June 2003 Archives (Latest News)
June 2, 2003
Gildernew calls for bank holidays to be standardised across Ireland
Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew has called for Bank Holidays on the island to become standardised. Read more
June 3, 2003
Ó Caoláin - PDs set agenda for right-wing Government
Commenting on the Government's Progress Report, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said the PDs and Fianna Fáil were too long in office and had become like the Tories in Britain after successive terms in power. Read more
McGuinness - RIR Retention not consistent with conflict resolution
Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP speaking at a press conference in Belfast said 'The RIR are first and foremost a unionist militia. Conflict resolution inevitably involves the removal of the RIR.' Read more
Adams thanks Mayor Maskey for his pioneering role
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has thanked Alex Maskey and his wife Liz for 'a tremendous year in office' as the first Republican Mayor of Belfast. Read more
De Brún calls for Irish language rights legislation
Speaking today at the launch in Belfast of 'an Breadán Feasa', Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle member Bairbre de Brún called for legislation to protect the rights of Irish speakers. Read more
Ferris - Government is failing rural communities
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development, Martin Ferris TD has claimed that the Government's record so far has been one of failure. Read more
June 4, 2003
De Brún - Civil Service composition highlights lack of equality in institutions
Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Bairbre de Brún said the latest report on the composition of the Civil Service shows how far we still have to go to achieve equality in our institutions Read more
De Brún - Call for implementation of Joint Declaration Equality Commitments
Sinn Féin Equality and Human Rights Spokesperson Bairbre de Brún has called on British Minister Des Browne to publicly set out how the Rights and Equality commitments in the Good Friday Agreement and the Joint Declaration will be implemented. Read more
Ferris welcomes EU Parliament on Irish Box
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries, Martin Ferris TD has welcomed today's decision by the European Parliament to reject the Spanish bid to gain access to the Irish Box conservation area. Read more
Morgan calls for index linking of rent to control increases
Speaking following the publication of the Residential Tenancies Bill, Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment and Local Government Arthur Morgan criticised Minister Martin Cullen for his failure to address rent regulation in the Bill. Read more
June 5, 2003
O'Donnell - East Belfast parades decision must be upheld
East Belfast Sinn Féin Councillor Joe O'Donnell speaking after today's meeting with the Parades Commission has called on them to uphold their original ruling on the parade. Read more
McGuinness - Irish government must defend democratic rights
Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP is to meet Irish Foreign Minister Brian Cowen in Derry this evening. Speaking beforehand he said: The Irish government have a duty to ensure that a date for the postponed elections is set.' Read more
Ó Snodaigh - EU decision on Batasuna flies in face of democracy
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on International and EU Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh has condemned the decision by EU Interior Ministers to add Batasuna, a Basque political party, to the list of organisations it suspects has links with terrorism. Read more
Ramsey welcomes fall in waiting list figures
Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson, former MLA Sue Ramsey has welcomed news that waiting list figures have fallen for the second quarter running but called for continued increases in investment in terms of staffing levels and resources. Read more
Dwyer accuses Waterford Port Authority of being hell-bent on creating an environmental catastrophe
Speaking at a public information meeting in the Rhue Glenn, Slieve Rue, on Thursday evening last, Chairperson of Leinster Sinn Féin, Cllr John Dwyer, accused Waterford Port Authority of being 'hell-bent' on creating an environmental catastrophe with their plans to allow the Herhof company to site an incinerator at Bellview,… Read more
June 7, 2003
McLaughlin calls for concerted campaign to demand elections
Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin speaking at the Robert Emmet commemoration in Tipperary this weekend said that 'the Irish government's failure to demand to be treated, as of right, as a co-equal partner with the British government is not the action of a government that is a co-equal partner in… Read more
Dwyer - Irish fishing vessels being singled out for detention
Following representations made to him by Fishermen in county Wexford, Sinn Féin Cllr John Dwyer has called on the Junior Minister for the Marine, John Browne, to explain why Irish fishing vessels are being singled out for detention in Irish waters. Read more
June 8, 2003
Molloy - British Minister fails to make case for Water Charges
Former Chairperson of the Assembly Finance and Personnel Committee, Sinn Féin's Francie Molloy has said that British Minister Angela Smith has failed to make the case for the imposition of Water Charges. Read more
June 9, 2003
Ó Caoláin backs calls for leading banks to answer to Oireachtas Committee
Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, a member of the Oireachtas Joint Commmittee on Finance and the Public Service has called for the CEOs of the leading Irish banks to attend a special hearing of the Committee to explain the leading Irish banks' failure to pass on the… Read more
Ó Snodaigh - Justice Minister's proposals set dangerous precedent
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Justice, Equality, and Human Rights Aengus Ó SnodaighTD backed the Equality Coalition's demand that the Minister for Justice withdraw his proposals to remove the Equality Tribunal's jurisdiction in discrimination cases relating to licensed premises. Read more
Ferris - Planned Oireachtas GAA match against PSNI should be abandoned
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Sport, Martin Ferris TD has called for a Gaelic football match between members of the Oireachtas and a team from the PSNI to be abandoned. Read more
Sinn Féin MPs back calls for UN intervention into Crown Force killings
Sinn Féin MPs Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness, Michelle Gildernew and Pat Doherty will attend a special press conference organised by Relatives for Justice to back calls for the the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Summary or Arbitrary Executions to visit the north on a fact finding mission. Read more
June 10, 2003
McGuinness - Sinn Féin backs calls for UN to investigate Crown Force killings
Sinn Féin MPs Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness, Michelle Gildernew and Pat Doherty this morning backed calls for the UN to investigate the circumstances of Crown Force involvement - direct and indirect - in the murder of citizens. Read more
Kelly calls for removal of all British forces including the RIR
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing and Justice Gerry Kelly said: "Sinn Féin wants the removal from the six counties of all British forces - including the RIR." Read more
Ó Caoláin supports people with disabilities protest
Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD stated his support for the protest outside the Dáil today by groups representing people with disabilities. Read more
June 11, 2003
Ó Caoláin - Spending figures reveal a gross abuse of the political system
Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has said the release of today's election expenditure figures provided further evidence that this current Government scammed their election victory Read more
Ó Snodaigh - Sinn Féin anger over Government's minimalist approach to human rights
Sinn Féin's Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD today expressed his growing consternation over the Minister for Justice's self-declared war on a rights-based society. Read more
Adams welcomes Haass announcement
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has welcomed the announcement by the White House that Richard Haass, who is leaving his State Department Post, has been appointed as President Bush's special envoy on the north. Read more
Ferris calls on Government to ensure that Palestinian Special Olympics team can travel
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Sport, Martin Ferris TD has called upon the Government to ensure that the Palestinian Special Olympics team is allowed travel to Ireland. Read more
June 12, 2003
De Brún welcomes restoration of funding to Irish language body
Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle member Bairbre de Brún has welcomed the news that the Irish government is to restore funding to Foras na Gaeilge. Read more
Kelly - British must act on McBride judgement
Sinn Féin Representative for North Belfast Gerry Kelly has described the decision of the Appeal Court this morning as 'a clear vindication of the McBride family's position'. Read more
Ó Caoláin - Crisis level of bed closures needs to be discussed in Dáil
Speaking in the Dáil this morning before Order of Business Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin called for the urgent discussion of the "crisis level of bed closures in our public hospitals". Read more
June 13, 2003
Murphy - Browne removal highlights flaws of direct rule
Speaking after Des Browne was moved from the NIO, Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy said: This action serves as a timely reminder of the flaws of Direct Rule and the need to see the re-establishment of the political institutions. Read more
Ferris - GAA match between TDs and PSNI a grotesque public relations sham
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Sport Martin Ferris TD said: "Enda Kenny's outburst reflects the unease that Jimmy Deenihans premature actions in arranging the game between the Oireachtas and the PSNI have caused his Party at a national and local level. Read more
June 14, 2003
Ó Caoláin - Health inflation must be tackled
Commenting on the latest Consumer Price Index figures, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance and on Health, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, said the Government must tackle inflation in health service costs. Read more
Crowe travels to Colombia for last part of defence case
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe is today travelling to Colombia for the last part of the defence case in the trial of the three Irishmen being held there. Read more
June 16, 2003
McGuinness - No renegotiation of the Good Friday Agreement
Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP said: "Whatever the result of the Ulster Unionist Council meeting tonight, unionism has to come to terms with the reality that there will be no renegotiation of the Good Friday Agreement. Read more
