Sinn Fein MLA Responds To 'Scaremongering' Claim

A Sinn Fein MLA has hit back at criticism for allegedly accusing teachers in L'Derry of scaremongering parents over funding cuts.

Principals of several schools in the city sent a joint letter to parents, outlining the lack of support and funding available and the threat it places on the quality of education being delivered.

Foyle MLA Karen Mullan responded with her own letter, addressed to the principals, which was later posted on Twitter.

"I like parents and school principals am fully supportive of the request for greater funding to go to education," Mrs Mullan wrote.

"There has been no lack of political support from myself or my party colleagues when it comes to arguing for greater financial support for children.

"While I recognise some schools are facing significant pressures it is important to point out that not all schools are experiencing the issues highlighted in the letter. Such broad and sweeping assertions have the potential to cause unnecessary stress and anxiety for parents."

In response to Mrs Mullan's letter, SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan said: "How dare Sinn Fein accuse our teachers of scaremongering?

"So Sinn Fein think they know better than our teachers and principals who are trying to run schools with huge cuts to budgets, often spending from their own pockets, in deteriorating conditions!

"Redundancies at an all time high no capacity for recruitment, not to mention the huge issues with schools maintenance!

"When was the last time Sinn Fein even visited a school?"

Karen Mullan has since responded to the claims by tweeting out the letter with an additional paragraph that was included on the second page.

In her tweet she said: "At no stage did I tell anyone to stop scaremongering. I reiterated my wholehearted support for schools facing sustained ToryDUP cuts & pointed out the most effective solution."

On the second page of the letter, Mrs Mullan wrote: "I and my colleagues will continue to make the case for greater resources for public services and particularly for education. I would appreciate if you could respond and give me a detailed breakdown on the issues that are impacting on teaching and learning in your school and I will make contact with DE and the Education Authority on your behalf."

(JG)