August 2003 Archives (Latest News)

Adams meets Haass

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams today met President Bush's special envoy Richard Haass in New York. Read more

Lagan Valley Sinn Féin Representative Cllr. Paul Butler has criticised graffiti referring to himself which has appeared at the entrance to the Seymour Hill estate in Dunmurry close to where three young catholics were attacked on Sunday. Read more

Sinn Féin slams Catholic Church attack on same sex marriages

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social and Family Affairs Seán Crowe TD has slammed the Catholic Church's statement attacking gay marriages. Read more

Fare Increase Criticised

Newry & Armagh Sinn Féin Representative Conor Murphy has hit out after fares on the Belfast - Dublin Enterprise service will from Monday be increased by 9.5%, three times the rate of inflation. Read more

British Must End Patronage Of UUP

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP has accused the British government of 'being mesmerised by the divisions within unionism'. Read more

Government adding to unemployment

Commenting on the significant rise in unemployment, Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said the government was adding to the total by cutting 5,000 Community Employment places this year. Read more

Ferris: Urgent Need To Tackle Farm Income Crisis

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD has highlighted the need to address the continuing fall in farm incomes. Read more

Adams Receives Death Threat

Commenting after Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams was visited by the PSNI and told that dissident republicans were 'actively targeting' him, West Belfast Councillor Michael Ferguson said: Read more

Securocrats must be brought under control by British government

Sinn Féin Vice President, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty commenting on media allegations about the editor of the North Belfast News Sean Mag Uidhir has said: Read more

Adams Case Highlights Unacceptable Situation

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Justice matters Conor Murphy has said that the minimalist nature of the information given to Gerry Adams at the weekend about a threat on his life is a high profile example of an unacceptable situation that frequently arises. Read more

Sinn Féin Councillor's Home Attacked

Lagan Valley Sinn Féin Representative Councillor Paul Butler has said he is in no doubt that loyalists were responsible for last nights attack on his home. Read more

Plan To Test Asylum Seekers Attacked

Sinn Féin Representative Conor Murphy has branded a Conservative Party plan to test all Asylum seekers for diseases in order to prevent burdens on the NHS, as a 'typical grubby little right wing Tory plan'. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome publication of InterTradeIreland Report on North South Trade

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed the publication of the InterTradeIreland report on North South Trade but has called Read more

Sinn Féin meet Justice Oversight Commissioner

A Sinn Féin delegation met with Lord Clyde the Justice Oversight Commissioner yesterday in the party's offices at Stormont. Read more

PSNI register of interests must be followed by movement on transfer of powers

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has welcomed the announcement that the PSNI will be required to produce a register of interests declaring membership of organisations such as the Orange Order. Read more

TRUTH ABOUT COLLUSION - MAJOR RALLY ON SUNDAY

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty is calling for people to attend a major 'Truth about Collusion' rally to take place at Belfast's City Hall this Sunday at 3pm. Read more

Pandering Must End - Election Date Must Be Set

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP has said that the only way the current crisis in the peace process can be resolved is through the British government establishing a firm date for Assembly elections. Read more

Maghaberry Review Panel

Responding to the announcement of a Review by the British government into safety at Maghaberry, Sinn Féin Representative Michael Ferguson said: Read more

Ferris defends Sinn Féin position on GM food

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture and Food, Martin Ferris TD has defended Sinn Féin's position on Genetically Modified food following an attack from Fianna Fáil backbencher John Cregan. Read more

Crowe congratulates workers and management of Aer Lingus on profits

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Transport Seán Crowe has congratulated the workers and management of Aer Lingus for their tremendous accomplishment on delivering an operating profit of €14.3 million for the first half of 2003. Read more

Figures give lie to Fianna Fáil claims on health

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has pointed out that the latest figures showing no improvement in hospital waiting lists have come as Fianna Fáil distributes leaflets to householders boasting of their 'achievements' in health. Read more

Sinn Féin would welcome ending State aid to private schools

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Seán Crowe confessed to a feeling of deja vú at the announcement that Minister Dempsey intended to review State support for private schools. Read more

Gildernew criticises British Government approach to peace process

Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew MP has criticised the British governments approach to the political process in general and in particular efforts to maintain calm this summer. Read more

Butler comments on UDA Cessation Review

Cllr. Paul Butler today responded to news from the UPRG that the UDA is shortly to announce the findings of a six month review of its alleged cessation. Read more

