October 2004 Archives (Latest News)

Lisburn Council - further evidence of DUP inability to share power with nationalists

Sinn Féin Lisburn Council group leader, councillor Paul Butler has said that the refusal of DUP mayor Cecil Calvert to extend the invitation to this years mayor banquet to Sinn Féin councillors not only breaches council protocol it also highlights the inability of the DUP to take even the first… Read more

DUP attack on EU peace funding driven by sectarian agenda

Sinn Féin South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has accused DUP MEP Jim Allister of pursuing a sectarian agenda after his outburst against the allocation of EU peace and reconciliation funds by the Special EU Programme Body. Read more

EU money for Fermanagh caves will benefit local economy

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has welcomed the announcement that the EU is to support the development of the Fermanagh caves with £1 million. Read more

New disability legislation requires greater support

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Disability, Mid Ulster Assembly member Geraldine Dougan has welcomed the coming into force today of the final part of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) that requires all businesses to be accessible to disabled people but added that more support is required to enable businesses to respond… Read more

Collusion campaigners travel to British Conference

An Fhirinne, the campaign group made up of families of those killed through British State murder in Ireland are this weekend taking part in a major Human Rights conference in Exeter in England. Read more

Sinn Féin will oppose self-centred and self-obsessed EU

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has said that "Sinn Féin is totally opposed to a self centred and insular European Union". Read more

Morgan denounces Noel Ahern for misleading Dáil

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Arthur Morgan T.D. has sharply criticised the Minister of State with responsibility for Housing, Noel Ahern T.D. for misleading the Dáil during Minister's question time yesterday. Read more

Russian support for Kyoto Protocol places renewed onus on EU

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has said that the pledge by Russia to adhere to the Kyoto Protocol was a "welcome step which places renewed pressure upon the EU to show strong leadership on the issue". Read more

Gerry Adams extends good wishes to President McAleese

Commenting on the reappointment of Irish President Mary McAleese for another term, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: "President McAleese has been a superb ambassador for Ireland on the world stage over the past seven years." Read more

Unionists need to prove they accept power sharing

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty has said that the DUP still have some distance to travel before they have persuaded any nationalist or republican that they are capable of respecting democratic mandates and genuinely sharing power. Read more

Sinn Féin to hold crucial peace talks with Taoiseach in Dublin on Monday

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP will lead a party delegation to meet the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Dublin tomorrow, Monday 4th October. Also on the delegation will be Martin McGuinness MP, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, Michelle Gildernew MP and MLAs Caitríona Ruane and Conor Murphy. Read more

Sinn Féin delegation to meet Taoiseach

A Sinn Féin delegation will meet with the Taoiseach this morning at 10am at St. Luke's. Read more

Unionist controlled Lisburn Council snubs Fermanagh Council

Fermanagh Sinn Féin Councillor Ruth Lynch hit out at Unionist controlled Lisburn Council for failing to respond positively to a Fermanagh Council motion which called on Lisburn Council to think again about excluding nationalists and non-unionists from the positions of chairs, vice chairs of council committees and membership of outside… Read more

Sinn Féin voice concern at access to Belfast Out of Hours services

Sinn Féin politicians representing South, West and North Belfast have voiced serious concerns at the siting of Out of Hours services in Belfast after the Eastern Health and Social Services Board ignored advice on the location of new OOH services. Read more

British should have moved on demil. long before now

Responding to comments made by the British General mike Jackson in this mornings London Times, indicating that the British military would be prepared to begin a demilitarisation process before Christmas, Sinn Féin spokesperson on demilitarisation Thomas Reilly MLA said: Read more

Sinn Féin seek end of Prescription Charges

Sinn Féin health spokesperson, Upper Bann Assembly member John O'Dowd is to ask Angela Smith, in her role as Health Minister, to commence a process of ending health service prescription charges in the North. Read more

Doherty challenges Fire Brigade descrimination

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has described the Fire Authority requirement that senior grade officers within the Fire Service be resident in specific areas east of the Bann as blatant discrimination. Read more

British must publish terms for Finucane Inquiry

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice issues Gerry Kelly has once again demanded that the British government end the cover up and deliver the sort of independent inquiry demanded by the Finucane family as the only mechanism which can uncover the truth about the murder of Pat Finucane. Read more

Any deal cannot breach GFA fundamentals

A Sinn Féin delegation led by party President Gerry Adams MP and including Martin McGuinness MP, Michelle Gildernew MP, Caitriona Ruane MLA, Conor Murphy MLA and Caoimhghin O'Caolain TD this morning met with the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern and senior government officials in Dublin. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes Mental Health/Diabetes Report

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson, Upper Bann Assembly member John O Dowd, speaking after the launch of an Action Mental Health and Diabetes UK joint report in the Assembly, welcomed the initiative as being 'timely' and 'extremely informative'. Read more

Mandelson must promote a socially conscious EU

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has said that Peter Mandelson "must act to promote a socially conscious EU which protects the people against business excesses". Read more

New code for teachers is welcome move says Hyland

Sinn Féin's spokesman for education, Newry Armagh MLA Davy Hyland, has applauded the launch of the General Teaching Council's new Code of Values and Professional Practice. Read more

Wexford Borough Council calls for full independent inquiry into the death of Pat Finucane

Wexford Borough Council has called on the Taoiseach to insist that the British Government conducts a full and proper independent public inquiry into the killing of Belfast Solicitor Pat Finucane. Read more

