Coronavirus Northern Ireland: O’Neill calls for all-island approach to deal with Coronavirus | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Coronavirus Northern Ireland: O’Neill calls for all-island approach to deal with Coronavirus

Joint Head of Government Michelle O’Neill has called for an all-island approach to dealing with the COVID-19 following a meeting of Ministers from north and south. 

Speaking to Newry Times, Michelle O’Neill said, “This morning I attended a meeting in Armagh along with other Executive Ministers, the acting Taoiseach and Tanáiste and the Chief Medical Officers.

Article continues below

“Throughout the meeting, I pressed the need for an all-island approach to tackle COVID-19.

 

 

“I did so not on the basis of politics, but on the basis of advancing the most effective approach to protect all citizens on this island.

“30,000 people cross the border on a daily basis for school, for business purposes and to visit family.

“Towns and villages straddle the border from one home to the next.

 

 

“It is unacceptable, for example, that a school in Lifford is being given a different direction to combat COVID-19 to one that is based in Strabane – both towns are one mile apart,” she continued.

“This is the practical and confusing complexities around two different approaches.

“The simple reality is the Coronavirus does not recognise borders.

 

 

“Various educational and sporting organisations have already taken precautions to protect the interests of citizens.

“Last night the Catholic Church also called for the closure of schools to protect pupils, their families and staff.

“As political leaders, we must now take decisive action which is also in the best interest of all citizens. 

“In the coming days, I will continue to actively work with Executive Ministers, the Irish Government and both Chief Medical Officers for one approach across this island that protects the interests of citizens in Belfast, Dublin, Derry and Cork,” the Deputy First Minister added.

 

 

Keep up to date with all the latest Northern Ireland Coronavirus / Covid-19 news HERE

 

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=69207

Posted by on Mar 14 2020. Filed under Community, Coronavirus. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Leave a Reply







Find us on Facebook

Log in | Designed by Gabfire themes