Caledon lessons 'must be learnt'

Margaret Ritchie addressed the conference

The lessons of the past must be learned if Northern Ireland is to address the legacy of segregated housing, the social development minister has said.

Margaret Ritchie was speaking at a conference marking the 40th anniversary of the Caledon protest.

Nationalist MP Austin Currie and others protested in the Tyrone village over discrimination in housing allocation.

"We must learn from the past if we are to enjoy the benefits of a shared equal future," Mrs Ritchie told the event.

"Just as Caledon was a catalyst for change 40 years ago, our new housing agenda today can bring about a new beginning, addressing housing problems today and identifying solutions for tomorrow.

"We must demonstrate what can be achieved when people choose to live together rather than apart," the minister said.

"Although the situation today is incomparably better than 40 years ago there are still a minority of people who oppose the provision of housing for those who need it.

"Inspired by the courage of Austin Currie back in 1968 we will confront those who would deny proper housing to others. We will build wherever there is need."

Mr Currie is also addressing the conference, as is the former Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP, Ulster Unionist Lord Ken Magennis.

During the protest Mr Currie squatted in a house in the village to protest at how the council allocated homes.

It followed the allocation of a council house to a single Protestant woman ahead of a Catholic family.