January 2005 Archives (Latest News)

Minister for Environment accused of 'spouting complete and utter nonsense'

Sinn Féin TD for Louth and Sinn Féin spokesperson for Trade and Enterprise as well as Environment, Arthur Morgan, has accused the Minister for the Environment, Dick Roche of "spouting complete and utter nonsense". Read more

West Belfast MLA hits out at covert British Military activity

Speaking after receiving a number of complaints from constituents, West Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Michael Ferguson has hit out at the increased covert British forces activity in the Andersonstown area which has taken place over the past number of weeks. Read more

Cancer care strategy is long overdue

Commenting on media reports of what the forthcoming Government Cancer Care strategy will contain, Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin said the strategy was long overdue. He said that unless it provided real cover for the regions it would not be a viable strategy. Read more

Sinn Fein urge people to test new Freedom of Information Act

Sinn Fein Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has urged people to use the new Freedom of Information Act to challenge the British state who have a track record in frustrating attempts to get full disclosure of information as witnessed in the handling of the demand for a full public… Read more

Sinn Féin to raise motion at BCC condemning detention of Asylum Seekers

Sinn Fein Councillor for North Belfast, David Kennedy, will at tonight's full meeting of Belfast City Council, raise a motion asking Belfast City Council to condemn the practice of the detention of asylum seekers in Prison facilities. Currently asylum seekers are held at Maghaberry, Crumlin Road and Hydebank prisons. Read more

TD highly critical of Government decision to change retail and planning guidelines for IKEA

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Arthur Morgan TD, has strongly criticised the decision of the Cabinet today to agree to change retail and planning guidelines so as to allow Swedish furniture giant IKEA open an outlet several times larger than current maximum permitted. Read more

2005 should be year smoking is banned in all workplaces Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP and former Health Minister in the Six County Assembly, Bairbre de Brún, has today reiterated her calls for a complete smoking ban to be implemented in all work places. Ms de Brún said that 2005 should be 'remembered as the year smoking was finally eradicated from our… Read more

Asian Disaster requires long-term response

Sinn Fein Mid Ulster MP Martin McGuinness speaking after meeting the Keightley family in Cookstown before some members left for Thailand to search for their missing brother Conor has said that the Tsunami disaster requires a long-term response. Read more

Report on arms exports reveal Irish complicity in trade - Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has this morning expressed her concern that over 26 billion euros of military related products have been exported to dozens of countries since 1997. Read more

Welfare recipients should not be punished for Departments mistake - Seán Crowe

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social and Community Affairs, Seán Crowe TD today said, "welfare recipients should not be punished for a mistake made by the Department of Social and Family Affairs", after learning that 47,000 welfare recipients will not receive payments this week. Read more

Sinn Féin Eager To Get Back Down To Business

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin has urged the two governments to speedily re-focus their efforts to build upon the progress already achieved last year and see the job of achieving a deal completed. Read more

Minister must intervene in Cavan Hospital

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said that it is now up to the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney to intervene to ensure that recommended changes in the surgical unit at Cavan General Hospital are made as a matter of urgency. Read more

Adams - Securocrats aiming to undermine peace process

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has told the two governments that Sinn Féin "will not countenance any attempt by the DUP, or by any one else, to demonise and criminalise this party." Read more

Restoration of Medical On-Call at Monaghan General Hospital Important but not sufficient - Ó Caoláin

In a reaction to the restoration from noon today, Thursday 6th January, of Medical On-Call status at Monaghan General Hospital, Sinn Féin Dáil Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin described the development as "an important but insufficient step to address and assuage the needs and real fears of the people of Co.… Read more

de Brún confident of progress on PEACE II women's measure

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has expressed confidence that some progress can be made on providing for positive action for women as part of the PEACE II extension. Read more

Sinn Féin call for all Ireland approach to road safety measures

Sinn Fein Regional Development Spokesperson, Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has called for an all Ireland approach on road safety. The call came as plans were announced by John Speller about how the Department is responding to the metrification of speed limits in the south on January 20th. Read more

Sinn Fein call for freeze in Housing Executive rent increases

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Fra McCann has criticised the proposed 3.1% increase in Housing Executive rents and called for rent increases to be frozen. Read more

Speller comes clean on British Treasury water charge threats

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson, Mid Ulster MLA Francie Molloy who heads the party's anti-water charges campaign has said that direct rule minister John Speller has come clean on the financial threats he is using to push forward his plans to impose water charges and that rather than issue such threats… Read more

PSNI Campaign Against The Nationalist Community Ongoing

West Belfast Sinn Féin Assembly member Michael Ferguson has branded the ongoing PSNI operation against the republican and nationalist community in North and West Belfast as 'political in motivation and violent in nature'. Read more

Significance of IRA Contribution should not be underestimated

Commenting on the New Year message today released by the IRA, Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly said that the statement once again outlined the hugely significant contribution which the IRA was prepared to make and the anger felt at the rejection of this contribution. Read more

Doolan-All Ireland Environmental Protection Agency only viable alternative

Sinn Fein Environment Spokesperson on Dublin City Council, Cllr. Daithi Doolan has said that an, "All Ireland Environmental Protection Agency with real powers is the only viable alternative to the appalling waste management policies, north and south which are destroying the environment." Read more

