March 2006 Archives (Latest News)

Sinn Féin demand action on suicide

Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Kathy Stanton commenting on the announcement from Direct Rule Health Minster Shaun Woodward of an independent review into circumstances surrounding the suicide of Danny McCarten focusing on the Health Board has demanded action and said that the Department of Health must accept responsibility for the… Read more

NIE price rise will hit those least able to pay

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin commenting on the 10.8% increase in NIE electricity costs has said that this will hit those least able to pay hardest. Read more

Taoiseach must take action in light of Drogheda Hospital Report

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has demanded that the Taoiseach take action in light of the report from Judge Maureen Harding Clark . Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Deputy Ó Caoláin called on the Government to "establish a Redress Board - a forum for the women… Read more

Sinn Féin to hold Hunger Strike 25th anniversary vigil

Sinn Féin will hold a candlelight vigil at the GPO in Dublin this evening at 6:00PM to mark the 25th anniversary of the commencement of the 1981 Hunger Strike. Read more

Sinn Féin delegations continue meeting both governments

Sinn Féin delegations will continue with the latest round of political talks tomorrow, Thursday 2nd March. Read more

Co-ownership is not the solution to housing crisis

Sinn Féin housing spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Fra McCann commenting on the changes to co-ownership rules announced today by David Hanson has said that while anything that lessens the burden on first time home buyers that co-ownership is not the solution to housing crisis Read more

Investment in new school buildings welcome but children still suffering

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson commenting on British Direct Rule Education Minister Angela Smith's announcement of £380m for a new build schools Programme said: Read more

Sinn Féin will not sign on for flawed arrangements

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly, spokesperson on Policing and Justice has responded to an invitation by British Secretary of State to nominate party members to the Policing Board: Read more

Concern at possibility of job losses in Tallaght

Tallaght based Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has expressed concern at the possibility of the closure at the Jacobs Plant on the Belgard Road in Tallaght with the possible loss of between 400 and 500 jobs. Management at the factory are to meet union officials tomorrow afternoon where they are… Read more

US President photo-opportunity at Shannon ill advised and completely inappropriate

Responding to President George Bush's surprise stop-over and photo shoot with US troops in Shannon Airport last night Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on International Affairs, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, expressed his view that it was a completely inappropriate action to be facilitated by the Irish authorities, which he said sent… Read more

"TB threat shows folly of Peamount closure" - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health and Children spokesperson Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has called for an action plan on TB from the Minister for Health and Children in the wake of a study showing significant and alarming levels of the disease in parts of Dublin city. Read more

Bairbre de Brún demands equality for Irish language speakers in the North

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today called for Irish language speakers in the six counties to be 'afforded the same rights and entitlements as speakers throughout the rest of the country'. Read more

Peter Hain confirms short term financial support for TriVirix during Downing Street meetings

In the course of his meetings at Downing Street today, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams raised the issue of the TriVirix company with Peter Hain. Mr Hain confirmed that the British Government would provide enough money for the company to continue trading for one month. Read more

Next round of PEACE funding must have community input at its heart - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will this evening travel to South Down to meet with community activists for discussions on the next round of PEACE funding for the six counties and border region and said that she wanted to 'encourage communities to participate in debate around their hopes for… Read more

PSNI Raid Ballymurphy Home Of Murder Victim

Sinn Féin Assembly member for West Belfast Michael Ferguson has branded a PSNI raid on the Ballymurphy home of Gerard Devlin who was recently murdered, 'as insensitive, outrageous and completely unwarranted'. Read more

Harney must restore TB unit at Peamount Hospital - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on the Minister for Health Mary Harney "to restore the TB Unit at Peamount Hospital and to provide a national action plan to combat TB." After securing an adjournment debate on the results of a study showing… Read more

Crowe - Future of Jacobs can still be secured

Tallaght based Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has said that the future of the Jacobs factory on the Belgard Road, can still be secured. He said 'All sides accept that a survival package is needed so what is required are meaningful talks between workers and management to secure the future… Read more