Adams - Butler Attack - Signs Of Collusion

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said that there are serious concerns about collusion between the PSNI and the loyalists in the bomb attack on the home of Cllr. Paul Butler yesterday. Read more

Department of Social Development make a shambles of Peace Money distribution

Sinn Féin President and West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has accused the Department of Social Development of 'deliberately seeking to undermine the Targeting Social Need criteria in the distribution of European Peace money' Read more

Judiciary in the north are 'unashamedly biased' - Gildernew

Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew has claimed that the judiciary in the north are 'unashamedly biased'. Ms Gildernew's remarks came after the latest loyalist gang to appear before the courts here was granted bail. Read more

Sinn Féin To Meet British Minister John Spellar

Bairbre de Brún, the party's spokesperson on Human Rights and Equality will be leading a delegation tomorrow to meet with British Minister John Spellar. Read more

Sinn Féin call for 'Weekend Only' Car Insurance to attract people on to Public Transport

Sinn Fein Representative and local election candidate for Donaghmede, Killian Forde, today called for the introduction of 'weekend only' car insurance to attract car owners to public transport during the working week. Read more

Maskey - DUP will have to deal with Sinn Féin

Commenting on remarks made today by Gregory Campbell after his appearance last night at the West Belfast Festival Cllr. Alex Maskey said that the DUP know well that further engagement with his party is inevitable. Read more

Butler responds to UPRG Review of UDA cessation

Cllr. Paul Butler has said that the UDA need to 'demonstrate clearly that their campaign against Catholics has ended and that their extensive drug dealing and other criminal enterprises have ceased rather than issue further threats against the nationalist community'. Read more

Ó Caoláin - IMF confirms Government's totally market driven approach to housing

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said the International Monetary Fund report confirms the folly of the Government's housing policy. Read more

PSNI Endanger Lives Of SF Councillors Family

Antrim Sinn Féin Councillor Martin McManus has accused the PSNI of deliberately endangering the lives of himself and his family. Read more

March and Rally Against Collusion - Sunday August 10th Belfast City Hall 3pm

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP today appealed to people to support Sunday's march and City Hall rally against collusion. Read more

Sinn Féin Question Vatican Position On GM

Sinn Féin spokespersons on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD and Assembly member Gerry McHugh, and the party's European election candidate for Dublin Mary Lou MacDonald have questioned the support given by the Vatican for genetically modified food. Read more

DUP accused of distorting spending and disadvantage figures

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has accused the DUP's Gregory Campbell of playing a dangerous game by distorting the reality of spending ands disadvantage figures. Read more

British government must act on equality and human rights commitments

Sinn Féin Equality and Human Rights Spokesperson, Bairbre de Brún speaking after meeting British Minster John Spellar has said that the British government must act on equality and human rights, commitments in the Good Friday Agreement. Read more

Ramsey welcomes decision by Eastern Health Board on continuous A&E take-in at Royal

Cllr Sue Ramsey has welcomed the decision of the Eastern Health Board to implement a continuous service for emergency medical admissions. Read more

Ó Caoláin - low life expectancy a damning indictment of government policy

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin said 'the latest statistics from the EU which show that Ireland has lowest life expectancy in Europe are a damning indictment of government policy. Read more

McDonald calls on Dubliners to support anti-collusion rally

Sinn Féin Dublin EU candidate Marylou McDonald has called on people throughout Dublin to support the search for truth in relation to British state collusion with unionist paramilitaries. Read more

Murphy - Asylum Seeker report being launched tomorrow

Sinn Féin Representative Conor Murphy will attend the launch of the updated Law Centre 'Sanctuary in a Cell' report into the situation regarding Asylum Seekers in the six counties tomorrow morning (Monday 11th) at 10.30am in the Equality Commission. Read more

Maskey - Sinn Féin to meet British Minister John Spellar

Sinn Féin Representatives Alex Maskey and Conor Murphy will meet with British Direct Rule Minister John Spellar at Castle Buildings at 2pm, today Monday 11th. Read more

Kelly welcomes McBride meeting

North Belfast Sinn Féin representative Gerry Kelly has welcomed today's meeting between Jean McBride and British Minister John Spellar. Read more

