'Stop targeting rural communities': SDLP MLA tells the Alliance Party

SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster Patsy McGlone has said that the Alliance Party must stop targeting rural communities.

The Mid Ulster MLA was speaking as proposals from the Justice Minister that could increase the cost of a firearms licence by over 150% came before the Assembly. Earlier this week Alliance Party MLAs voted against a Bill that would secure continued financial support for small farms.

Mr McGlone said: “The Alliance have set out their stall this week as the anti-rural party.

“As Justice Minister, their party leader has introduced proposals that would result in massive hikes in the costs for protecting livestock on farms, as well as clay pigeon and target shooting. These are country sports enjoyed by many people in rural communities and supported by registered dealers in towns across the North.

“If the Alliance Party’s hikes in the cost of a firearms licence are allowed to proceed it will price people out of the sport. It would reduce it from a sporting activity enjoyed by many to the pursuit of an elite few.

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“This attack on country sports and farmers has come in the same week as Alliance Party MLAs voted against proposals in the Assembly to secure continued support for small farms.

“In the years since Brexit, the British Government has failed to replace EU support and has cut the assistance available to farming households while farming costs have continued to rise.

“The proposals In the Assembly sought to secure the continuation of support for farmers in areas where natural conditions limit agricultural activity.

“It is clear that the Alliance Party is out of touch with the needs of rural communities. Their focus as an urban-based party is far removed from the day to day concerns of farming families and the rural communities they are an integral part of.

“The North is predominantly a rural landscape and the people who live and work there deserve the same consideration and support as those in Belfast or Bangor.

“The SDLP will continue to challenge attacks on rural communities from any quarter. Our focus remains on fair representation for all sections of our society, all across the North.”