Next round of PEACE funding must have community input at its heart - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will this evening travel to South Down to meet with community activists for discussions on the next round of PEACE funding for the six counties and border region and said that she wanted to 'encourage communities to participate in debate around their hopes for… Read more

Crowe expresses belief that Jacobs will continue to operate in Tallaght

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Sean Crowe has said he believes that workers at the Jacobs factory in Tallaght will support recommendations from the union and the long term future of the plant will be secured. Read more

After Schools provision left in limbo

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson has joined PlayBoard in criticising the British Government's Direct Rule Ministers, Angela Smith and Jeff Rooker, for failing to address after school provision for children. Read more

Crowe welcomes survival of jobs at Jacobs plant

Tallaght based Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has welcomed the survival of between 400 and 500 jobs at the Jacobs Fruitfield Plant in Tallaght. Workers at the plant today voted overwhelmingly in support of the survival package put forward by management. Read more

Bairbre de Brún to present award at Cross Border Achievement Awards ceremony

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will this morning travel to participate in a cross border awards ceremony at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Ballyconnell, Co Cavan. Read more

Power drunk Minister unfit for office

Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson for Justice, Equality and Human Rights, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, described the latest revelation from TG4 that no request for information was received by the Justice Ministers offices in relation to Frank Connolly as further evidence that the Michael McDowell was on a personal vendetta against… Read more

Michelle Gildernew calls for restoration of Ulster Canal

Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew has today called for the Ulster Canal to be reopened to "unlock the massive tourist potential for the border counties". Read more

Bairbre de Brún to host delegation from Irish language groups at European Parliament

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will tomorrow host a delegation of representatives from a range of Irish language organisations on a visit to the European Parliament in Brussels. Read more

Sinn Féin calls on other parties not to support North Eastern Education cuts

Sinn Féin Councillor and Mayor of Moyle District Council, Oliver McMullan, has said that the party's North Eastern Education and Library Board members will not be supporting the Board,s proposed cut Read more

Governments and DUP cannot divorce their actions from murder bid

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly today said that the DUP cannot divorce themselves from the attempted murder of a Catholic taxi driver in the area over the weekend Read more

Ending sectarianism requires political leadership from all parties including the DUP

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness has described Irish government proposals for an anti-sectarianism pledge as "a good start". Read more

Ferris highlights cost of policing Rossport

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources, Martin Ferris TD has drawn attention to the massive cost in Garda Resources that have been deployed to protect the Shell pipeline at Rossport. Read more

Sinn Féin calls on Equality Commission to initiate a full investigation into Lisburn Council

Sinn Féin is publicly calling on the Equality Commission to initiate a full investigation (under paragraph 11) of Lisburn Council because Lisburn council stands as a byword for discrimination and bigotry. Read more

Ferris gives cautious welcome to Government climbdown on Fisheries Bill

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries, Martin Ferris TD has given a cautious welcome to reports that the Government may be ready to significantly change the recently passed Fisheries Bill to allow for the imposition of administrative rather than judicial sanctions. The Bill was passed in the Dáil despite massive… Read more

Gerry Adams outlines strategy for ending impasse

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP was today joined by party colleagues Caitriona Ruane and Conor Murphy at a press conference this morning. Mr Adams said that he has written to the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the British Prime Minister Tony Blair outlining a strategy for ending the current political… Read more

Irish language campaigners to meet with Irish MEPs at European Parliament

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has this morning welcomed a delegation from a range of Irish language organisations to the European Parliament in Brussels. Read more

Gerry Adams in Dublin on Wednesday to launch Easter Lily campaign

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP will be in Dublin tomorrow (Wednesday 8th) to launch the annual Easter Lily campaign. Read more

Smash Discrimination anois - Lisburn under the spotlight

Sinn Féin Human Rights and Equality Spokesperson, Caitriona Ruane has said that the record of Lisburn Council is under the spotlight. Read more

