Newry Sinn Fein hit back at ‘sectarian’ accusations over enrolment increase at St. Paul’s, Bessbrook
Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady has said he is ‘deeply disappointed’ at the accusations levelled at the party following their success in lobbying the Education Department to extend the number of Year 8 places in St Paul’s, Bessbrook.
He was responding to accusations from the Principal of Markethill High School Paul Maxwell and UUP MLA Danny Kennedy that the party had acted in an ‘unfair and sectarian manner’.
“I am deeply disappointed that Mr Maxwell could make such comments, particularly when at no point did anybody from the school contact Sinn Fein for help,” Brady told Newry Times.
“If they had done they would have found us more than happy to help them and lobby on their behalf. Indeed Mr Maxwell knows this as he has previously come to us for help.
“He had no issue with ‘Team Sinn Fein’ when Conor Murphy and Cathal Boylan MLA engaged with both the Department and the SELB in Markethill’s interests. St. Paul’s, however, did come to us and we make no apologies whatsoever for helping a local school in need,” he insisted.
“The Minister has outlined the reasons for his decision regarding Markethill and it is quite clear they are an issue of distance from the school and in no way sectarian, as Mr Kennedy disgracefully implied.
The local MP added, “Sinn Fein has always regarded Markethill as an excellent school and despite our disappointment at these deeply unfair comments we remain more than happy to assist the school in any way we can.”
Places extended for St. Paul’s Bessbrook students
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=51246
Posted by Newry Times News
on Jun 3 2015. Filed under Community, News, Politics.
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