Nuclear company aiming to suppress protest over waste ships

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has this morning accused the company carrying weapons grade plutonium to France of attempting to "suppress legitimate and peaceful protest against their deadly nuclear cargo". Read more

Peace in Palestine must be a priority for Irish government

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has urged the new Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern to "use his influence to assist in the search for peace in the Middle East". Read more

DUP demands on unionist rule - unrealistic

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin today said that fundamental to the Good Friday Agreement were the checks and balances designed to prevent the sort of abuses we had previously under unionist governments and that these fundamentals were not up for negotiation. Read more

SDLP water conspiracy theory branded a sad joke

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson, Mid Ulster MLA Francie Molloy who heads up the party's opposition to water taxes has described the bizarre claim from SDLP MP Eddie McGrady that British NIO Ministers are forging ahead with the imposition of water taxes as part of a conspiracy to secure the re-establishment… Read more

Concern at agenda of leaking 'Review of Public Administration' Group

Sinn Féin South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has expressed concern at the agenda of those behind the leaking of information about the review of public administration and said that it will undermine confidence in the review group. Read more

MRSA deaths unnecessary

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson, Upper BAnn MLA John O Dowd has said the revelation that MRSA has played a part in 116 deaths over this last seven years is all the more depressing because such deaths can be avoided. Read more

UN needs real reform not EU Security Council seat

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has rejected the call by incoming European External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner for a permanent EU seat on the United Nations Security Council. Read more

All Ireland smoking ban would be huge advancement in health protection

Sinn Féin MEPs Bairbre de Brún (6 Counties) and Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin) have today said that "an All Ireland ban on smoking in the workplace would be a major step towards a truly health conscious society". Read more

Aer Lingus privatisation an act of Piracy

Speaking during Leaders Questions in the Dáil today Sinn Féin leader, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin raised the issue of the privatisation of Aer Lingus and the role of the former Minister for Transport, Seamus Brennan in it. Read more

Sinn Féin responds to Fahey appointment to Equality brief

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Equality Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on transparency from the Taoiseach as to the credentials of his newly-appointed Minister of State for Equality, Frank Fahey TD. Read more

Racist attack in Alexander Park in Armagh

Sinn Féin Newry Armagh MLA Pat O Rawe has said that the news of a further racist attack in the Alexander Park area of Armagh was very disturbing and called for a united stand against racism and racist attacks. Read more

SDLP tactics in talks expose failure of Policing Board membership

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing Gerry Kelly has said that the fact that the SDLP at Leeds Castle had decided to follow the lead given by Sinn Féin and once again raise with the British government key policing issues such as collusion, Special Branch, the Full Time Reserve and Plastic… Read more

DUP positions would have more credibility if they engaged with Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin has said that DUP pronouncements that they want to see a deal done and the institutions restored would have much more credibility if they actually sat down and sought a resolution with Sinn Féin. Read more

Turkish entry to EU dependent on commitment to human rights

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has said that she would welcome Turkish entry into the EU, but only when 'they have fulfilled the 'Copenhagen Criteria' on democracy and respect for human rights'. Read more

Sinn Féin skeptical about Government's position on water charges

Speaking during the course of the debate on the Water Services Bill last night, Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment and Local Government, Arthur Morgan TD, said while welcoming the Bill he remained "skeptical" about the Government's stated position that they would not introduce Water Charges. Read more

Major economic structural weakness require All Ireland framework

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew speaking at the 9th annual economic conference organised by the CBI has today said that there are huge structural economic problems in the north that demand a new approach. Read more

Crowe welcomes Minister's commitment to review allowances paid to grandparents caring for children

Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on Community and Social Affairs, Seán Crowe TD today welcomed the commitment of the Minister for Social Welfare, Seamus Brennan that he would carry out a review of the "meagre" allowances paid to grandparents caring for children. Read more

Plastic Bullets must go

Sinn Féin MLA for north Belfast and party spokesperson on policing and justice has called for the immediate removal of plastic bullets. Read more

DUP Mayor forced into u-turn

Lagan Valley Sinn Féin Representative and Lisburn Council Group Leader Paul Butler has announced that Sinn Féin will attend this years Mayors Dinner, after they successfully challenged attempts by the DUP Mayor to exclude them from the event. Read more

McCreevy must abandon right-wing, anti-social legacy of time in Finance

Commenting in advance of the European Parliament Hearings for Commissioner Designate for the Internal Market and Services, Charlie McCreevy, which is taking place in Brussels today, Thursday October 7th, Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald expressed her hope that Mr. McCreevy's tenure as EU Commissioner would not be a repeat… Read more

New Belfast - New York air route will have huge benefits

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin has welcomed the announcement that Continental Airlines will begin direct air route between Belfast and New York by June 2005. Read more

Reaction to Derry unionist paramilitary statement

Sinn Féin Councillor Lynn Fleming has called on all Nationalists to review their safety after a joint statement from Unionist Paramilitaries UVF / UDA warned of attacks on the Nationalist community. Read more

Sinn Féin challenges Harney on cancer services for the Southeast

Sinn Féin has challenged Health Minister Mary Harney to state publicly her position regarding provision of cancer services for the Southeast. Read more

Drop in public transport use worrying trend

Sinn Féin Regional Development Spokesperson, Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has said that the latest Transport Quarterly Statistics published today make worrying reading. Read more