Murphy - disgraceful treatment of asylum seekers must end

Speaking at the launch of the Law Centre's 'Sanctuary in a Cell' report into the plight of Asylum Seekers in the Six Counties, Sinn Féin Representative Conor Murphy said: 'internment of asylum seekers is unacceptable and must end.' Read more

Crowe welcomes all Ireland phone rate from O2

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications Seán Crowe TD has welcomed as a positive first step the announcement from mobile phone operator O2 (Ireland) that they are to introduce an All Ireland Call Rate for business users and ordinary consumers. Read more

Hartley - nationalist homes attacked in West Belfast

West Belfast Sinn Féin Councillor Tom Hartley has said that it is only through good fortune that nobody was seriously injured after houses in the Cupar Street area came under petrol bomb attack from loyalists on both Saturday and Sunday night. Read more

Staunton - Hutton Inquiry exposes double standards of British government

Sinn Féin representative for North Belfast Kathy Staunton said that the speedy establishment of the Hutten Inquiry is in sharp contrast to the treatment of the family of Pat Finucane. Read more

Sinn Féin TDs slam British military saturation of South Armagh

Sinn Féin TDs have strongly criticised the current military saturation of parts of South Armagh which is causing serious concern and anger among local residents. Read more

Sinn Féin holds discussion with British Minister

Sinn Féin representatives Alex Maskey and Conor Murphy today meet British direct rule Minister John Speller. Among the issued discussed with him were the Human Rights Commission, the McBride case and the need for the cancelled elections to go ahead. Read more

Mayor MacManus gravely concerned at reports of Lisadell Private Sale in coming days

Chairman of Save Lisadell Action Committee and Mayor of Sligo, Alderman Sean MacManus has expressed 'grave concerns, at reports that the private sale of the historic Lisadell House and Estate may be concluded within the next day'. Read more

Molloy - Budget redistribution undermines long term planning

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson, Mid Ulster representative Cllr Francie Molloy has criticised the latest announcement that over £280 million has been redistributed from the original budget decisions. Read more

Kerr - Catholic Family Home Attacked in South Derry

Sinn Féin Councillor Sean Kerr speaking following an attack on a Catholic home in South Derry said 'I would call on the political leadership of unionism in this area to make it clear to the paramilitaries that sectarian attacks on Catholics must stop.' Read more

Gildernew - British fixation with Unionists must end

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has warned the British government not to become further fixated by the goings on within unionism and the UUP in particular. Read more

McHugh challenges direct rule minister to come clean on end date of 11+

Sinn Féin Cllr Gerry McHugh has challenged direct rule Education Minster Jane Kennedy to come clean on the end date for the 11+ transfer test. Read more

Mayor MacManus - Government Decision On Lissadell Regretful

The Chairperson of the Lissadell Action Group, Mayor Sean MacManus has expressed extreme disappointment at the failure of the Government to purchase Lissadell House and Estate. Read more

McLaughlin - Concern at Hidden Agenda in Civil Contingencies Bill

Sinn Féin Chairperson, Mitchel McLaughlin has expressed concern at the potential of parts of the Civil Contingencies Bill to undermine basic and fundamental civil and human rights. Read more

Ramsey - Action on Child policy must be brought together

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children's Issues, West Belfast representative Cllr Sue Ramsey has called for all strands of policy that affect children and young people to be brought together. Read more

Cullen's comments show disregard for health and safety rights of workers

Arthur Morgan T.D. today criticised comments by the Minister Martin Cullen's in which he expressed his opposition to the forthcoming ban on smoking in all workplaces. Read more

McDonald - Decision to publish tally figures is welcome but concerns remain that current system is flawed

Sinn Féin Dublin EU Candidate Marylou McDonald has welcomed decision to publish tally figures in future elections but said that "there are still concerns that the current electronic voting system is seriously flawed." Read more

Doherty - Confidence in the Political Process needs to be rebuilt

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP has said that the suspension of the political institutions and the cancellation of the Assembly elections has 'allowed politics to be reduced to little more than squabbles between different wings of rejectionist unionism'. Read more

McHugh - Concern at GM moves by Agriculture Department in Six Counties

Cllr Gerry McHugh has expressed concern at the involvement of the Department of Agriculture and Regional Development in considering approval for a new GM crop prior to completion of a consultation process on GM crops and food. Read more

O'Toole - Kinsealy should be public amenity

Commenting on the sale of the Abbeville Estate at Kinsealy, Sinn Féin Councillor Larry O'Toole has called on Fingal County Council not to re-zone the land for housing and to ensure that it remains part of the green belt and an amenity for local people. Read more

