A FEW weeks ago I wondered which loyalist area would be bought off… sorry, would benefit from an ‘economic package’ before the marching season gets serious, in order to keep a lid on things. Well, it’s Sandy Row (obviously), where the protest against Catholic residents took place recently.
So is this another case of the Government buckling under the threat of violence, trying to create circumstances for a more peaceful summer or politicians genuinely wanting to help a deprived area? A cynic might look at the timing of the announcement, compare with knowledge of previous years, and conclude the former. I wonder if the Government has a special fund set aside just to make announcements in June or July promising aid to areas?
There’s no doubt that Sandy Row could benefit from a Government task force identifying ways to improve the area, but is this really the message the Government wants to send out – the threat of violence pays?
Discover more from Slugger O'Toole
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