SDLP membership of Policing Board has failed to deliver

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing Gerry Kelly has said that the decision of the SDLP to once again raise policing issues with the British government in the recent talks is an admission that their strategy of delivering change through membership of the Policing Board had failed. Read more

Agreement fundamentals not up for negotiation

Speaking from London where he is engaged in meeting with senior British officials, Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP once again made it clear that the fundamentals of the Good Friday Agreement are not on the table for negotiation. Read more

Report confirms Sinn Fein fears on Electoral Register

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has said that the latest report from PricewaterhouseCoopers for the Electoral Commission confirms what Sinn Féin have been saying ever since the introduction of new legislation governing electoral registration, that the electoral register will continue to shrink in unless urgent steps are taken… Read more

SDLP have become extension of PSNI press office

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Kathy Stanton has described as 'unbelievable' a statement from the SDLP Policing Board member Alex Attwood endorsing the failure of the PSNI to arrest leading UDA figure Ihab Shoukri after he recently breached bail conditions. Read more

Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle to discuss peace process

The Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle will meet tomorrow, Saturday 9th October, at the party headquarters in Dublin at 44 Parnell Square. Read more

Deal only possible within the terms of the Good Friday Agreement

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness, speaking after a week of intensive discussions with both governments has said that a comprehensive deal is only possible within the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Read more

Gerry Adams expresses sadness at news reports of Ken Bigley's death

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has expressed deep regret following news reports of the death of Ken Bigley. Read more

Agreement checks and balances not up for negotiation

The Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle met today in Dublin. The Ard Chomhairle was briefed by party President Gerry Adams on the current state of the political negotiations. Speaking from Dublin the Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin said: Read more

SDLP opt out of Executive Proposal will delight unionists

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin has said that anti-Agreement unionists would be 'delighted' at SDLP indications that they are considering boycotting any future Executive. Read more

Murphy statement demanded on Finucane Inquiry

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice issues Gerry Kelly has demanded that the British Secretary of State Paul Murphy give an explanation about the ongoing delay in publishing the terms of reference for the proposed inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane. Read more

Decision time approaching for DUP

Speaking this morning in Belfast Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP said that "the political negotiations were fast coming to decision time, particularly for the DUP". Read more

Action required to tackle the unemployment differential

Sinn Féin Equality Spokesperson, South Down MLA Catriona Ruane commenting on the updated statistics published by National Statistics Online has said that action is required to tackle the higher levels of unemployment that exist within the Catholic community. Read more

Dunsink barrier must be removed immediately

Sinn Féin Councillor for Dublin City Dessie Ellis has accused the Dublin City Council and Fingal Council, and other state bodies of "creating inter-communal tensions in Finglas" and called upon them to "immediately remove the barrier at Dunsink". Read more

Kyoto must only be the first step in addressing global warming

Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson, South Down MLA Willie Clarke has called for a wider debate on global warming and said that Kyoto must only be the first step in addressing global warming. Read more

Collusion campaign to hold major lobbying event in Stormont

The campaign group An Fhirinne will tomorrow (Tuesday 12th October) visit Stormont to meet with the various political parties. Read more

Dunsink barrier unjustifiable and unacceptable collective punishment

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has strongly criticised what he termed the "collective punishment" of the Traveller community on Dunsink Lane by the local authority, and called for the immediate removal of the concrete barrier blocking access to their homes. Read more

Evidence of Organic farming benefits demands greater support for Organics

Sinn Fein Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has said that the biggest ever review of research comparing organic to conventional farming highlights the positive contribution of organic farming to biodiversity. Read more

EU Commissioner must step down after inflammatory remarks

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has called upon the incoming European Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security Mr Rocco Buttiglione to voluntarily step down from his designate post after making a number of discriminatory comments recently. Read more

Continuation of PEACE Funding integral to success of peace process

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed proposals from the European Commission to extend PEACE funding until 2006. Read more

West Belfast case demonstrates again Special Branch control

Commenting after the DPP decided to drop charges of collecting information against a West Belfast businessman Bill Tierney, Sinn Féin Assembly member Michael Ferguson said that the case once again highlights the nasty anti-republican cadre which still dominates the core of the PSNI. Read more

Concerns at approach of two governments to defending GFA

Speaking today as British Secretary of State Paul Murphy meets with the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern, Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty said that there 'were still serious concerns about the approach being adopted by the two governments at this time'. Read more

McGuinness addresses collusion families

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP today addressed a meeting in Stormont organised by families of those killed yhrough the British governments policy of state sanctioned murder. Read more

Belfast Deputy Mayor travels to Brussels

A cross party delegation from Belfast City Council this morning departed for a 2 day lobbying trip to Brussels. The intention of the trip is to lobby for the extension of the Urban 2 funding. Read more

O'Dowd welcomes UN decision to reconsider report on sugar

A decision by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to reconvene its research committee as a matter of urgency, following revelations that the sugar industry may have unduly influenced its research and reports, is to be welcomed according to Sinn Féin's health spokesperson, John O'Dowd MLA. Read more

Housing must remain high on spending agenda

Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew has voiced concerns that housing is dropping down the priorities of British direct rule ministers. Read more

Civil Service changes must deliver better services

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson, Mid Ulster MLA Francie Molloy commenting on the announcement to reduce the number of civil servants to provide greater expenditure on front line services has said that there are concerns that politically driven cuts in civil service numbers will not deliver better services. Read more