Adams extends sympathy and solidarity after death of Makgatho Mandela

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has sent his condolences and solidarity to Nelson Mandela after the death of his only surviving son Makgatho earlier today. Read more

IRA told Martin McGuinness it was not involved in robbery

Speaking on the Today programme on BBC Radio this morning Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP revealed that in the aftermath of the robbery on the Northern Bank in Belfast he had spoken to the IRA about this and was told that it was not involved. Read more

Orde produces no evidence for political allegations

Responding to politically biased allegations made today by the PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde linking the IRA to the recent robbery in the Northern Bank in Belfast, Sinn Féin Chief negotiator Martin McGuinness MP said: "Hugh Orde's comments today are nothing more than politically biased allegations. He has not produced… Read more

Pro-active response to 200 Tallaght jobs losses urgently needed

Sinn Fein deputy Sean Crowe called on Enterprise, Trade and Employment minister Micheal Martin to act quickly and introduce a pro-active response to th announcement of 200 job losses at APW Enclosures. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP to travel to Cork - European Capital of Culture 2005

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will travel to Cork later today to take part in the celebrations marking the launch of the city,s celebration as the European Capital of Culture for 2005. Ms de Brún has congratulated all those involved in the tremendous achievement of winning Capital of Culture… Read more

Unionists challenged to public debate on Equality

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Equality, Human Rights and Women, South Down MLA Catríona Ruane has issued a challenge to Ulster Unionists Dermott Nesbitt and Esmond Birnie to publicly debate the Equality Agenda. Read more

Gerry Adams warns of assault on integrity of Sinn Féin mandate

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has this afternoon warned that "there could well be a full frontal assault on the Sinn Féin political project and on the integrity of our mandate." Read more

Sinn Féin financial statements

Sinn Féin 32 Counties Financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2003. Read more

Focus must be on advancing the peace process - not politically motivated accusations from the NIO

Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin speaking during a meeting of the party,s Ard Chomhairle in Dublin this morning described as 'disgraceful' attempts to criminalise republicans on the basis of politically motivated accusations from NIO securocrats. Read more

Funding for a Dublin 15 Womens Refuge should no longer be delayed -Cllr. Gallagher

DUBLIN WEST SINN FÉIN Councillor Felix Gallagher has welcomed the news that a submission has been forwarded to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government seeking the capital funding required for the Women's Refuge in Blanchardstown to proceed. Read more

Orde has not a scintilla of evidence -Ó Caoláin

Speaking at the unveiling of a Memorial to Volunteer John Francis Green in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, said it was a disgrace that the Irish Government and most of the media had accepted without question the opinion of Hugh Orde on the Belfast… Read more

Nationalists deeply disappointed at Bertie Ahern remarks

Sinn Fein National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin has reacted angrily to claims by the Taoiseach that the Sinn Féin leadership knew of plans to rob the Northern Bank in Belfast. Read more

Sinn Féin will not allow mandate to be set aside

Speaking in Belfast this morning Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness has said now is not the time for the governments to throw in the towel on the talks and set to one side all that has been achieved in recent months. Read more

Sinn Féin appoint Doolan as Dublin Spokesperson

Sinn Féin have appointed Councillor Daithí Doolan as Dublin Spokesperson on the Environment and Spokesperson on Economic Development, Planning & EU Affairs. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP welcomes announcement on Irish non-participation in EU Battle Groups

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has this morning welcomed the announcement that troops from the 26 Counties will not be participating in EU battle groups for the foreseeable future. Read more

Anger at North Belfast death

Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Kathy Stanton has said that the discovery of the body of a woman in the Waterworks area of North Belfast has made many in the community angry and called for greater resources to tackle the problem of domestic violence. Read more

Concern at City Hospital Trolley waits

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson John O Dowd MLA has voiced deep concern about the number of trolley waits in Belfast City Hospital over the past weekend. Read more

Introduction of Italian smoking ban increases pressure for action here

The introduction of a smoking ban in Italy which takes effect today will increase pressure for action here, according to Sinn Féin's health spokesperson Cllr John O'Dowd MLA. Read more

Sinn Féin accuse DARD of misusing Rural Development Programme funds

Sinn Féin Rural Regeneration spokesperson, Newry Armagh MLA Pat O'Rawe, has criticised the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development over the excessive use of Rural Development Programme money on consultants and branded it a misuse of funds. Read more

Mitchel McLaughlin available to respond to Paul Murphy statement

Sinn Féin National Chairperson, Mitchel McLaughlin will be available to respond to the statement Paul Murphy is expected to make in Westminster tomorrow. Read more

de Brún adresses EU Parliament on PEACE II extension

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has this evening addressed the European Parliament on the extension of the PEACE programme to the end of 2006. MEPs will tomorrow vote on the extension of PEACE II (Tuesday). Read more

Gerry Adams sends his congratulations to newly elected Palestinian President

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP this evening sent his congratulations to newly elected Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Read more

Government drugs initiative woefully inadequate

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Aengus Ó'Snodaigh TD has described the Government's pilot initiatives to tackle the Country's drugs problem as 'woefully inadequate'. Read more

Concrete initiatives must be forthcoming if we are to address the crisis on our roads