McLaughlin - Politics must be seen to work
Sinn Féin's Mitchel McLaughlin commenting on the discovery of an abandoned bomb in Derry at the weekend said: "The people who abandoned this bomb are opposed to the peace process and opposed to the Good Friday Agreement. Read more
Maskey - UUP must accept process of change
Speaking tonight following the meeting of the Ulster Unionist Council, South Belfast Sinn Féin Representative Cllr. Alex Maskey said: "There is little basis for optimism. Tonight's meeting was not about whether to reject the Joint Declaration, it was about when to reject it. " Read more
Ferris calls on Government to reject CAP reform based on parital decoupling
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development, Martin Ferris TD has called on Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh to reject any compromise on the proposed reform of the CAP that is based on partial decoupling. Read more
McHugh anger at sale of horses at Irvinstown
Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Gerry McHugh has expressed concern at the sale of horses at Necane, Irvinstown. Read more
June 17, 2003
Ferris to join Dublin Sinn Féin protest at PSNI Gaelic football match
Sinn Féin TD for Kerry North Martin Ferris said: "This evenings match between members of the Oireachtas and the PSNI sends all the wrong signals and reinforces the lie that the PSNI was the new beginning to policing we had all been promised under the Good Friday Agreement." Read more
McGuinness announces education policy
Former Education Minster Martin McGuinness MP said: "Sinn Féin believe that a progressive and radical education system is fundamental to the creation of an Ireland of Equals, to stronger communities and a society that can truly embrace our diversity." Read more
Ó Snodaigh calls for end to Justice Ministers stealth bills
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Justice, Equality, and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called for the Minister for Justice to end his practice of introducing "stealth bills" that bypass second stage debate. Read more
June 18, 2003
Ó Caoláin calls for inquiry into 'barbaric' symphysiotomy procedures
Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin has called on the Taoiseach to support an inquiry in to the medical practice of symphysiotomy that 'destroyed the health of many women'. Read more
Adams - British Still Denying Right To Vote
Commenting on recent developments within unionism Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: " The real test for the leadership of the UUP is not how it manages its party, but whether it is prepared to work the Good Friday Agreement, and in particular the institutions in a sustainable and committed… Read more
Morgan -Tenants Bill fails to tackle issue of affordability
Sinn Féin's Arthur Morgan TD said the Residential Tenancies Bill did not "tackle the fundamental issue of affordability" and would ultimately fail in its own admirable intentions of addressing security of tenure. Read more
Adams - Equality - Watchword For SF Civic Leaders
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP today visited the offices of Limavady District Council and was received by the Mayor Anne Brolly. Sinn Féin Councillor Anne Brolly is the first woman and the first republican to hold this post in Limavady. Read more
Ó Caoláin - Government plan is bureaucratic change not real reform
Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said the Government plan was for "bureaucratic change not fundamental reform of the health services with real delivery for patients". Read more
Kelly - Criminal Justice Plan welcomed but more required
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Criminal Justice, Gerry Kelly, has welcomed the publication of a new and significantly revised Criminal justice Implementation Plan but has said that much work still needs to be done to achieve a representative, fair and human rights based justice system. Read more
Ó Caoláin - Right wing agenda of Government has shredded previous commitments
Sinn Féin's Dáil leader Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin said "The reality is that the PDs and Fianna Fáil secured their mandate for what they promised to do and those promises have been broken." Read more
June 19, 2003
Hartley meets Parades Commission about Springfield Road march
Belfast Sinn Féin Councillor Tom Hartley met with the Parades Commission to discuss this years proposed Springfield Road Orange march. Read more
June 20, 2003
Morgan - Survivors of 'barbaric' Symphysiotomy procedures to hold press conference
Sinn Féin TD for Louth Arthur Morgan will facilitate a press conference in Buswell's Hotel on Tuesday next (June 24th) for the Survivors of Symphysiotomy. Read more
Doherty hits out at PSNI and British double standards
Sinn Féin Vice-President and West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has hit out at the double standards of the British military and Policing establishment after the DUP's Peter Robinson was able to produce confidential PSNI reports in public without any fear of prosecution. Read more
Brolly takes initiative on Somme Commemoration
Limavady Mayor Anne Brolly today announced details of two events she intends to take part in to commemorate the Battle of the Somme. Read more
June 21, 2003
Cullinane - Decision on Radiotherapy is a scandal and must be reversed