British continue to stall search for Bloody Sunday truth

Commenting on reports that the solicitors acting for the British soldiers involved in the Bloody Sunday inquiry are to once again take the tribunal to the High Court over a point of law, Sinn Féin spokesperson on the issue of truth Philip McGuigan said: Read more

Sinn Féin responds to Dermot Ahern remarks on Coalition

Sinn Féin Assembly group leader Conor Murphy today responded to comments made this afternoon by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern indicating that he sees it an inevitable that Sinn Féin will serve in the Irish government in the future. Read more

Sinn Féin will be in Government of real change North and South

Responding to remarks by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern that it was his belief that Sinn Féin will be in Government in the future the party's Dáil leader, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin said emphatically that, "Sinn Féin would be in Government North and South in the future." Deputy Ó… Read more

Access to affordable childcare combined with extended leave entitlements crucial

Speaking during the second stage debate on the Adoptive Leave Bill 2004 Sinn Féin spokesperson on Employment Arthur Morgan T.D. called for further increases in adoptive and maternity leave entitlements and the introduction of Paternity Leave. He was also sharply critical of the failure of the government to intervene to… Read more

Government must prioritise UN-led rather than EU-led peacekeeping

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on International Affairs and Defence Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Government to make the development of the UN's own capacity to prevent genocide a priority, describing it as the "single most urgent matter facing the international community". Read more

Gerry Adams to address opening rally of European Social Forum in London

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP, party MEPs Mary Lou McDonald and Bairbre de Brún and Deputy Mayor of Belfast Joe O Donnell will attend this year's meeting of the European Social Forum which is taking place in London on 15 - 17 October. Read more

SDLP insult to Collusion victims families

Sinn Féin Assembly member John O'Dowd has slammed the SDLP for not bothering to turn up and meet the families of those killed through collusion when they visited Stormont yesterday. Read more

MP Calls For Knockaginney and Annaghoe bridges to be returned to working order

In talks with An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern and Foreign minister Dermot Ahern last week as part of a top level Sinn Féin negotiating team, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew in addition to raising issues central to the Peace Process also called for Knockaginney and Annaghoe bridges to be returned… Read more

Deputy Mayor welcomes EU Peace Money decision

Deputy Mayor of Belfast Sinn Féin Councillor Joe O'Donnell on an all-party delegation from Belfast to lobby in Brussels, has welcomed the announcement that an extra 60million euro is being allocated to the EU peace package for the Six counties and border counties. Read more

PEACE funding extension secured through hard work and commitment -- Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today welcomed the adoption of extended PEACE funding to the 6 counties until 2006. Welcoming the extension Ms de Brún commented that 'Sinn Féin and others had worked hard to secure additional funding at a time of uncertainty in the peace process'. Read more

Less lethal weapons conference an insult to their victims

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Daithi Doolan has today said that a conference due to be held in Dublin on the 18th and 19th October is an "insult to those maimed and the families of people murdered by so-called less than lethal weapons". Read more

Sinn Féin delegation to attend National Forum on Europe

A Sinn Féin delegation will attend tomorrow's National Forum on Europe event at Dublin Castle where United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan will deliver the keynote address at 12 noon on the theme of EU/UN Cooperation in Crisis Management. Read more

Government must prioritise childcare in Budget

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on the Government to prioritise childcare in the forthcoming Budget in the wake of a survey published today which shows the high cost of childcare places and the low pay levels for childcare workers. Read more

Sinn Féin calls for electoral law change

Sinn Fein Mid Ulster MP Martin McGuinness was this afternoon joined by party colleagues David Kennedy (North Belfast) and Angela Nelson (Lagan Valley) to launch the party's electoral registration campaign. Read more

Government refusal to ringfence CAB monies for crime prevention in disadvantaged areas scandalous

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, has expressed his disappointment that Minister Brian Lenihan has rejected his call for the proceeds of crime confiscated by the Criminal Assets Bureau to be "ringfenced for community development in disadvantaged areas". Read more

Dallat knows that rates increases are an SDLP legacy

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson, Mid Ulster MLA Francie Molloy has said that the lame attempt by SDLP man John Dallat to blame rates increases on Sinn Féin and the DUP is nothing short of delusional nonsense. Read more

Sinn Féin calls for Michael Rogan to be released

Commenting after the arrest in Spain of North Belfast man Michael Rogan on foot of British extradition papers, Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly said:" he should be released and allowed to return home to his family in Ireland." Read more

Gerry Adams - Challenge facing the DUP

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams writing in this mornings Irish News said that all of evidence pointed to the fact that the DUP had not changed its opposition to the core values of the Good Friday Agreement. Read more

EU must refocus on UN's own peacekeeping capacity - Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has called for the EU to 'shift the focus of its efforts and resources away from increasing EU military capacity and to focus instead on building up the UN's own capacity for peacekeeping and mounting UN-led missions - particularly for the prevention of… Read more

United Nations must be equipped to deal with genocide, but EU battle groups not best answer

Sinn Féin MLA Caitriona Ruane has said that she believes that 'the United Nations must as a matter of urgency develop the capacity to deal with genocide prevention, but I don't accept that outsourcing peacekeeping operations to regional military alliances such as the EU is the best answer for the… Read more

