Better Housing delivers better Communities Ritchie tells Newry women's conference

Providing better housing is the key to building better communities.

That was the message Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA delivered to the ‘Women in Politics’ conference today.

‘Women in Politics’ are independent of all political parties and actively encourage women to participate in all aspects of public life. They invited the Minister to address them on social and affordable housing. The Minister pointed out that the first challenge was to secure the resources to provide more houses.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I have made no secret of my disappointment at the lack of funding for housing in the difficult budget negotiations I have recently had with my Executive colleagues. I am determined to leave no stone unturned in seeking to provide the investment in housing we need to provide the homes our people deserve.

“Finally, on top of all the questions of finance and resources, we have the challenge of how good housing builds good communities. And I believe good communities should be sharing communities. Although there are difficulties, it is my intention to encourage and support shared housing initiatives in the period ahead. A Shared Future is a worthy goal for all of us. And that must surely be a priority not just for me for all women in politics.”

Margaret Ritchie also encouraged more women to become involved in public and political life. She said: “I am very conscious that the narrow definition of 'politics' in Northern Ireland means that the valuable work carried out by women in their local communities is underestimated and largely unnoticed. So I would like to commend all of you here today for the hard work you put into your communities.

“I think we would all agree that there are not enough women in politics at the top level. But more women can make politics better.”

Notes to Editors:

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