Speaking in Meath today Sinn Féin candidate for the Meath by-election, Councillor Joe Reilly said, "Concrete initiatives must be forthcoming if we are to address the crisis on our roads." Read more

Sinn Féin MEP addresses European Parliament on climate change

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald last night addressed the European Parliament on the issue of climate change. Speaking in a debate on the recent conference in Buenos Aires on climate change, Ms McDonald said that 'Climate change remains a crucial issue facing humanity and requires a global… Read more

Sinn Fein MEP calls for real debate on EU Constitution

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today called for a real debate on the proposed EU Constitution. The call was made during a debate in the European Parliament today, on the Corbett/Mendez de Vigo report on the Constitution. Read more

Education funding must be prioritised on the basis of need

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson, Seán Crowe TD has called for Minister for Education, Ms Mary Hanafin to "make public the criteria she used when making decisions to prioritise certain schools for funding for major projects." Read more

Lisburn vote a crucial indicator of unionist intentions

The Sinn Féin Group Leader on Lisburn Council Cllr. Paul Butler has said that the DUP and UUP reaction to a motion demanding power sharing to be put before the Council tonight will send a clear signal to nationalists about unionist intentions in the overall peace process. Read more

Dwyer criticises differential rents schemes in Wexford

Wexford Sinn Féin County Councillor, John Dwyer, has strongly criticised the Differential Rents Schemes as they presently apply to local authority tenants in County Wexford. Read more

MLA to meet with Department of Employment & Learning (DEL)

Sinn Féin's Employment & Learning Spokesperson Michael Ferguson MLA has expressed his outrage at the DEL's decision to slash the Learndirect programmes as 'Ministerial Madness'. Read more

Sinn Féin MLA meets unions over library staff cuts

Sinn Féin education spokesman, Newry Armagh MLA Davy Hyland has met with representatives from Unison and NIPSA to discuss the threatened closures of libraries and reductions of opening hours of libraries in the SELB area. Read more

Doherty reselected for West Tyrone

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty was unanimously re-selected as the Sinn Féin Westminster Candidate for West Tyrone at a packed party convention in Carrickmore last night Read more

Development of Poolbeg must be done in consultation with residents

Sinn Féin representative for Dublin South East Councillor Daithí Doolan has said, "Any development of the South Bank/Poolbeg Peninsula must be done in full and open consultation with the residents of Ringsend and the wider community." Read more

Sinn Féin will not accept lectures from British

Speaking in London after the British Secretary of State Paul Murphy made his statement to the British House of Commons concerning the unsubstantiated allegation made by securocrats alleging IRA involvement in the robbery at the Northern Bank, Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin said: Read more

De Brún and McDonald to brief MEPs on Peace Process

Sinn Féin MEPs Bairbre de Brún (6 Counties) and Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin) will brief fellow MEPs in the GUE/NGL group on the current state of the peace process this evening. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes progress on new TG4 transmitter for the north

Sinn Féin Arts, Leisure and Culture Spokesperson, East Derry MLA Francie Brolly has welcomed progress on plans to install a new transmitter for TG4 in Belfast to expand the coverage throughout the north. Read more

Doherty slams political harassment as Omagh Council Chair detained by PSNI/British army

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has accused the PSNI/ British Army of "blatant political harassment" following the detention of Omagh Council Chair Seán Clarke, Patrick O Hagan, (the son of Kathleen O Hagan who was murdered by the UVF through RUC collusion) and another man at a joint… Read more

Sinn Féin meeting DRD today to discuss Foyle Bridge accident

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney will be meeting the DRD Roads Service today to discuss the tragic accident on Foyle Bridge yesterday that saw an articulated lorry plunge over its side killing the driver. Read more

Mental Health action demands resources and genuine collaboration

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson, Upper Bann MLA John O Dowd speaking about the need for effective measures emanating from the World Health Organisations (WHO) European conference on Mental Health in Helsinki said: Read more

Sinn Féin to hold major rally to mark beginning of celebrations for Céad Bliain Shinn Féin

Sinn Féin will hold a major rally in the Round Room in the Mansion House in Dublin on Friday 14th January at 7pm to launch its programme of events for the 100th anniversary of Sinn Féin. Read more

Accessible transport strategy for older people and people with disabilities long overdue

Speaking today in response to the Department for Regional Development's Draft Accessible Transport Strategy, Sinn Fein Regional Development spokesperson, Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney expressed his concern that the development of an accessible transport strategy for older people and people with disabilities has been long overdue and reiterated the need for… Read more

Sinn Féin MEP calls upon Luxembourg Presidency to pursue "Social Europe"

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has this morning called upon the Luxembourg Presidency of the European Union to "make a real difference to the lives of ordinary citizens". Read more

McGuinness available to speak to media

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP will be available to speak to the media today (Wednesday 12th January) at 12.30pm at the party offices on Sevastopol Street on the current state of the political process. Read more

McGrady challenged over disgraceful remarks

Sinn Féin Assembly member for South Down Caitriona Ruane has said that the remarks of SDLP MP Eddie McGrady yesterday in the British House of Commons accusing Sinn Féin of being the 'IRA in lounge suits' were remarks more at home on the DUP benches. Read more

Caitríona Ruane selected as Sinn Féin South Down Westminster candidate

Sinn Féin South Down MLA Caitríona Ruane has been selected as Sinn Féin South Down candidate for the for the coming Westminster election. Read more