Total review of Housing sector required

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Cllr Fra McCann has written to British direct rule housing minister David Hanson calling for a root and branch review of social housing across the north. Read more

Ferguson responds to Peter Hain's anouncement of more Investment

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson has said that he welcomed the announcement of investment in Children and Young people but like most people wondered just how much was additional, such has been the spin of press releases spun out by Direct Rule Ministers. Read more

Malicious Daily Mirror story can only compound pain and hurt of Donna Cleary's family

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillors, Dessie Ellis and Larry O'Toole have extended their sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Donna Cleary, who was brutally murdered on Saturday night. Read more

Sinn Féin Councillor receives loyalist death threat

Banbridge Sinn Féin Councillor Dessie Ward has today detailed the latest loyalist death threat against him after the PSNI arrived at his home yesterday evening (Monday 5th March) to deliver notification of the threat. Read more

Government facilitating developers to bribe their way out of providing social housing - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has accused the Government of facilitating developers in bribing their way out of providing social housing under Part V of the Planning and Development Act. Speaking in the Dáil today Deputy Ó Caoláin said the Government's stated plans for Part V when… Read more

Conor Murphy in "positive" talks with David Hanson on usage for former British Army site in Forkhill

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy has this afternoon described talks with David Hanson today on usage for the land vacated by the British Army in Forkhill as "positive and constructive". Read more

Death threats expose UDA's 'end to criminality' sham - Gerry Kelly

Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast Gerry Kelly has today called upon unionist politicians to stand with the taxi firms in North Belfast to bring an end to the UDA's latest campaign of intimidation against nationalists in North Belfast. Read more

Sinn Féin to bring forward Dail motion to stop Dublin incinerator

Sinn Féin's Dublin Environment Spokesperson & Representative for Dublin South East, Councillor Daithí Doolan, has announced, "that Sinn Fein will be tabling a Dail motion today calling on the Minister for Environment to ensure that no further work is carried out in relation to the proposed incinerator on Dublin's Poolbeg Peninsula. Read more

Sinn Féin calls for the ratification of the European convention on trafficking to be ratified on International Women's Day

On the occasion of International Women's Day today, Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Women and Older people, Armagh MLA Pat O'Rawe has called on both the Irish and British governments to ratify the European Convention on Trafficking "as a matter of some considerable urgency." Read more

Governments failure to address ongoing inequalities experienced by women 'shameful'

Speaking in the Dáil today on International Women's Day, Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD accused the Government of failing to address "ongoing inequalities experienced by women" saying its record in this area was "shameful". Read more

Government ten-point plan for A&E an "abject failure"

Sinn Féin leader in the Dáil, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has described the implementation of Tánaiste and Minister for Health's ten-point plan for Accident and Emergency services as an "abject failure." Read more

Sinn Féin MEP welcomes decision to lift Beef Ban

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed the decision of the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health to lift restrictions on beef exports from the six counties. Read more

Irish and British governments need to move decisively

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP speaking in Dublin this morning said, "the Irish and British governments have an opportunity today to move decisively to advance the political process. The time for hedging their bets and stock taking is over. Read more

Gerry Adams launches nationwide Easter Lily campaign

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP was in Dublin today (Wednesday 8th) to launch the annual Easter Lily campaign. Mr. Adams was accompanied by Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD and Sorcha Nic Chormaic from Dublin South. The event took place on International Womens Day to honour the women of Cumann na… Read more

Taoiseach should use Dáil motion to internationalise demand for Finucane inquiry

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has welcomed the All-Party Dáil motion calling on the British government to fulfil its commitment to hold a full public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane. Read more

All victims of Neary and others should be accommodated by redress scheme - Ó Caoláin

Speaking in the Dáil today during statements on the Report of the Lourdes hospital Enquiry the Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said, "All victims of Mr. Neary and others, not just the 129 cases of caesarean hysterectomies performed by Mr. Neary but all those… Read more

Tallaght A&E most overcrowded in State - Heart patient leaves hospital after failing to even secure trolley