Gerry Adams addresses opening rally of European Social Forum

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP this evening addressed the opening rally of the European Social Forum which is taking place in London on the theme of 'another world is possible'. Read more

Case of Monaghan patient shows glaring failures in health care delivery - Ó Caolain

Commenting on the case of the woman in her 60s who was a patient in Monaghan General Hospital and for whom an intensive care bed was sought unsuccessfully in Cavan and in at least two Dublin hospitals before one was found in Enniskillen, Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Cavan Monaghan… Read more

Proposal to drop Irish language requirement for Gardaí must not go ahead

Sinn Féin Donegal Councillor Pearse Doherty has today voiced his concern at reports that the Justice Minister Michael McDowell is to drop the Irish language requirement for membership of the Garda Siochána. Read more

de Brún raises human rights at European Social Forum

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún in an address to a session of the European Social Forum said that 'Human rights and equality are damaged and denied when those in power defend the erosion of internationally accepted standards'. Read more

Healthcare staff shortages demand major rethink

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson, Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd has said that major staff shortages across almost every facet of our health service demands a major rethink, particularly on opening up access and training to all health professions. Read more

British government warned against diluting Irish language commitments

Sinn Fein Culture Spokesperson, East Derry MLA Francie Brolly has warned the British government against diluting commitments to the Irish language after indications that the proposed £12 million 3 year start up budget for the Irish Film and Television Fund is under threat. Read more

Alex Maskey to meet Saeb Erekhat on visit to Palestine

South Belfast Sinn Fein Assembly member Alex Maskey will today meet Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekhat as part of a week long trip to Palestine. Read more

Accountability needed on extra Gardaí

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Justice Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called for transparency and accountability in the deployment of the 2,000 additional Gardaí and for a public consultation process to precede their allocation. Read more

DUP Challenged On Democratic Principles

Responding to remarks made today by DUP MLA Nigel Dodds calling for Sinn Féin to be 'tested' before they could share power, Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew said: " It seems that the DUP are continuing to fail the test set by the electorate in the six counties at the… Read more

Nationalists will never forget reasons for McCrory Report

Sinn Fein Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has said that the Review of Public Administration must take full recognition of the reasons for the changes brought following the publication of the McCrory Report in the early 70's. Read more

Report on Irish economic success does not reflect widening poverty gap

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has commented on the report by the Economist magazine, which has claimed that Ireland is now regarded as a role model for some of the EU's poorest states. Ms McDonald claimed that the Economist report did not 'reflect the reality of the widening… Read more

Gerry Adams addresses Dermot Ahern comments

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, writing in today's edition of the newly launched Village Magazine said "What Sinn Fein is trying to do at this time is unprecedented. We are dealing with the ongoing challenges of the peace process, but continuing at the same time to build for Irish unity… Read more

IMC admit that report contained lies

Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly commented on the PSNI and IMC acknowledgement that their first report contained totally inaccurate information regarding the murder of Michael O'Hare. Read more

Sinn Féin will decide on coalition based on equality agenda and Irish unity - Ó Caoláin

Commenting on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's remarks at Bodenstown, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said : "The decision on whether Sinn Féin will enter any form of Coalition at any time in the future will be made by the membership of Sinn Féin on the basis of whether this… Read more

Government must honour commitments on Overseas Development Aid

Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald speaking in Dublin this afternoon called on the Irish government to honour their commitment to achieve the UN target of spending 0.7% of GNP on Overseas Development Aid by 2007. Read more

British Army incursion into County Monaghan

Clones Councillor Pat Treanor hit out at the latest British Army incursion over Clones town and surrounding area on Sunday 17th Oct at 5pm. The large helicopter flew up to two miles into County Monaghan and then over Clones town on its return to Co. Fermanagh. Read more

EU must defend the right to vote in Palestine - de Brún

Speaking from the European Social Forum, Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has called for strong EU action to ensure fair elections in Palestine. Read more

Children of Tallaght alienated by the state

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Sean Crowe has reacted to a report due to be released this morning on poverty levels in West Tallaght and said 'this report paints a bleak and depressing picture of the area. It confirms what Sinn Féin has been saying about poverty levels… Read more

SF TDs protest to Taoiseach about Overseas Development Aid

Sinn Féin's five TDs today wrote a formal letter of protest to the Taoiseach over the Government's failure to implement its promise to increase Overseas Development Aid to 0.7% of GNP. Read more

SDLP challenged over CS Gas complaints

Sinn Fein spokesperson on Human Rights Caitriona Ruane has said that the SDLP are sending mixed signals on their approach to repressive policing issues. Ms Ruane's comments come after the SDLP in Derry raised concerns about the ongoing regular use of CS gas by the PSNI in the city. Read more

Latest comments from Buttiglione confirm his unworthiness as Justice Commissioner

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has today reiterated her calls for the incoming EU Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security Rocco Buttiglione to voluntarily step down from his position after yet more inflammatory comments made at the weekend. Read more

Deal can only happen in line with Good Friday Agreement

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP today said that while republicans are up for doing a deal which would see the political institutions re-established and outstanding elements of the Good Friday Agreement implemented. Read more

British should stop engaging in spin and hype

Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin responding to remarks by British Secretary of State Paul Murphy in Wales this afternoon said:"It would be more helpful if the British Secretary of State fulfilled the British Government's commitments to the Agreement rather than engaging in unhelpful hype and spin." Read more

