Sinn Fein is supporting residents living in the Market area in south Belfast following a decision by Belfast City council to transfer land on the Gasworks site to developers.

MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said the decision by the council will be a setback to all who believe in a shared city with homes and hotels.

He said: "The decision by the Council to renege on 12 years of promises of homes for local people on the Gasworks site and instead to transfer land to developers marks a tipping point for the city.

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"If Council succeeds in this land grab at a time when 88 Market families are in housing distress, it will be a setback to all who believe in a shared city with homes and hotels.

"I am pleased that Irish America has responded robustly to this attempt by Council to rob from the poor and give to the rich and am confident Radisson will think twice, as will American multinationals, before taking up accommodation on this site."

(CD/LM)