Anger at discrimination against republican ex-prisoners

Sinn Féin South Belfast Assembly member Alex Maskey has expressed anger at the case of two republican ex-prisoners who have been denied employment with the Simon Community and called for greater action to combat the discrimination faced by political ex-prisoners not just in employment but also across a range of… Read more

Unworkable Bin Charge system leading to City Health Hazard

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Daithi Doolan has called on City Management to ensure that all household rubbish in the Dublin City Council area is collected as a matter of urgency. Read more

Mid-Ulster MP Expresses Thanks Department of Foreign Affairs for its support to the Keightley Family

Sinn Féin MP for Mid-Ulster Martin McGuinness has expressed his deepest condolences to the family of Cookstown man Conor Keightley and also thanked the Department of Foreign Affairs for the support and comfort it provided to the Keightley family throughout their ordeal. Read more

Sinn Féin calls for inquiry into migrant amputee case

Sinn Féin South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has called for a wide-ranging investigation of the circumstances surrounding the case of a Ukrainian migrant worker who had both legs amputated after being forced to sleep on the streets. Read more

de Brún calls for all Ireland effort to combat climate change

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has this afternoon expressed great concern at the results of a report on greenhouse gas emissions in the 6 Counties and said that "a real commitment was required by governments, business and a change to our collective lifestyles". Read more

Cavan surgeons decision - Minister should explain

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has called on the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney to issue a full statement setting out her reasons for terminating the suspensions of two consultant surgeons at Cavan General Hospital. Read more

A&E Crisis 'utterly predictable and totally preventable' - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described the A&E crisis as highlighted by the Irish Nurses Organisation as both predictable and preventable. Read more

McGuigan lambasts PSNI

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA, Philip McGuigan, has lambasted the PSNI in Ballymena for what he describes as a pattern of politically motivated policing in the town. Read more

Sinn Féin urges Government to match Irish people,s donations for tsunami disaster relief

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on International Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has welcomed Minister Dermot Ahern's announcement that the Government will increase its tsunami humanitarian aid commitment to €20 million, but is urging him to match the Irish people's out-of-pocket donations, running at €40 million to date, which he characterised as… Read more

Adams tells Party to prepare to resist discrimination by two Governments

Gerry Adams has given notice to Sinn Féin that the party must prepare to resist any campaign of discrimination by the two governments against its electorate. Speaking to An Phoblact the Sinn Féin President said: Read more

Sinn Féin MEPs vote in favour of EU support for countries affected by Tsunami

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today called for the European Union to provide greater political and financial aid for the countries affected by December's Tsunami in South East Asia. The call came during a debate on the issue in the European Parliament. Read more

Doolan to support Ringsend Bin Charge Protest

Sinn Féin Representative for Dublin South East Councillor Daithí Doolan will be supporting tomorrow morning,s Anti Bin Charges Protest , "to ensure that all rubbish is collected here in Ringsend." Read more

Gerry Adams available to speak to media

Gerry Adams will be available to speak to the media at 12.30pm in the foyer in Stormont. Read more

Amazement at Lisburn Council decision to slash Equality Budget

Sinn Féin Council Group leader on Lisburn Council Paul Butler has said that people will be amazed that Lisburn council with such an appalling record of discrimination has slashed its budget for equality schemes in half. Read more

Sinn Féin's Health Budget Submission vindicated by Top Civil Servant

Sinn Féin's submission to the health budget announced by NIO finance minister Ian Pearson MP in December has been vindicated by one of the North's most senior civil servants, according to the Party's health spokesperson, Cllr John O'Dowd MLA. Read more

MEP supports phone and broadband mast concerns

Dublin Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has lent her support to residents and parents concerned about mobile phone and broadband masts erected at sites that may pose health risks to children Read more

Sinn Féin offer to help Dungannon Meats find new contracts to stave off possible job losses

Sinn Féin Agriculture spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP, Michelle Gildernew, has offered to help Dungannon Meats work on developing new contracts in an attempt to stave off threatened job losses. Read more

New Rome & Berlin air routes can have huge benefits

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin has welcomed the announcement that EasyJet is to begin direct air services from Belfast to Berlin and Rome in the summer. Read more

Mid-Ulster MP Martin McGuinness reselected to fight Westminster Election

Mid-Ulster MP Martin McGuinness was reselected at his Party's selection Convention on Thursday Night. Following his unanimous endorsement Mr McGuinness thanked the delegates for once more choosing him to represent the constituency. Read more

Sinn Féin MEPs call for cancellation of developing world debt

Sinn Féin MEPs Mary Lou McDonald and Bairbre de Brún have voted in favour of a European Parliament resolution calling for the cancellation of developing world debt. Read more

Doolan - supports successful Ringsend protest

Sinn Féin Representative for Dublin South East, Councillor Daithí Doolan, speaking after this morning's Anti Bin Charges Protest in Ringsend, congratulated local residents who "came out and ensured that all rubbish was collected despite City Management attempts to do otherwise." Read more

Doherty comments on latest hoax bomb attack against Eugene McMenamin

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has challenged those behind the latest hoax bomb attack on Eugene Mc Menamin to explain to what on earth they are trying to achieve. Read more