City Councillor challenges Minister Harney to visit Mater hospital A&E

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Christy Burke has today challenged the Health Minister Mary Harney to visit the Mater Hospital to 'see for herself the unacceptable situation of patients forced to wait hours on end for a bed space'. Read more

Sinn Féin slams North Belfast petrol bomb attack

Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast Gerry Kelly has slammed last nights sectarian petrol bomb attack. The attack, which saw both a petrol bomb and a brick thown at the family home, occurred around 11pm last night. Read more

Community of West Tallaght require urgent action not empty promises

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Sean Crowe has this morning said that 'the problems of deprivation, poverty and anti-social behaviour in Tallaght West are not insurmountable but require a long-term commitment by the agencies of the state to effectively and adequately tackle them'. Read more

No Evidence that the DUP are for power sharing

Speaking today from Dublin Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin said; "The two governments are not simply facilitators or commentators on this process. They both have a crucial role to play particularly in honouring their outstanding commitments, if we are to achieve agreement on a comprehensive package." Read more

Government's policy on deportations illegal under EU law

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has today called upon the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell to 'move immediately to regularise the status of the non-national parents of approximately 11,000 Irish citizen children, as the Government's present policy would likely be found illegal… Read more

Doolan urges action on illegal dump

Sinn Féin Representative for Dublin South East, Councillor Daithí Doolan has called on Dublin City Council, ''to do all in their power to curtail illegal dumping on the Poolbeg Peninsula in Ringsend and to bring those involved in this activity ot justice.'' Read more

Sinn Féin to protest at Dublin Plastic Bullet conference

Sinn Fein has called for the immediate removal of plastic bullets ahead of a conference being held today in Dublin by Jane's Defence about the use of these and other weapons. Sinn Fein will join a protest this evening at the "Less than lethal weapons" conference which is being held… Read more

Action required to tackle the unemployment differential

Sinn Fein Equality Spokesperson, South Down MLA Catriona Ruane commenting on the updated statistics published by National Statistics Office has said that action is required to tackle the higher levels of unemployment that exist within the Catholic community. Read more

Youth Suicide report confirms system is failing

Commenting after the publication this morning of a new report into suicide among the young, Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Kathy Stanton said 'the stark fact that suicide accounted for one third of all deaths in the 15 - 24 age group in Ireland was evidence that the… Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes Human Rights Commission's call for Independent Public Inquiry into conditions for women in prison

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has described today's second Human Rights Commission report into the treatment of women detained at the Mourne House Unit at Maghaberry Prison and Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Unit as 'a scathing indictment of the scandalous conditions in which women remand and sentenced prisoners are… Read more

International community must act to ease despair in Palestine

Sinn Féin South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey and Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD briefed officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin this afternoon on the worsening situation in Palestine. Mr Maskey called upon 'the international community to act immediately to ease the sense of despair in Palestine'. Read more

Shock at suicide of Sinn Féin MLAs brother

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams this evening extended his condolences to the family of party colleague Fra McCann after his brother Manuel committed suicide earlier today. Read more

Integrity of Irish language newspaper must be protected - de Brún

Bairbre de Brún MEP speaking today in Brussels after signing an online petition to defend and protect Irish Language newspaper Lá said: 'In recent days we have seen an unacceptable attack on the Irish language daily newspaper Lá by Unionist politicians.' Read more

The Waiting Game - By Gerry Adams MP

The following is the text of an article written this week by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams for the Irish Voice newspaper in America. Read more

SF TD calls for Constituency Commission recommendations to be rejected

Speaking during an Adjournment Debate in the Dáil tonight Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment and Local Government, Arthur Morgan TD called on the Government to reject the latest Constituency Commission report saying if implemented it would dilute "the proportionality of our electoral system". Read more

Taoiseach must tell British to end Finucane stalling

Commenting on the meeting today between the Finucane family and the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Dublin, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice issues Gerry Kelly said that it was vital that the Irish government 'make it clear to the British government that the years of cover up and concealment had to… Read more

Sinn Féin member told of Death Threat

Sinn Féin Assembly member for Upper Bann John O'Dowd has said that he is very concerned after a party member in Portadown was visited by the PSNI and informed that an attempt was to be made by on his life. Read more

Unionism still needs to grasp reality of process of change

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin said that it was ironic that the UUP should this afternoon be in Dublin meeting with the Irish government exactly one year on from the day that they lost their nerve and pulled out of a deal which would have seen the political institutions… Read more

Grandparents caring for children's children need dedicated allowance

Following his attendance at a Citywide Family Support Network conference in Dublin today Sinn Féin spokesperson on Family and Community Affairs, Seán Crowe TD reiterated his call for the introduction of a new carers allowance for Grandparents caring for the children of drug addicts. Read more

PSNI and SDLP prefer private discussions over public scrutiny

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has stated that the SDLP accepting assurances from the PSNI in closed meetings is an admission that the DPP's are unable to hold the PSNI to account. Read more

Kelly slams treatment of asylum detainees

Sinn Fein MLA for north Belfast, Gerry Kelly, has slammed the recent treatment of asylum detainees being held in Crumlin Road prison. This follows reports that two of the detainees were moved to Maghaberry at the weekend due to staff shortages where they were racially abused and strip searched by… Read more

EU Ministers and MEPs contaminated by chemicals - de Brún

Bairbre de Brún MEP has called for strong European legislation under REACH proposals, to protect people from harmful chemical contamination. Read more