McLaughlin - Setting of election date is the first step required to end the political vacuum

Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin speaking following a meeting of the party's regional leadership in Dublin this morning said that 'there is a clear sense from across the country that republicans are becoming increasingly frustrated at the approach being taken by the British government.' Read more

Sinn Féin TDs appeal to Justice Minister to reverse deportation decision

Sinn Féin's TDs have issued a joint letter to the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell calling for an immediate reversal of the decision to deport thousands of non-national families with Irish citizen children. Read more

Morgan - Rising housing costs point to Government's inept management of crisis

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Arthur Morgan TD responds to the latest cost of housing survey by Permanent TSB/ESRI in the 26 Counties. Read more

McLaughlin - Defend your right to vote

Sinn Féin is organising a 35th Anniversary return march from Dungannon to Coalisland to mark the pivotal 1968 Civil Rights March. Read more

School drop-out rates disturbing and point to gross inequality in education

Responding to today's shocking figures for the rate of drop-outs from second level schools, especially in Dublin, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Seán Crowe said: Read more

Sinn Féin Condemn British Occupation of South Armagh

Sinn Féin Councillor Packie McDonald has condemned the recent upsurge in British army and RUC/PSNI activity in the south Armagh area, especially the increased helicopter activity. Read more

Molloy - people must

Mid Ulster representative Cllr Francie Molloy, who was on the original 1968 Civil Rights March called on people to come out and protect their right to vote on the 23rd August. Read more

McCann expresses shock at Lower Falls Murder

Belfast Sinn Féin Councillor Fra McCann has expressed his shock at the murder of a man on Ross Road in the Lower Falls this morning and extended his sympathy to the man's family. Read more

Wexford Sinn Féin select candidates to contest 2004 local elections

Sinn Féin has announced its team of candidates to contest the 2004 local elections in county Wexford. The candidates were chosen at a specially held convention of party members in Murphy Floods Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Sunday (August 17th). Read more

Adams expresses sympathy to the family of Danny McGurk

West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has expressed his 'shock and outrage' at the weekend murder of Lower Falls man Danny McGurk. Mr. Adams extended his sympathies and condolences to Mr. McGurk's family. Read more

Gildernew accuses Dallat of engaging in silly season antics

Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew said that 'Sinn Féin is serious about the peace process, serious about ending world debt and serious about bringing about Irish unity, but you would have to ask yourself what do the SDLP stand for.' Read more

Sinn Féin responds to Scapatticci Judgement

Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin said:"This morning's judgement in the High Court will have the effect of providing further cover for the activities of these faceless and unaccountable agencies. There should be full disclosure and an examination of the activities of British Intelligence Agencies." Read more

Kelly - Report by Commissioner for Judicial Appointments

Sinn Féin representative Gerry Kelly comments on a report by the Commissioner for Judicial Appointments, John Simpson. Read more

Morgan - Right wing posturing from out-of-touch Parlon pathetic

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Arthur Morgan has described Tom Parlon's remarks at the Parnell Summer School in support of property speculators as "right wing posturing" designed to woo his PD colleagues in advance of a leadership battle between himself and Michael McDowell when Mary Harney steps down. Read more

Murphy -sustained effort required to re-establish institutions

Sinn Féin Spokesperson Conor Murphy has said that the British government must 'reinvigorate the political process through a sustained effort to re-establish the political institutions rather than close it down through lack of activity'. Read more

Ó Caoláin - Suspension of Cavan consultants - inquiry process welcome

Commenting on the suspension of two consultants at Cavan General Hospital, Cavan/Monaghan TD and Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: "I welcome the news that the consultants have been suspended and that an inquiry process has been initiated. " Read more

De Brún comments on publication of Bill of Rights submissions

Sinn Féin's Bairbre de Brún said "The positive response from the general public needs to be built upon in the time ahead to ensure that civic society, alongside the political parties, can generate the maximum agreement for a comprehensive Bill of Rights for all." Read more

McLaughlin accuses Trimble of ignoring loyalist violence

Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin has accused the UUP leader David Trimble of 'trying to cynically exploit and manipulate the murder of Danny McGurk for his own political ends'. Read more

Adams - British MoD must dismiss killers of Peter McBride

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has said the position adopted by John Spellar regarding the case of Peter McBride is 'completely unacceptable'. Read more

