Strikes: Thousands in NI plead for politicians to 'release the purse strings'

Thousands of public sector workers have attended rallies in Northern Ireland as part of a strike over pay.

More than 100,000 public sector workers are taking part in the day of action.

It is halting bus and train services, while schools are closed and there is disruption across health services.

Fiona Keegan, principal of St Kevin's Primary School in west Belfast, said "if the money is there and available I plead with the politicians, whoever is holding those purse strings, to release the funds".

The government has offered a financial package if devolution is restored which would include provisions on pay.

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