Challenge to Assembly ministers backing Tory welfare cuts – spend one week on low incomes

FOUR Assembly ministers backing the Tory-led welfare cuts have been challenged by Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay to spend a week living on the low income they expect others to survive on.

Throwing down the gauntlet to Finance Minister Simon Hamilton (DUP), Justice Minister David Ford (Alliance), Employment Minister Stephen Farry (Alliance) and Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy (UUP), Daithí McKay said:

“UUP, DUP and Alliance ministers are quick to demand we implement Tory cuts to the benefits of those on low incomes, the disabled and the unemployed.

“Would they be so enthusiastic if they were facing reductions to their own incomes or had to live on the pittance allocated to the poorest and most vulnerable in our society?”

The Sinn Féin MLA pointed out that welfare cuts have forced tens of thousands of people in England into increased poverty, homelessness, desperation and, in some cases, suicide.

“Could any of these politicians advocating welfare cuts survive on the income they want to give to the disabled and the unemployed?

“I am challenging, Simon Hamilton, David Ford, Stephen Farry and Danny Kennedy to spend just one week on the incomes they expect others to live on.

“I doubt very much they could do so but perhaps this experience would open their eyes to the real impact of welfare cuts.”