Tallaght based Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has said Tallaght Hospital's A&E Department is the most overcrowded in the State. Speaking in the Dáil today Deputy Crowe said a patient with a serious heart complaint waited over ten and a half hours on Monday night and left the hospital in… Read more

Murphy demands SDLP withdraw Commissioner Proposal

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy has today called on the SDLP to 'withdraw its proposal for the British to appoint unelected commissioners to run the north's departments. Read more

Completion of demilitarisation and end of political policing required - Alex Maskey

Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has described today's report by the IMC on demilitarisation as irrelevant and called for a speedy completion by the British Government of a full programme of demilitarisation, including the dismantling of its entire war machinery and an end to political policing. Read more

Crowe calls for implementation of McIver report on Education

Speaking at a TUI Questions and Answers session in Jury's Hotel Ballsbridge last night, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Seán Crowe TD urged the government to finally implement the McIver Report of 2003. Deputy Crowe said the failure to implement the recommendations of McIver has "made a mockery of the… Read more

Gerry Adams extends condolences to family of Albert Fullerton

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has expressed his deep sorrow at the death of Albert Fullerton in Donegal this afternoon. Albert had been gravely ill since being involved in a serious traffic accident in Donegal on Monday morning. Mr. Adams extended his condolences to Albert's extended family, in particular to… Read more

Blair is complicit in collusion if he fails to confront securocrats - Ó Caoláin

Speaking to the all-party motion supporting the demand for a fully independent public inquiry in to the murder of Pat Finucane in the Dáil this evening Sinn Féin TD, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin described the British Government's Inquiries legislation as "the main obstacle to an inquiry" in to the murder of… Read more

Legislation to protect employees long overdue - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said, "The enactment of legislation to protect employees and others who blow the whistle on illegal or other unacceptable practices is long overdue." Speaking in the Dáil this evening Deputy Ó Caoláin said, "In other states whistle blowers have played a vital… Read more

RIR involvement in collusion will not go away

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has said that many nationalists who have lost loved ones both directly and as a result of collusion will be angry at the pay-off for former UDR and RIR members. Read more

Hospital beds must be provided to address A&E crisis - Ó Caoláin

Responding to the record numbers of patients on trolleys in Accident and Emergency units, Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health and Children spokesperson Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD said the Tánaiste was "presiding over an escalating crisis in our hospitals" and had failed to provide the additional acute hospital beds required. Read more

Transport Minister should 'knuckle down' to job and stop chasing photo-opportunities - Crowe

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport, Seán Crowe TD has questioned the Minister for Transports commitment to providing accessible public transport services. Read more

Ferguson appeals for calm after Whiterock shooting

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Michael Ferguson has appealed for calm after the shooting of a teenager at the top of the Whiterock Road in West Belfast. Read more

New Education Review should not cause more problems for Teachers

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Michael Ferguson has questioned the terms of reference of the Education Review recommended by British Secretary of State Peter Hain less than 48 hours after the closure of the consultation into the Education Draft Order. Read more

North West Region Investment essential

Sinn Féin MLA Mitchel McLaughlin has welcomed the announcement by British Direct Minister Angela Smith of an infrastructure investment of £31.6 million for the North West Institute of Further and Higher Education (NWIFHE). Read more

Belfast Education Board cuts even greater than first feared

Sinn Féin West Belfast Councillor Tom Hartley has said that it now appears that there is a shortfall of some £6.6 million in the Belfast Education Library Board budget after Angela Smith's intervention in relation to £3 million that the board had hoped to be available for services. Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls for end to force-feeding of Hunger Strikers in Guantanamo

Speaking from Stormont today, where he was attending an event to mark the anniversary of Bobby Sands' birthday, Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh commended the 263 doctors including Irish doctors who signed a letter calling on the United States to abandon the practice of force-feeding hunger strikers in… Read more

Mitchel Mc Laughlin welcomes Vodaphone (Ireland) announcement on roaming charges

Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson, Mitchel Mc Laughlin has welcomed today's announcement by Vodafone (Ireland) that it is to remove roaming charges for its 26 County contract customers. Read more