Urgent need to tackle Derry City Homelessness

Sinn Féin Councillor Billy Page has said that unless the homeless situation is addressed in Derry it is only a matter of time before we have a tragedy similar to that, which occurred in Coleraine. Read more

Job Losses deals bitter blow to county - Ferris

Sinn Féin North Kerry TD Martin Ferris has called for immediate government action to tackle the recent spate of job losses in Kerry. Read more

Gerry Adams address at national launch of the Céad Bliain/Sinn Féin 100 event

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams this evening delivered the keynote address at the national launch of the Céad Bliain/Sinn Féin 100 event, in the Round Room at the Mansion House, Dublin. Read more

Durkan must clarify SDLP position after McGrady remarks

Sinn Féin Assembly member for South Down Caitriona Ruane has demanded that the SDLP leader Mark Durkan clarifies his party's position regarding excluding the largest nationalist party, Sinn Féin, from the current process. Read more

SDLP have fundamentally departed from Good Friday Agreement

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin has said that weekend remarks by senior SDLP members Eddie McGrady and Alaister McDonnell indicating support for the DUP exclusion model of voluntary coalition showed clearly that the SDLP had departed fundamentally from the politics of the Good Friday Agreement. Read more

SDLP Assembly team should distance itself from McGrady position

Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly has urged the SDLP Assembly team meeting today in Stormont to distance themselves from weekend remarks by Eddie McGrady and Alaister McDonnell indicating that the party should accept the DUP proposal of a voluntary coalition. Read more

Hospital Consultants shortage must be addressed urgently

Sinn Féin health spokesperson, Upper Bann MLA Cllr John O'Dowd, has said that the recruitment of over one hundred hospital consultants across the whole range of specialist disciplines within the North's health service must become an urgent priority action for NIO minister, Angela Smith. Read more

Dermot Ahern must raise MEP bugging admission report with Paul Murphy - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has this morning urged the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern to raise the bugging of Belfast Sinn Féin offices with Paul Murphy at their meeting later today. Read more

Sinn Féin voice concerns over threat to Derry Polling stations

Sinn Féin Derry City Councillors Lynn Fleming and Barney O'Hagan accompanied by Mitchel McLaughlin MLA and Director of Elections Gary Fleming are today meeting with Denis Stanley, Chief Electoral Officer and his staff to discuss the possible closure of polling stations in Derry. Read more

EU member states must do more to protect human rights of its citizen's - Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today called upon the European Union to 'lead by example on the protection and promotion of human, civil and political rights'. Read more

Government must clarify status of additional €10 million for Tsunami aid

Sinn Féin spokesperson on International Affairs, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, has called on the Government to clarify if the additional €10 million promised by the Government in Tsunami aid was in fact "new money" or just diverted from elsewhere. Read more

Ó Snodaigh rejects plans for electronic tagging and calls for increased resources to Probation and Welfare

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has rejected plans for electronic tagging of public order offenders and called for increased resources for probation and welfare. Read more

Ó Snodaigh rejects proposed national ID card

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has rejected the proposed national ID card scheme as it has "massive implications for civil liberties and privacy rights on this island." Read more

Sinn Féin challenge British Secretary of State on preferential treatment for Orange Halls

Sinn Féin has described Tony Blair's decision to grant rate exemptions to Orange Halls while making no such provision for the halls of sporting and cultural organisations across the six counties as discriminatory. Read more

Report on East West Divide confirms need for action

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin commenting on the publication of the twenty-fifth annual Review and Prospects for the Economy from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) said that it only confirms that urgent action is required to address the East West Divide to stop the ineqaulities widening. Read more

Shock at Lurgan job losses

Sinn Féin Upper Bann MLA John O Dowd has said a mood of shock has descended over the Co Armagh town of Lurgan at the news of 250 jobs are to be lost in a medical production plant in the town. Read more

Dialogue is key to progress

Sinn Féin Vice President, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has said that sanctions and the politics of exclusion will not move the peace process forward. Read more

Tackling racism is about much more than banning hate symbols- Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has this morning said that if the European Union is serious about addressing racism then it must "tackle individual, societal and institutional discrimination rather than focussing exclusively on hate symbols". Read more

Sinn Féin welcome new all-Ireland - US R&D accord

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on all-Ireland development, West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff has welcomed the announcement of details of an accord between major US and Irish research institutes north and south. Read more

Health Minister penalising patients - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called for a halt to the practice of cutting annual hospital budgets as a penalty for alleged inefficiency. Read more

Government must step in to save Smurfit jobs - Doolan

Dublin South East Sinn Féin representative, Councillor Daithí Doolan has called for the Government to "step in and save the jobs at the Smurfits paper mill in Clonskeagh while at the same time making a valuable contribution fledgling recycling industry." Read more

Organ retention should never be allowed to happen again - Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has this evening said that "the anguish and hurt caused as a result of the retention of patients' organs without fully informed consent should never be allowed to happen again". Read more

Cross Party Delegation to Meet Department of Employment & Learning

A cross Party Delegation accompanied by representatives from Training Organisations will meet with the Department of Employment and Learning on the 19th of January at 11am at Adelaide House, Adelaide Street, Belfast to challenge the Department's decision to end the very successful Worktrack & Learndirect training programmes. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP welcomes European Commissioner's commitment to suicide prevention