Crowe - Government must stand up for poorest in society

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social and Family Affairs Seán Crowe speaking following the publication of the Watson Wyatt's Top Management Compensation Report for Western Europe said that it shows that "it is time for this Government to stand up to the richest people in Irish society, and stand up for… Read more

Staunton accused Maginness sleeping through negotiations

Sinn Féin North Belfast Representative Cathy Staunton has accused Alban Maginness of 'either sleeping through the negotiations or not being part of the SDLP negotiation team'. Ms Staunton's comments come after Mr Maginness claimed that Sinn Féin did not raise the issue of ex-prisoners reintegration during the talks and in… Read more

Gildernew - Orange Judiciary at core of Justice System

Sinn Féin Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has said that nationalists and republicans are 'sick and tired of the double standards which operate at the heart of the judiciary in the six counties'. Read more

British securocrats target Sinn Féin representative

Newry Armagh Sinn Féin representative Conor Murphy has accused British securocrats of continuing their covert activities and has questioned why members of a British Army foot patrol photographed his home on Monday evening. Read more

Staunton - Double Standards Over McBride Case

Sinn Féin Representative for North Belfast Kathy Staunton said: "Charles Ingram leaves the British Army today after being dismissed for cheating on a game show. Also today in the same army the convicted murders of Peter McBride will lift weapons and go about their duties as normal." Read more

Doherty - pandering to anti Agreement unionists crippling process

Commenting on reports that the UUP Executive has received the necessary number of signatures from the 'No' camp to trigger a meeting of the UUC, Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP said: "The pandering policy of the British government to every whim of rejectionist unionism is having the effect… Read more

Gildernew attends event to support promotion of children's rights

Sinn Féin's Michelle Gildernew said:"The litmus test of any Bill of Rights, that deals with Children and Young people's rights, will be whether those rights will be given affect by accessible enforcement mechanisms" Read more

Sinn Féin meets Maghaberry Review Panel

Sinn Féin Representative Raymond McCartney said:"The setting up of this Review is a tacit admission that the safety of prisoners is the issue. This makes it clear-cut. What is required is segregation." Read more

Morgan - Retail giants will rip the heart of towns and villages

Sinn Féin's Arthur Morgan TD has said that if the government gives in to the demands of huge international retailers and increases the permitted size of retail units it would "rip the social and economic heart out of towns and villages the length and breadth of this state". Read more

Sinn Féin urges Irish Government to spearhead campaign for strengthened UN

In response to the bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on International Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs to actively campaign for a strengthening of the UN mandate in Iraq. Read more

Racist hate mail sent to Sinn Féin Councillor

Sinn Fein Craigavon Councillor John O'Dowd has pledged to continue Sinn Féin's campaign against racism despite receiving hate mail from a white racist group calling itself the November 9th Society - Britain's Nazi Party operating in the Lurgan/Craigavon area. Read more

Crowe - time to protect our children

Speaking following a meeting with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Seán Crowe expressed his support for the organisation's campaign for a vetting system that can best protect our children. Read more

Doolan - Dublin City Council threatens residents

Sinn Féin Dublin Chairperson Daithi Doolan has called on all political parties to join together and fight Dublin City Council threats to not collect the domestic waste of those who have refused to pay the controversial charges. Read more

Murphy - SDLP Attacks Will Not Deflect Sinn Féin

Responding to comments made in today's Irish News by SDLP Deputy Leader Brid Rogers, Sinn Féin Representative Conor Murphy said that 'recent election results would indicate that it is not Sinn Féin who need to wake up and listen'. Read more

Gildernew - DUP Blind to the potential of the All Ireland Agenda

Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew has hit back at criticism of the North South Bodies from DUP MP Gregory Campbell. Read more

Butler welcomes Step in right direction towards a Museum at Long Kesh

Lisburn Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Butler has described reports that the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) is to carry out a preliminary survey of Long Kesh as ' a step in the right direction in bringing some legal protection of the buildings that make up Long Kesh'. Read more

Staunton slams judicial double standards

North Belfast Sinn Fein representative Kathy Stanton has said that nationalists and republicans are 'sick and tired of the double standards which operate at the heart of the judiciary in the six counties'. The North Belfast Sinn Fein representatives remarks come after loyalist Gary McKenzie, who faces gun charges, was… Read more