DUP challenged to support representative workforce in Civil Service

Sinn Féin's Equality and Human Rights Spokesperson, Caitríona Ruane MLA has called on DUP MLA Gregory Campbell to support the efforts of Sinn Féin and others to ensure that the Civil Service and workplaces throughout the North are balanced and representative. Read more

Nationalists unconvinced by UDA statement

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP has said that nationalists will be very sceptical about today's statement from the UDA's inner circle. Read more

Concrete action required to break cycle of gender inequality - Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today welcomed a presentation in the European Parliament today of the findings of a study on EU enlargement and women's participation in politics. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome NASUWT demand for return of the Assembly

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson has echoed the comments of NASUWT (The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers) spokesperson who called on local politicians to get back into the Assembly to address the mess within the education system. Read more

Sinn Féin MLA's join forces to demand equality for Irish language in schools

Sinn Féin MLA's Michael Ferguson (spokesperson for Education) and Francie Brolly (Irish language) have today joined forces to challenge Angela Smith on British Government discrimination against the Irish language in schools in the Six Counties. Read more

Sinn Féin launch "End Political Policing Campaign"

Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams speaking at the launch of the party's "End Political Policing Campaign" has said that political policing is a threat to everyone. Mr Adams was joined at the launch by North Belfast MLA Kathy Stanton and Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd. Read more

Government must stop auctioning of priceless 1916 heritage - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has described as "scandalous" the planned auction of priceless historical documents and other artefacts associated with the 1916 Rising and the independence struggle in a sale planned by two auction houses in the week of the 90th anniversary of the Rising. Read more

Disadvantaged areas suffering educational inequality

In response to a report just published by the Economic and Social Research Institute for the Higher Education Authority, Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Seán Crowe TD said, "it is still no surprise that students from areas designated as being disadvantaged are poorly represented in third level education". Read more

Minister must clear driving test backlog - Crowe

Sinn Féin Transport spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has called on Transport Minister Martin Cullen to urgently address the backlog of people waiting to pass their driving test. Read more

Gerry Adams will seek US support to advance peace process

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP will travel to the US next week to attend a series of engagements in New York, Washington DC and Massachusetts. During the trip Mr. Adams will be seeking US support for the party's strategy for the speedy restoration of the political institutions. Read more

Adams - Threats to arrest Basque political leaders must be lifted

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has voiced his concern at reports from the Basque Country that the courts are about to arrest key members of the Batasuna leadership. He called for the threats to be lifted and for the Spanish government to work with others to build a genuine… Read more

Sinn Féin welcome call for Bill of Rights Roundtable

Sinn Féin Equality and Human Rights spokesperson Caitriona Ruane MLA has welcomed the statement from the Human Rights Commission today calling on all political parties to support the establishment of a Bill of Rights Roundtable Forum. Read more

SF to raise Robb/McIwaine case with Police Ombudsman

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing and Justice issues Gerry Kelly today said that the families of Andrew Robb and David McIlwaine deserve to know the truth about the circumstances surrounding their murder and that he would be raising the case in a meeting with the Police Ombudsman next week. Read more

Regional cancer centre

Sinn Féin health spokesperson, John O'Dowd MLA has welcomed the fact that the new regional cancer centre in Belfast is to begin treating patients from today. Read more

Cancer All-Ireland cycle fundraiser begins

Mayor of Newry and Mourne Councillor Pat Mc Ginn leads a team of cyclists which over the next four days will travel the length of Ireland to raise funds for Action Cancers "Big Bus" appeal. Read more

Doolan supports justice for Home Helps Campaign

Sinn Féin's Dublin South East Representative, Councillor Daithí Doolan, has today called on the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, "to wake up to the crisis facing Home Help workers." Read more

