McCrossan: Strabane is behind you Chloe

SDLP West Tyrone Westminster candidate Daniel McCrossan has thrown his support behind Strabane singing sensation Chloe Wilders. Chloe appeared on The Voice of Ireland on RTE last Sunday night where her performance of Jason Mraz’s ‘I Won’t Give Up’ earned her a spot in Judge Niall Breslin’s team.

Mr McCrossan said: “Chloe is a well-known name around Strabane for her incredible voice and it’s fantastic to see her talent recognised across the nation.

“Her tremendous performance on Sunday night is not a surprise to anyone who has visited her prolific Youtube channel and her composure during the blind audition was testament to her conviction to succeed as an entertainer.

“Brezzie has gained himself a valuable asset in this contest and I’m sure Chloe will go on to great success. She is doing herself, her family and Strabane proud and, as I’m sure she already knows, we are all behind her.”

McCrossan: Need for comprehensive mental healthcare in Strabane

SDLP West Tyrone Westminster candidate Daniel McCrossan has highlighted the considerable need for better mental healthcare in West Tyrone. Mr McCrossan explained that despite the valuable work charitable and voluntary organisations, various factors affecting the Strabane area demand more effective provision from the state.

Mr McCrossan said: “Healthcare for those suffering from mental health problems is very different from treating other conditions. Often it is a case of managing the condition rather than treating it and support is fundamental in this effort.

“Unfortunately for those living in Strabane and the surrounding area, the support provided in others area is not readily available. There seems to be a lack of consideration given to the consistent support required for patients in this area and how their conditions may inhibit them. I talked to one woman living in Strabane who was referred to Omagh and yet her condition prevented her from leaving the house.

“Charitable organisations like the Koram Centre do fantastic work in terms of support but as a society we cannot rely on the selflessness of others for lasting and comprehensive mental healthcare. It is essential that the Health Service increases the provision of aftercare and support for people with mental health conditions around Strabane.

“Factors such as low prospects for young people, falling standards of living and family separation due to emigration could contribute to an increase in problematic mental health issues in this area and this is something we must address. People living with these conditions may show no outward sign of how they are really feeling. It is vital that they are not left to suffer alone.

The 'Anti Equality Act' - An opinion piece by Charlie Goan

The Conscience Clause... Oh where do I begin to explain my utter distaste for this piece of legislation that should be christened the “Anti Equality Act”? We live in a democracy that elected representatives can openly discourage equality on TV, Radio and Social Media. For all who are not yet aware of the Conscience Clause I will give you some examples of what the legislation actually cover.

1.    It would mean that Same Sex Couples would not be allowed to adopt of a Catholic Adoption Agency if the agency objected due to the couples sexual orientation

2.    It would mean a Muslim Baker would not have to bake a Cake with “Pro-Gay” Slogans

3.    It would mean that a Evangelical Photographer could choose whether or not he wanted to photograph a same sex marriage

 If this bill is introduced people who class themselves homosexual will be deprived of services on the head of the service provider. In this day and age NO person should be deprived of any service due to their sexual orientation and personally I am totally and utterly opposed to any such move. The people of Northern Ireland have began to move on and now the DUP are trying to drag us back the 17th century and I tell you this and I tell you no more, the people of Northern Ireland will be dragged back kicking and screaming until someone takes a stand to the terrible homophobic bill. The people of Northern Ireland will overcome the bigots of society and will overcome with strength and conviction.

Mr. Charlie Goan

West Tyrone Youth Representative

McCrossan calls on Minister to build 500 houses across West Tyrone

SDLP West Tyrone Westminster candidate Daniel McCrossan has described the inadequacy of social housing in West Tyrone as a shocking indictment of the Department of Social Development. Mr McCrossan has given voice to the hundreds of families who have spent months on waiting lists and has called on the DSD Minster Mervyn Storey to step up and do his job.

He said: “The complete inadequacy of social housing is one of the most important issues facing constituents of West Tyrone.

“The figures are staggering and offer a shocking indictment of the Department of Social Development. 619 families are on the waiting list in Omagh of which 175 experience housing stress. In Strabane the situation is even worse with 697 families on the waiting list with a shameful 326 of them finding the cost of living too much to bear.

“I have talked to one individual who has been waiting with her family since July. She explained how the stress has affected their physical health and the health of her marriage.

“The Social Development Minister must take urgent and immediate action. He must expedite social housing and start the development of 500 homes across West Tyrone to alleviate the burden on these hard pressed families.

“1,316 families across West Tyrone are right now waiting to have a home and this is unacceptable. Mervyn Storey needs to step up and act one of his most basic duties, to provide social housing for those who need it.”

McCrossan: Welcome home Bane

SDLP West Tyrone Westminster candidate Daniel McCrossan has celebrated the return of a beloved pet dog to his owner in Sion Mills. Bane the Labrador had been missing for a substantial period of time before a sustained social media campaign helped return him to his owner 8 year old TJ who has Autism.

He said: “I am delighted that Bane has finally found his way home. TJ was ecstatic when reunited with his friend.

“I know the Earley family very well and knew how much Bane meant to them and TJ in particular.

“His return comes in the wake of a social media campaign that went viral prompting many more people to get involved in the search.

“I would like to thank everyone who made this a reality. Their concerted effort is typical of the considerate, selfless and compassionate people who live in Sion Mills and West Tyrone in general.”

Byrne: DARD Minister must act on falling farm incomes

SDLP Spokesperson for Agriculture and Vice Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, Joe Byrne MLA has called for Agriculture Minister to take urgent action to counter the falling income of the North’s farming industry. Mr Byrne highlighted the turmoil of dairy industry as particularly concerning for agriculture.

He said: “I have a major concern for the drop in farming prices that is creating uncertainty and great financial stress for many farmers. I am particularly anxious that our largest sector dairy farming which has saw a drop of 6% last year.

“I have requested that the Agriculture committee write to Commissioner Phil Hogan in Brussels and press for the introduction of an new intervention scheme for dairy products. This is an essential step if milk prices are to be stabilized and restore a sense of order in the markets across Europe.

“It is also crucial that Michelle O’Neill lobbies effectively in London with the DEFRA Minister, Liz Truss, in order to create a sense of urgency for the Dairy sector in NI”

McCrossan: Strabane will resist cuts to frontline services.

SDLP West Tyrone Westminster candidate Daniel McCrossan has expressed his frustration that Strabane Courthouse has been earmarked for closure. 

Following the revelation from the Justice Minister David Ford, Mr McCrossan confirmed that the SDLP support the local community in resisting any cuts to essential frontline public services.

He said: “I am deeply frustrated to learn of the Justice Minister David Fords proposals to close up to 8 Court Houses across the North. Not surprisingly, Strabane is first in line for further cuts.

“This again represents the very raw deal being dealt to the people of the Strabane District by the Northern Ireland Executive. Strabane has been starved from any meaningful Government investment for decades and this government now intends to entirely remove all traces of front line public services from the area.

This will add tremendous pressure, in an already very stressful situation, on those before the court and the families attending.  This will also prove very difficult for local solicitors, who will be expected to travel much further to represent their clients.

“Considering this is the third time the Strabane Court House has been pulled into question, it becomes quite clear that it was really only a matter of time before David Ford came knocking for the Gavel.

“Local solicitors along with local representative have battled hard to have the service retained and I along with my SDLP colleagues will continue this fight to protect this vital service.”