Sinn Féin Leas-Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill has said there must be a real step change in confronting and tackling sectarianism and to build a better future for all.

Speaking at the launch of Sinn Féin’s new policy document ‘A New Ireland for All – Ending Sectarian Segregation’, Michelle O’Neill said:

“Sinn Féin recognises the need to build a genuinely shared future.

“Our housing and education systems should be an opportunity to create shared communities.

“We need to realise our potential and ensure prosperity now and for the generations to come.

“Diversity and difference enrich our society as we see from the many new communities who have brought with them culture and experiences that we all benefit from and enjoy.

“The recent restoration of our political institutions provides new energy, new opportunities and real hope.

“The institutions are based on partnership, inclusion, respect, and equality. Power-sharing allows us to plan, work and deliver together.

“These are not just words, as public representatives we have a responsibility to work for all our people whatever their background or political allegiances.

“As political leaders we must focus on the opportunities that a restoration of the Executive and Assembly provides.

“We need to see now, a real step change in confronting and tackling sectarian attitudes and structures.

“People need to meet each other halfway. We need to accept that there are different perspectives and try to understand each other.

“We need to acknowledge each other’s concerns and we need to remove the physical barriers in our communities, and also importantly the barriers in our heads and in our hearts.

“I have great hope and optimism for the future.

“Together we can build a reconciled, accommodating, inclusive society that we all call home.”