Women's party wants 'sectarian code'

Monica McWilliams says a code of conduct should govern politicians

Politicians should be governed by a code of conduct to deal with sectarian problems at interface areas, the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition has said.

Launching the party's manifesto in Belfast, assembly candidate Monica McWilliams said the suggestion was made during attempts to resolve tensions at flashpoints last year.

"When (former Northern Ireland Office minister) Des Browne brought together the parties to discuss the problems along the interface we put forward this proposal of code of conduct," she said.

"The reason for this was we were finding in many flashpoint communities people were saying everything was calm around here until the local politicians turned up.

"If there was a code of conduct for politicians, it could take the sting out of situations."

The party's manifesto calls for the replacement of the 11-Plus exam with a "fairer transfer system, an effective anti-bullying strategy, more after-school clubs" and an integrated teacher training college.

More investment was needed to tackle hospital waiting lists and prevent illnesses, with the extension of the 24-hour NHS Direct telephone service to Northern Ireland, said the party.

The other main points of the Women's Coalition manifesto include:

Creating a sustainable economy bringing real benefits to the whole community; a living minimum wage of £5 an hour; a narrowing of the 19% pay gap between men and women's earnings and the introduction of the euro

Calculating benefits in relation to the cost of living, special strategies to tackle child poverty; a comprehensive strategy for homelessness and an action plan to ensure the Traveller community can access high standards of services

Providing more resources for community and women's groups delivering essential services; a forum to bring together initiatives to tackle sectarianism; a strategy for neighbourhood renewal; accessible community, transport and play facilities in all new housing developments

Having a children's play strategy to ensure more facilities in urban and rural communities; more resources for children and teenagers affected by conflict in their communities, measures to improve child protection including a helpline for victims of abuse, north-south co-operation on vetting and close contact between agencies to manage sex offenders.