He does have a point this is as good as it gets and the sooner everyone knuckles down and gets on with it then the better it will be for everyone. i must admit I woudl love a peek at the DUP's document. I wonder if an odd smirk crossed Tony's face while he read it !!

"The figures for poverty and deprivation in the north indicate that the vast majority of areas suffering social exclusion and poverty are NATIONALIST. Deprivation needs to be tackled on the basis of need - not on the basis of perception or to service a particular political agenda." - Hang on - doesn't Conor's first sentence here sound a little strange and misplaced when set before his second one! He should have cut out the top sentence completely and left us with a statement that all could agree with - without feeling to need to designate people as Nationalist or Unionist - I am sure his figures do not do this - I think he has more in common with the DUP in this regard than he would like to believe - I truly hope that the communities in genuine need are serviced as soon as possible - especially those that top Conor's figures list (be they Nationalist or whatever)- once they see some help though I would be interested to observe Conor's continuing pursuit of equality in this regard outside the Nationalist communities he serves so diligently - I'm sure he is just as committed to seeing "Unionist" communities in need (which there are quite a few also) seeing a bit of investment - or will this issue fade out for Conor and his associates once those "Nationalists" that lead his list see some benefit - I have my suspicions and I don't think the DUP and Sinn Fein are vastly different when it comes to only looking after their "own".

Can you provide a link to those figures, Democratic?

What is your solution to this apparent imbalance?

Actually IJP - I read about the figures I think Conor Murphy was talking about a couple of months ago right here on Slugger - you should find the story in the archives somewhere - I can't be bothered looking at the minute - basically it gave areas like Poleglass/Twinbrook in Belfast and others outside as topping a list of "deprived areas" where social and economic investment was urgently required - and bear in mind it is not me who was using them to further any particular political agenda.(as Conor Murphy decries as wrong then does himself with no sense of irony) My "solution" is give money where it is needed most - irrespective of religion or political persuasion and without politians from Sinn Fein or the DUP labelling those in need by voting preference toward distinquishing who they will offer their help.

IJP

Noble considers the 25% of wards (approx 120 wards although each department has its own approach) as needed extra investment under New TSN.

SF have been having some 'spin' fun with the need figures. They are using the line about how the majority of the worst 20 wards are catholic. However, if you look at the top 10 wards it is an even split and the worst ward under the Noble index in NI is Protestant.

Democratic

Money is not always the answer.

"If unionist communities are voiceless then that is a reflection on those elected to represent them"

Not necessarily true. If parties make the case and they aren't listened too it is as much a reflection on others.