Ó Caoláin - Old boys network operates against interests of banks customers

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has accused the Banks of operating an "old boys network" to maximise their "grossly bloated profits" against the interests of their customers. Read more

O'Dowd - BNP Statement - Bizarre

Sinn Féin Representative for Upper Bann Cllr. John O'Dowd has said a statement from the BNP ordering its members not to associate with the White Nationalist Party because they are racist is 'bizarre to say the least'. Read more

Attempts to intimidate Lisburn Councillor slams

Lagan Valley Sinn Fein Representative Councillor Paul Butler has said that fresh graffiti which has appeared both outside Lisburn Council Offices and in Dunmurry is 'a pathetic and crude attempt to intimidate him'. Read more

McLaughlin - Political Progress not dependent on trust but on whether British will support or deny democracy

Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin speaking at the Parnell Summer School said: "When Tony Blair or Bertie Ahern claim that the reason for the crisis is a 'loss of trust' between the parties - it's a cop out. Trust was never the basis for the Agreement. He called for the… Read more

McDonald - Government complacency inexcusable - one in three now dependent on welfare

Sinn Féin Dublin EU Candidate Marylou McDonald has slammed the government's complacency in relation to growing inequality in Irish society. One third of the population, the most marginalised in society, are now living on less than 10% of the wealth created in the economy. Read more

McDonald slams Minister for Justice as paranoid

Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle member and EU Candidate for Dublin Marylou McDonald has accused the Minister for Justice of being paranoid for introducing further self-serving draconian measures dealing with the Gardai and their access to the media. Read more

Prison privatisation not an option says Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Justice Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has reacted angrily to reports of a "radical plan to privatise the prisons" in the event of industrial action by the Prison Officers' Association (POA). Read more

McLaughlin - British Government focus on delivering on its commitments under terms of Agreement required

Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin has described as a 'marriage of convenience' recent similar criticism of Sinn Fein by the UUP and the SDLP. Read more

Molloy - Dungannon march as relevant today as it was 35 years ago

Mid Ulster representative Cllr Francie Molloy, who was on the original 1968 Dungannon to Coalisland Civil Rights March said "Austin Currie's revisionist comments should be left in the 1980s where they belong. The involvement of republicans in the civil rights movement and in support of the demand for equality is… Read more

TD disgusted at failure to prosecute man responsible for crippling five-year-old girl

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe accused the Government of seeming to be 'happy to tolerate anti-social behaviour and thuggery in Tallaght and other disadvantaged areas of Dublin' and 'treating the working class people of Tallaght and elsewhere with absolute contempt'. Read more

O Broin launches book on Basque Nationalism and Radical Basque Youth Movements

Sinn Féin Councillor Eoin O Broin will this week launch his book MATXINADA Basque Nationalism & Radical Basque Youth Movements. The launch will take place on Thursday 28th August at 7pm in Connolly Books, East Essex Street, Dublin. Read more

TD calls for Minister for Housing as BOI indicates that prices will continue to rise

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Arthur Morgan TD has described as "alarming" a report from the Bank Of Ireland today that claims house prices will continue to rise this year by up to 14% and he called on the Taoiseach to create a position of Minister for Housing. Read more

Morgan - Closure of Thorp plant long overdue

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment and Local Government Arthur Morgan T.D. has welcomed reports that the Thorp nuclear reprocessing plant is to close by 2010. Read more

Ó Snodaigh - Detention of Irish child in Scottish centre highlights potential impact of McDowell's deportation policy

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice and Equality Aengus Ó Snodaigh has described news that an Irish child was held in a Scottish detention centre for Asylum Seekers for seven days as an appalling injustice. Read more

Doherty - UUP meeting latest installment in a frustrating saga

Commenting in advance of tonight's meeting of the UUP Executive Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP said the meeting was 'the latest installment of what has become an increasingly frustrating saga'. Read more

Butler - Loyalists involved in systematic campaign of intimidation

Lagan Valley Sinn Féin Representative Cllr. Paul Butler has accused loyalists in the area of being involved in a systematic campaign of intimidation against Catholics. Read more

Sinn Féin slams Parades Commission decision on North Belfast march

Sinn Féin Councillor for Ardoyne Margaret McClenaghan, has slammed today's Parades Commission determination allowing a Royal Black Preceptory march to pass by Ardoyne and Mountainview on Saturday the 30th of August. Read more