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today welcomed a commitment by Commissioner Marcos Kyprianou, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection to tackle mental ill health, with a particular emphasis on suicide. Read more

Loss of SeaCat service will hit tourist industry

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Tourism, North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan, has said that the loss of the Belfast to Scotland and the Dublin to Liverpool service will have far reaching consequences for the local tourist industry. Read more

Assembly costs down to British government suspension

Sinn Féin newly appointed Assembly group leader, Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd has said that the £53 million cost in maintaining the institutions are a result of the British government's unilateral suspension the institutions. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald hails community drugs project

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today paid tribute to the work of local communities in combating the drugs scourge in Dublin Read more

Lack of sexual assault forensic testing a barrier to justice - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said the fact that there are only five centres in the state providing sexual assault forensic testing is "a barrier to justice" and the Government must now take responsibility. Read more

Judicial Review of Sinn Féin sanctions decision begins tomorrow

A full Judicial Review brought by Sinn Féin Assembly member Conor Murphy into the decision of the British Secretary of State Paul Murphy to impose sanctions upon the Sinn Féin electorate in the wake of the IMC Report into an incident in a Belfast bar last year will begin tomorrow… Read more

Anger at jailing of Derry Republican over British Army murder of 14 people

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has called on British Secretary of State Paul Murphy to intervene immediately and release Derry man Martin Doherty who was arrested and jailed earlier today for contempt of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry. Read more

Environment Committee must accept the views of experts

Sinn Féin candidate for the Meath by-election, Councillor Joe Reilly has said, "The Oireachtas Environment Committee must accept the views of leading archaeological and academic experts when making their recommendations to the Minister." Read more

British abuse photos will come as no surprise

Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew has said that the images of British soldiers torturing and abusing Iraqi detainees will come as no surprise to the thousands of nationalists in the six counties who had to endure similar treatment at the hands of British regiments here. Read more

Unemployment statistics not an accurate reflection of unemployment

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on poverty, North Belfast MLA Kathy Stanton has said that many people living with poverty will be angry at the analysis of unemployment. Read more

Sinn Féin back second runway at Dublin Airport

Two motions put forward by the Labour Party and Socialist Party calling for the removal of zoning for a second runway at Dublin Airport were narrowly defeated at Fingal County Council on Tuesday 18th January. Read more

Bairbre de Brún joins calls for a nuclear free world

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will this evening attend an event in Brussels on the role the EU can play in promoting nuclear disarmament. Read more

Sinn Féin MEPs to meet with family of Pat Finucane

Sinn Féin MEPs Bairbre de Brún (6 Counties) and Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin) will tomorrow meet with the family of Pat Finucane at the offices of Madden and Finucane Solicitors in Belfast. Read more

Sinn Féin call for all Ireland approach to road safety measures

Sinn Féin Regional Development Spokesperson, Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has called for an all Ireland approach on road safety. Read more

Sinn Féin supports student opposition to Top Up fees

Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Employment & Learning Michael Ferguson is supporting the NUS/USI decision to highlight their dismay at the imposition of further Top Up Fees on students in the Six Counties. Read more

PSNI promotion demonstrates ineffectiveness of SDLP

Commenting on the promotion, to the rank of superintendent, of a PSNI officer at the centre of marching controversy in Lurgan, the area's Sinn Féin MLA, Cllr John O'Dowd said, Read more

Any review of the Governments National Cancer Strategy must be based on Equality

Sinn Féin Waterford City Councillor David Cullinane, commenting on reports that the current review of the Governments Cancer Strategy will further rationalize cancer services said this is wholly unacceptable. Read more

Speculation a far cry from evidence

Sinn Féin Policing Spokesperson, North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly commenting on today's Policing Board meeting has said that speculation is a far cry from evidence. Read more

Doolan- No fast tracked incinerator for Ringsend

Sinn Féin Representative for Dublin South East, Councillor Daithí Doolan, has welcomed "Minister for Environment Dick Roche's acknowledgement that the proposed incinerator for Poolbeg Peninsula will not receive fast track planning." Read more

Sinn Féin leaders to visit Derry republican in Maghaberry

Sinn Féin MP for Mid-Ulster Martin McGuinness and Sinn Fein Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin will today visit Derry Republican Martin Doherty in Maghaberry Prison. Read more

Sinn Fein "outraged" by Waterford Chamber of Commerce snub of City Council

Sinn Féin Waterford City Councillors David Cullinane and Joe Kelly have expressed their "outrage" following a conference in Waterford in which the local elected representatives were not invited. Read more

Sinn Féin MEPs to raise Finucane case in European Parliament

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today said that "Sinn Féin will bring the case of Pat Finucane to the European Parliament". Read more

Sinn Féin demands release of Martin Doherty

Senior Sinn Féin Representatives Martin McGuinness MP and Mitchel McLaughlin MLA this afternoon visited Derry Republican Martin Doherty in Maghaberry prison. Read more

Crowe to raise conditions in Tallaght A&E when Dáil resumes

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Sean Crowe said he was appalled listening to patients and their families talking of their experience in Accident and Emergency in Tallaght Hospital and said he would be raising the matter with the Health Minister when the Dáil resumes next week. He was… Read more