Sinn Féin Waterford Representative David Cullinane has labelled the decision of Health Minister Martin to overlook the Southeast Region for the location of a Radiotherapy Unit as a national scandal. Read more
June 22, 2003
Maskey calls on republicans to continue to be agents of change
Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle member and former Mayor of Belfast Alex Maskey this afternoon delivered a keynote address to the annual Wolfe Tone Commemoration in Bodenstown, Co. Kildare. Cllr. Maskey said: Read more
June 23, 2003
Doherty - CAP reform talks must be concluded
West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty, head of the party's national department of agriculture and rural development has urged Irish Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh and British direct rule agriculture Minster Ian Pearson to ensure that talks on CAP reform are concluded this week. Read more
McHugh calls for radical shake of agriculture depts north and south
Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, former Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Gerry McHugh has said that what ever the final outcome of the negotiations around CAP reform this week that decoupling demands a radical shake up of how the agriculture departments - north and south - engage with the farming industry and… Read more
O'Rawe - Rural development policy must become more open and accessible
Sinn Féin Rural development Spokesperson, Armagh Councillor Pat O'Rawe called for a new emphasis to be put on making rural development policy work. Read more
Adams congratulates MacManus on his election as Mayor of Sligo
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP this afternoon congratulated Cllr. Sean MacManus on his election as Mayor of Sligo for the second time in three years and said that it reflected the ongoing rise of the party across the island. Read more
McLaughlin - Governments must act on UUP failure
Commenting on the decision of Jeffery Donaldson and other rejectionist unionist MPs to resign the UUP Whip at Westminster, Sinn Féin's Mitchel McLaughlin said: "This is not about personalities. It is about unionisms inability to deal with the changes which flow from the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Read more
Hyland - Water Charges will adversely impact on low-income families
Sinn Féin Newry Councillor Davy Hyland has reacted angrily to Direct rule Minister Angela Smith statement that she is prepared to impose water charges on the people of the six counties against the wishes of the vast majority of people living here. Read more
June 24, 2003
Ó Snodaigh - Sinn Féin motion calls for repeal of Offences Against the State Acts
Sinn Féin is putting forward a countermotion to block the extension of emergency legislation for another year. Sinn Féin has accused the Minister for Justice of having "utterly failed" to demonstrate that the operation of the legislation is necessary for the security of the people of the State. Read more
Adams Criticises Parade Decision
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has criticised the Parades Commission for rewarding the Orange Order for refusing to engage with the Springfield Road Residents. Read more
Gildernew - British Strategy for renewal must tackle legacy of discrimination
Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew commenting on the publication of the 'People and Places, A Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal' by the Department of Social Development has said that it will fail unless it genuinely tackles the legacy of discrimination. Read more
Crowe - Government throws hundreds of teachers on the scrap heap
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education and Science Seán Crowe, has called for an emergency debate on the decision of the Department of Education to axe 300 concessionary teaching posts. Read more
O'Rawe - election of first Sinn Féin Mayor of Armagh a triumph for fair play
Sinn Féin has welcomed the election of Councillor Pat O'Rawe as the first Sinn Féin Mayor of Armagh City & District Council as a positive step and a triumph for fair play and equality. Read more
Morgan welcomes Health Ministers commitment to meet Survivors of Symphysiotomy and calls for inquiry
Speaking in the Dáil this evening on the issue of Symphysiotomy Sinn Féin TD for Louth Arthur Morgan said he welcomed the Health Ministers commitment to meet with the group campaigning for an inquiry. Read more
June 25, 2003
Gildernew - O'Loan wrong on Plastic Bullet defence
Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew has claimed that the Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan was wrong to justify the use of plastic bullets by the PSNI in a report following unionist rioting at Drumcree last year. Read more
McDonald - Sinn Féin to meet Taoiseach in Dublin
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP along with colleagues Mary Lou MacDonald and Conor Murphy will meet with the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at Government Buildings in Dublin tomorrow (Thursday 26th) at 10.30am. Read more
Crowe calls on Government to legislate for same-sex marriages
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social and Family Affairs Seán Crowe has called again on the Government to legislate for same-sex marriages. Read more
Morgan calls on Coalition to break its ties with land speculators
Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan has called for Compulsory Purchase Orders to be used against speculators who are hoarding land and for compensation if necessary to be based on existing use value and not potential value as a consequence of rezoning. Read more