Sinn Féin TDs visit Castlerea Prison and issue fresh call for release of prisoners

A delegation made up of Sinn Féin's five TDs today visited Castlerea Prison to meet with the republican prisoners still being detained there by the State. Read more

Kelly - UUC Cannot Have Veto Over Process

Commenting on the news that another UUC meeting will take in early September, North Belfast Sinn Féin Representative Gerry Kelly said that 'the UUC cannot be allowed to have a veto over the peace process'. Read more

Browne - Segregation required in Maghaberry

Commenting on an attack by loyalists on two prisoners in Maghaberry, Sinn Féin spokesperson on prison issues Cllr. Michael Browne said: "What is required is segregation. This is a question of common sense and safety." Read more

Reilly - Motorway at Hill of Tara a disgrace

Meath Sinn Féin Councillor Joe Reilly has described 'as scandalous' the decision of An Bord Pleanála to give the go ahead to a motorway, between the important historical site of the Hill of Tara and Skyrne. Read more

McHugh - Cancun WTO Trade Talks will have massive impact on future of Irish farmers

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone representative Cllr Gerry McHugh has said that the Cancun WTO trade talks beginning in September will have important implications on the livelihoods of many Irish farmers. Read more

Sinn Féin calls on Taoiseach to intervene to save Jobs Initiative

Sinn Féin TDs have called on the Taoiseach to heed the calls by community groups to withdraw plans by FÁS to lay off more than 100 workers on the Government-backed employment scheme, the Jobs Initiative. Read more

Crowe - High insurance costs unjustifiable as massive profits reported

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has called on insurance company FBD Holdings to reduce their costs to both motorists and small business' in light of their dramatic increase in profits announced today. Read more

Morgan - Theme park madness would destroy North Dublin

Commenting on reports of plans to develop a 2000 acre theme park in North Dublin, Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment and Local Government Arthur Morgan T.D. has described the plans as "hair brained" and "worthy of an April fools joke." Read more

McHugh - DARD Civil Servants must act or resign

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone representative Cllr Gerry McHugh has urged the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to take action on the findings of Rural Development Programme Report. Read more

McLaughlin - Hope that find brings closure closer

Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin has given a cautious welcome to the recovery of human remains close to the site, which was previously examined in a bid to locate the body of Jean McConville. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes reports of CAB seizing Jackson Way's Carrickmines compensation

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment and Local Government Arthur Morgan has welcomed reports that the Criminal Assets Bureau is planning to seize any compensation awarded to Jackson Way Properties as a result of their claim against Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for land at Carrickmines in south county Dublin. Read more

Gildernew - Rise in homelessness figures point to failure in strategy

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has expressed concern at the continued increase in homelessness figures and said that it is an indication that the strategy has failed. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes progress on pharmaceutical patents

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson, West Belfast representative Cllr Sue Ramsey has welcomed reports that the US has reached agreement with a number of developing countries on the production of pharmaceuticals bypassing current international patent regulations. Read more

Ó Snodaigh - McDowell's civil liberties claim a sick joke

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice and Equality has described Michael McDowell's assertion that he has taken a civil liberties approach to new draft legislation he has announced by extending the time of detention for suspects from 12 hours to 24 hours as a "sick joke". Read more

Doherty calls for extension of passport services in Six Counties

Commenting on Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen statement on the success of the passport application scheme in the Six Counties Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone Pat Doherty said 'the potential of this service is obvious and it should be extended as quickly as possible.' Read more

Kelly - Policing Not About Personalities

Commenting on the first anniversary of Hugh Orde's appointment as PSNI Chief Constable Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing Gerry Kelly said that policing 'was not an issue of personalities but an issue of achieving an accountable policing service'. Read more

Irish Republican Media news

Today's Irish Republican Media service includes the following reports:- that the IRA gave an assessment to the Irish government that it should widen the search area at two locations, the upcoming UUC meeting and the second of a two part report on the equality agenda. www.irishrepublicanmedia.com for further information Read more

Munster EU convention to take place next Saturday

Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin today announced that the Munster convention to choose the party's candidate for the forthcoming EU election will take place next Saturday, 6th September, in Limerick City. Read more

Doherty warns Blair not to undermine the Agreement

Sinn Féin Vice President, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has warned the British government against once again undermining the Agreement ahead of next week's Ulster Unionist Council meeting. Read more

August 2003 Archives (Latest News)

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