Progressive Unionist Party MLA for North Belfast, Billy Hutchinson reacted angrily today to the news that a Sinn Fein Councillor and a number of ardoyne residents were travelling to Dublin for a meeting with Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen. The meeting relates to circumstances surrounding Holy Cross Primary School in North Belfast where a number of weeks ago a stand off developed between opposing residents on the interface area.

Mr. Hutchinson said, "The problem at Holy Cross School is a community one that the community needs to resolve within itself. The difficulties in that area have taken root over a number of years and will not disappear by Sinn Fein grandstanding to the media or the Irish Government. It is shameful that again Republicans are playing the game of 'Victimhood', in this case with the education of children, instead of honourably exploring the possibilities for an equitable settlement between both effected communities. Surely if Sinn Fein genuinely wants a resolution to this dispute their time would be better served urging their constituents to speak to unionist residents 100 yards away than to an Irish Government 100 miles from the problem.

End