June 26, 2003
Martin McGuinness to meet Richard Haass in London
Sinn Féin's Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness is in London this morning for a meeting with President Bush's Special Envoy for the north Richard Haass. Read more
O'Hagan - Sinn Féin to meet CEO of Strategic Investment Body
Former Chairperson of the Assembly Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty and Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Upper Bann representative Dr Dara O'Hagan meet with the Strategic Investment Board. Read more
Ferris - Make reforms work for Irish farmers
Sinn Féin spokespersons on Agriculture and Rural Development Martin Ferris TD and former Assembly Member Gerry McHugh have called on Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh and British Minister Pearson to ensure that the proposals agreed this morning by EU member states will be made work to the best benefit of Irish… Read more
Doherty describes Government attitude to Councillor Eddie Fullerton's murder as disgraceful
Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP has described Junior Minister Willie O'Dea's dismissal of demands for an inquiry into the murder of Donegal Councillor Eddie Fullerton as disgraceful. Read more
Ramsey welcomes the appointment of a Children's Commissioner
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children's Issues, former West Belfast MLA Sue Ramsey has welcomed the appointment of a Children's Commissioner. Read more
Adams - Governments must set election date
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP speaking following a meeting with the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Government Buildings this morning said that what people want to see coming out of the meeting between the Irish and British governments next week is a definitive and unqualified assertion that the elections will… Read more
June 27, 2003
Ó Caoláin - Health proposals do not represent real reform
Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin, speaking during Statements on Audit of Health Structures, today accused the Government of embarking on administrative change rather than real reform. Read more
Crowe - Cynical education move shows that Fianna Fáil is morally bankrupt
Reacting to the news that former Minister for Education Michael Woods prevented news being issued to schools around the country prior to the election Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe described FF as "morally bankrupt" and as a party willing to say, do or promise anything to get elected. Read more
Morgan - Ireland must show moral leadership at WTO talks in Cancun
Speaking during the course of this afternoon's Statements on the World Trade Organisation Talks in the Dáil Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan said that Ireland must be a voice for justice and fairness. Read more
Ó Caoláin - Legislation on Tribunal legal fees should be introduced
Commenting on the resignation of Justice Flood, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said: "Justice Flood deserves praise for his conduct of the Tribunal which has helped expose much about the corrupt nature of planning in this State over many years. Read more
June 28, 2003
McLaughlin - Elections must go ahead without preconditions or delay
Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin speaking at a meeting of the party's Ard Chomhairle in Dublin this morning said that the only way to fill the dangerous political vacuum which has been allowed to develop is through the implementation of the Agreement and the setting of a firm date for… Read more
June 29, 2003
O'Hagan supports Garvaghy Road residents
Sinn Féin's Upper Bann representative, Dr Dara O'Hagan, has reiterated Sinn Féin's support for the residents of the Garvaghy Road in Portadown in their opposition to an Orange march through the area. Read more
June 30, 2003
Mac Giolla Cheara - British government must act on Irish language commitments
Sinn Féin newly appointed Irish language spokesperson, Magherafelt councillor Sean Mac Giolla Cheara has called on the British government to implement its' commitments on the Irish language. Read more
Ó Caoláin - Minister should not authorise VHI price rise
Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said the Minister for Health and Children Micheál Martin should not authorise the 8% fee increase being sought by VHI. Read more
Ramsey - Royal represents the only real option for new maternity hospital site
Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Cllr Sue Ramsey has said that the Royal represents the only logical option for the site of the new maternity hospital. Read more
Doherty - Sales and Export figures highlight growing importance of All Ireland Trade
Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, former chairperson of the Assembly Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has said that the manufacturing sales and export figures published today highlight the growing importance of All Ireland trade. Read more
Ferris welcomes deferral of harbour charges rise
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries Martin Ferris TD has welcomed today's decision by the Minister for the Marine, Dermot Ahern, to defer the imposition of the massive planned increases in harbour rates and charges. Read more
Parades Commission ruling on Portadown Orange Order march welcomed
Sinn Féin Upper Bann representative Dr Dara O'Hagan has welcomed the determination of the Parades Commissions on the Orange Order march in Portadown. Read more