Farrell should keep his mouth shut on drugs

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has described the comments of Colin Farrell on heroin use as "moronic, offensive and completely irresponsible". Read more

No tax economy, legacy of FF/PD support for the wealthy

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD, has described news that a number of people on earnings of over €1 million per year pay no tax at all as "concrete evidence, if evidence was needed, of the shameful legacy of Charlie McCreevy and Mary Harney in both the… Read more

DUP cannot be allowed to paralyse process of change

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP has said that the DUP cannot be allowed to paralyse the process of change indefinitely and that they must move from their anti-Agreement position if a deal is to be secured. Read more

SDLP placed Plastic Bullets and CS Gas into the hands of PSNI

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Human Rights issues Caitriona Ruane has said that the SDLP protests about the use of CS gas and plastic bullets by the PSNI have absolutely no credibility. Read more

Governments must move Peace Process forward

Speaking to the media this afternoon in Belfast, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said that the governments had to make it clear to the DUP that London and Dublin would move ahead with the process if the DUP do not agree to move forward with the rest of the parties. Read more

Sinn Féin comment on Housing Report

Sinn Féin Assembly member Fra McCann said: "The NI Affairs Committee report merely confirms what we have been saying for some time. There is a housing crisis in west and north Belfast and in Derry City." Read more

Sinn Féin comment on report into running of Belfast Education and Library Board

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Kathy Stanton said: "The BELB provide a range of absolutely crucial educational and social services for young people in Belfast. Given its important role it is vital that this report is completed quickly and with the minimal disruption to the operation of the… Read more

Sinn Féin expresses deep concern over incoming EU Commission

Speaking in advance of this Wednesday's vote on the incoming European Commission, Sinn Fein MEP Mary Lou McDonald has called on Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to seriously reflect on the make up of the Commission and its implications for the future policy direction of the European Union. Read more

Human Rights central to any future EU policy on asylum & immigration: McDonald

Following this weeks meeting of EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers in Luxembourg, Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has called for 'meaningful human rights protection to inform any future EU policy on asylum and immigration'. Read more

de Brún calls for Irish interpretation in EU plenary debates

Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brún has co-signed a letter to the President of the European Parliament Josep Borrell calling for more adequate facilities for interpretation from non official working languages during EU parliamentary sessions. Read more

Sinn Féin will vote against Barroso Commission

Sinn Féin will today vote against the proposed European Commission. The vote, which will take place in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, is expected to be a close call. Liberals, social democrats, socialists, greens and others have declared their intent to vote against President Barroso's proposed European Commission. Read more

Doolan - Dublin Waste Management review seen as a whitewash

Sinn Féin representative for Dublin South East, Councillor Daithí Doolan has today warned that the review of the current waste management plan for Dublin 'will be seen as a complete whitewash by the people of Dublin'. Read more

IMC - echo chamber for the Securocrats

Commenting as the IMC are about to deliver to the British government their latest Report, Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty said his party 'will continue to defend the Good Friday Agreement in the face of attempts to subvert it by securocrats through the vehicle of the IMC'. Read more

Action needed on Hate Attacks

Commenting on the release of figures on racist attacks in Belfast over the past six months Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey said that 'we need to see more action on the issue and less talking'. Read more

Asylum seekers detention breach of human rights

Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast, Kathy Stanton, has stated that the detention of asylum seekers is completely unacceptable and a breach of fundamental human rights. She was speaking after a fact finding visit to the detainees in the Crumlin Road jail. Read more

Sinn Féin MEPs welcome opportunity for consultation on European Commission

Speaking today after incoming European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso postponed the parliamentary vote on his proposed Commission, Sinn Féin MEPs Bairbre de Brún (6 Counties) and Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin)welcomed the decision. Read more

British Government meeting with UDA

Commenting on reports that the British Secretary of State Paul Murphy is to meet with the UDA early next week, Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin said that he 'must make it clear to the loyalists that ongoing attacks on Catholics and ethnic minorities have to end'. Read more

Deputy Mayor voices support for weekend anti racism rally

Deputy Mayor of Belfast, Sinn Féin Councillor Joe O'Donnell has added his voice to those calling for people to attend this Saturday's rally outside the City Hall protesting against the rise of racism in the city. Read more

Sinn Féin reiterates determination to roll back water taxes

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson, Mid Ulster MLA Francie Molloy - who heads the party's ant-water tax campaign - has reiterated Sinn Féin's commitment to roll back the British governments plans to impose water taxes. Read more

Sinn Féin will not settle for less than GFA

Speaking as efforts continue to see a deal done which would see the political impasse broken Sinn Féin Assembly member Caitriona Ruane said that 'any deal must be done within the framework provided by the Good Friday Agreement'. Read more

Morgan furious at decision by EPA to give go-ahead for Carranstown & Ringaskiddy incinerators

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government Arthur Morgan T.D., has reacted angrily to the news that the Environmental Protection Agency has given the go-ahead for the proposed incinerators at Carranstown, near Duleek, County Meath and Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. Read more

Minister must accept responsibility for crisis in Education Library Board

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, Newry Armagh MLA Davy Hyland has criticised the approach of British Direct Rule Education Minster Barry Gardiner to the financial crisis facing the Belfast and South Eastern Education Library Boards and said that effective financial management must apply equally to the Boards and to the Department… Read more

