Scottish Set Example In Tackling Sectarianism

The SDLP and UUP have just completed a successful fact finding visit to Scotland, where they investigated how best to tackle sectarianism.

 Speaking before travelling back to Northern Ireland, the SDLP’s Senior Negotiator Sean Farren said, “The key lesson from the Scottish experience is the need for initiatives from political leadership along the lines of what has been done in Scotland led by First Minister Jack McConnell and supported by key stakeholders in Scottish life, including Churches, community organisations and sporting organisations.

 “A restored Assembly and Executive would give us an opportunity for that type of leadership.  On Friday the group travelled to Glasgow and had talks with the Scottish Orange Order and met with representatives of Celtic and Rangers football clubs at Hampden Park to discuss how they have tackled sectarianism in sport.