Gerry Kelly to undertake a series of engagements in the United States

Senior Sinn Féin Negotiator Gerry Kelly will today travel to the United States for a week long series of meetings. Mr. Kelly will meet with members of Congress, representatives of the State Department and engage with Irish America. Read more

Taoiseach has to explain his accusations

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP writing in the Village Magazine this weekend said "By far the most damaging aspect of all of this has been the remarks of the Taoiseach that the Sinn Fein leadership had prior knowledge of the Northern Bank robbery. His accusation is completely without foundation.… Read more

Gerry Adams speaks to newly elected Palestinian President

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP this evening spoke to the recently elected Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald brands Irish childcare costs "disgraceful"

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has branded as "disgraceful" the results of a report which revealed that childcare costs in Ireland are nearly twice as expensive as in other EU member states. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome opportunity to discuss equality with Unionists

Sinn Féin South Down Assembly Member Caitríona Ruane MLA has welcomed the response from Dermot Nesbitt who has agreed in principle to enter into a public debate on the equality issue. Read more

Peace Dividend is a must after years of British neglect

A Peace dividend is a must to help overcome years of neglect by the British Government according to North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP to attend World Social Forum in Brazil

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will tomorrow travel to Brazil to participate in the World Social Forum at Porto Allegre, Brazil. Read more

Ferris opposes plans to privatise ESB

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Energy, Martin Ferris TD, has voiced his opposition to plans to sell off the ESB. Read more

Dialogue, inclusivity and respect for others - key to progress over last ten years and needed now more than ever

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP speaking in Belfast today has said that the dialogue, inclusivity and respect for others - is the key to the progress made over the last 10 years and is needed now more than ever Read more

Sinn Féin leadership to meet Bertie Ahern & Tony Blair this week

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness will be leading Sinn Féin delegations to meet the Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minster Tony Blair this week. Read more

Poverty survey exposes Government lies

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Welfare and Community Affairs, Seán Crowe TD responding to the latest figures that indicate that poverty levels in Ireland are much higher than admitted by the Government said, "this latest survey exposes as a lie the Government's claims on poverty." Read more

Ferris supports call to save Carlow sugar factory

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD, has added his voice to those protesting today against the decision to close the Carlow sugar factory, and for that decision to be reversed. Deputy Ferris claimed that the decision taken by Greencore on January 12 represents the first step in what… Read more

Concern at Strategic Investment Board appointments

Commenting on the publication of the 9th annual report of Commissioner for Public Appointments and the revelation that auditors raised serious concerns about the appointments to the Strategic Investment Board, Sinn Fein National Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin said: Read more

Speller pressed to end Sinn Féin exclusion from Housing Executive

A Sinn Féin delegation led by Housing Spokesperson Cllr Fra McCann MLA and North Belfast MLA Kathy Stanton met with British direct rule minister John Speller to raise a number of concerns about housing including the ongoing exclusion of Sinn Féin representatives from the Housing Executive and the impact of… Read more

Sinn Féin concern at low numbers of Catholics at Wrightbus Limited

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA, Philip McGuigan, has said that the employment record of Wrightbus Limited is 'absolutely appalling' when it comes to religious equality within the workforce. Read more

Hyland responds to Cabin Hill report

Sinn Féin spokesman for education, Davy Hyland, has welcomed the report into the Cabin Hill Preparatory School in East Belfast but has criticised the length of time that it has taken to bring the incidences of sexual abuse at the school to light. Read more

Cancer survival rates highlight growing wealth divide

Sinn Féin health spokesperson, Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd has said that a Westminster Public Accounts Committee report into tackling cancer demonstrates that Government policies are failing the less well off in society. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP to address European Parliament after Finucane family meeting

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald will this afternoon deliver a speech in the European Parliament on the case of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane. Read more

Sinn Féin calls for the re-instatement of 68 postal workers

Sinn Féin Communications spokesperson, Seán Crowe TD has called on the management of An Post to "pull back from the brink and immediately re-instate the 68 workers that were suspended on Monday." Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes all-Ireland Medical School proposal

Sinn Féin MLA Mitchel Mc Laughlin has welcomed the proposed all-ireland Medical School for Magee Campus. Read more

Ministers must take action on rise in cocaine use

Reacting to the news from the Council of Europe that Ireland now has the second highest rate of cocaine use in Europe, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Justice, Equality and Human Rights, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said it is "an issue I have been flagging up for some time now, deserving… Read more

Michael McDowell Misrepresented Content Of Sinn Féin Engagement with Irish government

Speaking today in Belfast in advance of tomorrows meeting with the British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP said: Read more

Bairbre de Brún participates in opening ceremony of World Social Forum in Brazil

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has been participating in the opening of the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil (26 January/27th January). Read more

Ferris calls on Foreign Affairs minister to demand the release of Martin Doherty

Sinn Féin TD, Martin Ferris today demanded the release by the British Government of the only man jailed as a result of the activities of the British Army on Bloody Sunday in Derry. Read more

Sinn Féin launch new border initiative (Aontú) to bring Irish reunification closer

This week Sinn Féin will unveil the first in a series of major initiatives to advance the party's all-Ireland agenda and advance preparations for Irish reunification. Read more