International pressure must be brought to bear on Israel

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh today called upon the Irish Government to propose the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which allows for preferential trade between the European Union and Israel. Read more

Cullen has questions to answer on Radiotherapy for the Southeast

Sinn Fein Waterford City Councillor David Cullinane has said that Minister Martin Cullen has serious questions to answer following the revelation of a previously confidential report on Radiotherapy services in this state by the Irish Society of Medical Oncologists. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP rejects biometric identifiers on passports

Sinn Fein MEP Mary Lou McDonald has co-signed a motion to the European Parliament which rejects the use of biometric data on identity documents such as passports. The motion comes in the wake of proposals to adopt biometrics across the EU. Read more

Government criticised over failure to provide all-Ireland travel scheme for pensioners

Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on Transport, Seán Crowe today challenged the Taoiseach and Government in the Dáil today on their failure to put in place an all-Ireland travel scheme for pensioners. He said there were no excuses for the continued delay. Read more

Citizenship Bill rejected for institutionalising inequality

Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, Spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights has said Sinn Féin cannot support the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Bill because it "institutionalised inequality on the basis of the nationality of one's parents". Read more

GM foods decision contrary to view of the people - Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today criticised the outgoing European Commission for agreeing to allow the import of genetically modified maize into the EU for public consumption. Read more

Sinn Féin opposes increases in MEPs secretarial allowances - de Brún

The European Parliament's Bureau is proposing to increase MEPs secretarial allowances. MEPs currently receive an allowance for secretarial costs and administrative staff of 12,000 euro per month. The Bureau is proposing to increase this to 14,000 euro. Sinn Féin is opposing the proposed increase. Read more

DUP should come clean on loyalist links

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA, Philip McGuigan, has called upon the DUP to come clean on their links with the Ulster Defence Association. His comments follow the withdrawal yesterday of a Westminster motion by a British Labour MP, which named a DUP member who was involved in intelligence gathering for… Read more

Government must act on West Tallaght report

Speaking during the Private Members Debate in the Dáil this morning on the recent West Tallaght report local Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe has called on the Government to act on the solutions offered in the report. Read more

On-call status must be returned to Monaghan General Hospital as a matter of urgency

Sinn Féin Councillor Brian McKenna, a former member of the North Eastern Health Board, has expressed sympathy to the family of Benny McCullagh of Monaghan town who died of a heart attack en route to Cavan General Hospital. He could not be admitted to Monaghan because of its off-call status.… Read more

O'Rawe meets with Rural Development agencies

Sinn Féin's Rural Regeneration spokesperson, Pat O'Rawe has been meeting with the Rural Community Network and the Rural Development Council in a bid to get a better understanding of their concerns at this time of continuous change in the area of rural development. Read more

Governments must defend Good Friday Agreement

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP today said 'if there is to be a deal then the two governments need to drive the process forward while making it clear that any deal must be within the terms of the Good Friday Agreement'. Read more

Doolan calls for consultation with residents on sale of Council flats at international housing conference

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Daithí Doolan is attending an international housing conference in London today on the challenges which arise from the transfer of public housing into private ownership. Read more

Castlereagh provides clear evidence of DUP refusal to accept power sharing

Sinn Fein National Chairperson, Foyle MLA Mitchel McLaughlin has said that the refusal of the DUP, including its Deputy Leader, Peter Robinson, to accept power sharing on Castlereagh council last night provides absolute evidence of the need for the cross-community safeguards and the power sharing requirements of the Good Friday… Read more

Decision on Wet Weather Aid for 2002 Close

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has said that money must be found to ensure that Wet Weather Payments for 2002 are made, at least to those areas that were affected the most and that have the greatest need. Read more

New Entrants Scheme

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has welcomed indications that the new entrants scheme will be responsive towards the needs of smaller farmers. Read more

Variable Fees will damage access to Further Education

Sinn Féin Employment and Learning Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Michael Ferguson has said that variable deferred fees will damage access to Further Education after the announcement of the consultation on draft legislation. Read more

Economy is undermined by lack of childcare

The Dáil will next week debate a motion from the Sinn Féin TDs calling on the Government to put in place comprehensive childcare services and to extend paid maternity and paternity leave for working parents. Read more

Gerry Adams urges big turn out for Belfast anti-racism rally

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has urged people to attend this Saturday's rally outside the City Hall protesting against the rise of racism in the city. Read more

Statue to Luke Kelly would be a fitting tribute - Cllr Burke

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Christy Burke has called on Dublin City Council to back a Sinn Féin proposal to erect a statue to the memory of legendary singer/song writer Luke Kelly. Cllr Burke said that the erection of a statue to Luke Kelly would be 'a fitting tribute to… Read more

PSNI actions in wake house inexcusable

Sinn Fein Councillor for North Belfast, Carál Ni Chuilín, has slammed the actions of the PSNI. This follows the PSNI entering the home of a woman who had died at 2am last night and questioning a son for twenty minutes in the back of a jeep about the mothers background. Read more

Gerry Adams - It is our duty to stand against racism

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP joined the weekend anti-racism rally at Belfast City Hall organised by the Anti Racism Network and Chinese Welfare Association. Read more

DUP unable to accept basic equality and power sharing

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty today said that recent moves by the DUP indicate that they appear to be moving backwards away from a deal based on power sharing, equality and respect. Read more

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