Twitter row over O Muilleoir's funding cut comments

The Education Authority has proposed cutting £15,000 of funding available to the Rosario Centre in south Belfast for weekend use and homework support.

Mr O Muilleoir tweeted that the decision was “totally unacceptable,” and added: “Sinn Féin will campaign vigorously to have money restored.”

One Twitter user responded: “Do these people take you seriously when you say that? You oppose cuts to this and that but could form a government tomorrow and stop it.”

Another said: “Parties here see no contradiction being in govt & opposition at same time. Who formed EA & abolished youth council?

Another typical response was: “Every community has a perceived need. No easy decisions for EA. If SF not prepared to make decisions in govt then respect people who will.”

However, Sinn Fein councillor Deirdre Hargey‏ was one of those who hit back.

She said; “This was a decision taken by the EA! And in cause you missed it there is no govt due to RHI, lack of partnership and equality issues.”

A petition to have the funding restored has been started at Change.org.

It states: “The Education Authority has decided to stop the extended youth provision funding for Rosario Youth Centre. This now means that our weekend provision as well as one to one mentoring and homework support will be stopped.

“We know that the money is available but they just do not see the young people of Rosario as being ‘needy’ enough.

We say all young people have needs regardless of the area, culture or background in which they come from.”