Cullen Report is indictment of Government use of consultants

Commenting on the Report on Minister Martin Cullen and Leech Comunications Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said it "cannot be taken as anything other than an indictment of Minister Cullen himself and of Government practice in general, even though the Report baulks at such a conclusion". Read more

Sinn Féin questions Minister for State's decision to axe crucial funding

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Community and Family Affairs, Seán Crowe TD has questioned the Minister for State for Community Affairs, Noel Ahern TD about his decision to axe funding for the Community Workers Co-operative, an organisation that works on the ground fighting poverty, inequality and injustice. Read more

Farm incomes rise from low base

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew commenting on the publication of the estimates for farm incomes has welcomed the increase in total farm incomes but warned that the low base means that many farm families are still struggling on incomes of £160 per week or half… Read more

Sinn Féin demand decision on future Derry City airport

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA, Mitchel McLaughlin has called on British Secretary of State, Paul Murphy to close his deliberations on City of Derry Airport and release the funding urgently required for safety improvements and development. Read more

Adams - would any sensible Irish person trust Michael McDowell with the Peace Process

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP is in London this afternoon briefing British MPs and the international media on the peace process. Read more

Irish government failed to communicate EU Constitution to the Irish people

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today accused the Irish government of failing to properly communicate the content and ramifications of the EU Constitution to the Irish people. Read more

Horrors of Auschwitz must never be forgotten

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today said that the horrors of the holocaust must be used to "educate young people and remind them of the dangers of racism". Read more

Human Rights must be based on due process

Sinn Féin Human Rights, Equality and Women's Spokesperson, South Down MLA Catríona Ruane commenting on the ruling that indefinite detention without trial was a fundamental breech of human rights laws and on the decision of British Home Secretary Charles Clarke to replace this with a form of house arrest has… Read more

Bairbre de Brún to address meeting of World Social Forum

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will today (28 Jan) address a meeting of the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on the topic of privatisation and globalisation. Read more

Maskey brands Unionist reaction to President McAleese's comments as hysterical

Sinn Féin South Belfast MLA, Alex Maskey, has described as "hysterical" the reaction of unionist politicians to the comments of President Mary McAleese. Read more

Level of delayed discharges from hospitals must be tackled, say Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin health spokesperson, Cllr John O'Dowd MLA, has expressed his concern over the reasons behind the increasing number of delayed discharges from hospitals of patients who have been declared medically fit for discharge in the North. Read more

Action plan on racism welcome, but sceptical of Government's commitment

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Equality Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has welcomed the launch of the Government's first National Action Plan on Racism as "long overdue", but also said he treats the Government's commitment to fight racism "with skepticism". Read more

Dr Walsh's comments are not helpful to women parenting alone - Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today said that "women parenting alone deserve to be treated with respect". Read more

Sinn Féin hold first meeting of Aontú and set out priorities for cross border integration

The official launch of Aoutu, the Sinn Féin strategy group for cross border integration took place in the Clinton Centre, Enniskillen today. Read more

Doolan attends Holocaust Memorial

Sinn Féin representative for Dublin South East Councillor Daithí Doolan has said, "this is the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps. Today, here in Dublin, we commemorate all the victims and survivors of those camps." Read more

McLaughlin - 33 years of campaign has yet to bring out the truth about Bloody Sunday

Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin MLA speaking in his address to the annual Bloody Sunday Commemoration said "Thirty-three years of campaigning has yet to bring out the Truth about the Bloody Sunday massacre. " Read more

De Brún addresses opening of 5th World Parliamentary Forum

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún this weekend addressed the opening session of the World Parliamentary Forum in Brazil. The World Parliamentary Forum is meeting for two days in the Legislative Assembly in Porto Alegre as part of the World Social Forum. Read more

Taoiseach meets IMC in Dublin

Commenting as the IMC met with the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Dublin today, Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey said: Read more

McLaughlin calls for all-Ireland Mobile Phone Regulator

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mitchel Mc Laughlin MLA has called on Irish Minister, Noel Dempsey and Direct Rule Minister Barry Gardiner to give urgent consideration to the establishment of a single all-Ireland mobile phone Regulator. Read more

Trim Planning decision must be open to full public scrutiny

Sinn Féin Councillor Joe Reilly has backed calls for an immediate investigation into the selling of land opposite Trim Castle to a developer, which had been designated as a car park, and for which the County Council had received a grant of 63,000 from the Department of the Environment. The… Read more

Concern over future provision of mental health and learning disability services

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson, Upper Bann MLA John O?Dowd has expressed serious concern over the provision of mental health and learning disability services. Read more

Sinn Féin to hold major seminar on Suicide

Sinn Féin is to hold a major seminar to discus the issue of suicide in Ballynahinch next month, a town which within South Down has been identified as having a particular problem and statistics show that per head of capita has one of the highest suicide rates in Western Europe. Read more

January 2005 Archives (Latest News)

January 4, 2005

January 5, 2005

January 6, 2005

January 7, 2005

January 8, 2005

January 9, 2005

January 10, 2005

January 11, 2005

January 12, 2005

January 13, 2005

January 14, 2005

January 15, 2005

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January 17, 2005

January 18, 2005

January 19, 2005

January 20, 2005

January 21, 2005