions in Westminster about Derry’s City Deal.
“You can’t say that representation in Westminster doesn’t matter and then bemoan the influence that DUP MPs have there.
“Sinn Fein need to get their facts right before they whip up fear and disappointment.Our current MP has a track record of not letting the facts get in the way of a good story,whether it be on the campaign for a medical school or ,shamefully,the promise of mental health services.
“The SDLP are leading the campaign to deliver regional growth and we are working tirelessly to secure our fair share for the North West.
“We all need to do this together as Sinn Fein solo-runs just don’t cut the mustard. Last week both An Tánaiste and the Secretary of State agreed to work with us on helping Derry take forward a City Deal that delivers economic growth here.
“Elisha McCallion and Sinn Fein should stop with the pathetic headline hunting and roll up their sleeves to join the rest of us to get the work done to deliver for the North West,” added the Foyle MLA.
