NIO Minister, Des Browne has been criticised by Sinn Fein today over his work with Protestant community leaders.

It followed Mr Browne's attendance at a consultation workshop alongside elected representatives, senior officials and members of local Strategy Partnerships from southern region District Councils, in Armagh.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr Browne said: “During recent months, elected representatives and community leaders from Protestant working class communities, mainly in Belfast, but also in rural areas, have been very effective in identifying and convincing Government of the particular problems facing some of their communities.

"I am convinced of the need to tackle these problems and am determined to see local people being given the skills and leadership to develop their confidence so that they can recognise the opportunities available to them to make a difference in their communities."

But, Mr Browne's words were criticised by Sinn Fein Equality spokesperson, Dara O'Hagan who said the Minister must look at working class society on both sides of the sectarian side.

He added: "I have absolute sympathy with working class communities that suffer from high levels of disadvantage and poor community and political leadership.

"However, I am deeply concerned that Des Browne has fallen into the trap of failing to recognise that needs must be addressed on an objective basis.

"All statistical evidence and indicators show that the legacy of institutionalised discrimination against Catholic communities has resulted in significantly higher levels of disadvantage."

Dr O'Hagan said the Minister must ensure that all future needs of the working class is done equally as required by commitments made in both the Good Friday Agreement and the Joint Declaration.

(MB)