Policing Board failed to hold PSNI to account

Sinn Féin policing spokesperson, North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has dismissed the announcement of new make of the Policing Board today by British Secretary of State Peter Hain as the establishment of 'another quango' when what is needed is 'democratic accountability'. Read more

ESB migrant workers pay revelation "outrageous" says Morgan

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Employment and Workers Rights, Arthur Morgan TD described as "outrageous" news that migrant workers refurbishing the ESB's Moneypoint power station are being paid well below the minimum wage. Read more

Dublin South Sinn Féin representative slams Minister Brennan's breathtaking hypocrisy on selfishness and arrogance

Dublin South Sinn Féin representative Shaun Tracey has expressed his disbelief at what he called the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Seamus Brennan's "breathtaking hypocrisy" in criticising Irish people for "increasingly displaying selfishness, impatience and arrogance." The Government Minister had made his comments at the Accord Conference in Cavan… Read more

de Brún welcomes new cancer care centre for Belfast

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today welcomed the opening of a new cancer care centre at the City Hospital in Belfast. Read more

Homeless in need of 'winter emergency plans'

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today called upon the EU to commit itself to 'taking decisive action to combat street homelessness Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls on Taoiseach to withdraw McDowell's "surveillance" Bill

Sinn Féin Human Rights spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to withdraw the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005, which is currently before the Seanad. Speaking today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the Bill will increase the prevalence of email and phone tapping in this… Read more

Governments pandering to DUP - a failed approach

Sinn Féin MP for Newry & Armagh Conor Murphy today began a two day trip to London where he will amongst other engagements brief a cross party group of MPs on efforts to see political progress secured in the coming period. Read more

Social housing in Sandyford welcomed but more needed - Sinn Féin

South Dublin Sinn Féin representative Shaun Tracey has welcomed the proposed development of 61 social houses and 2 social apartments on the Blackglen Road in Sandyford but said it will be "a mere drop in the ocean" in terms of relieving Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown's social housing shortfall. Read more

de Brún backs establishment of European Institute for Gender Equality

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today voted for the establishment of a European Institute for Gender Equality to address the "fundamental societal inequalities between women and men." Read more

de Brún welcomes EU Commission's shelving of Port Services Directive as victory for workers

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has this morning welcomed the European Commission's decision to abandon, once and for all, the EU Port Services Directive. Read more

Sinn Féin call for action plan on free movement of cattle

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has demanded an action plan for restoring our quality beef to the supermarket shelves throughout Europe, and a detailed timetable of when animals could move freely throughout the island of Ireland. Read more

Sinn Féin demands "Equality of Treatment" for Strabane District

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Ivan Barr, through a motion to be debated at the full monthly meeting of Strabane Council tonight (Tuesday 14th March), is to challenge what he describes as not only the indifferent attitude of the Direct Rule Administration to the economic plight of Strabane District and its… Read more

Adams - New opportunities for progress

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP speaking in advance of a major speech at St. John's University in New York this evening said: Read more

Health Service cannot 'bypass' nationalists

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew MP has said that civil servant plans to bypass regional hospital services will lead to the downgrading of local hospitals and discriminate against rural communities. Read more

EU Preferential Trade Agreement with Israel must now be in question in light of destruction of Jericho Jail - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today called upon the European Union to suspend its controversial preferential trade agreement with Israel after the destruction of Jericho Jail, the killing of a guard and the public humiliation and ill-treatment of prisoners. Read more

Washington events provide opportunity for SDLP to return to Good Friday Agreement fold

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy today said that the St. Patrick's Day events in the US provided an opportunity for the SDLP leader Mark Durkan to remove once and for all the ridiculous proposal to allow the British government to appoint commissioners to run the ten… Read more

Ongoing use of Shannon Airport by US military a shameful travesty - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin spokesperson on International Affairs, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD is today joining a number of members of the Houses of the Oireachtas in a protest in Shannon Airport. The group of Oireachtas members are part of a wider group of anti-war activists who are protesting at the continued use… Read more

UUP proposals on tackling poverty in loyalist areas criticised

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Kathy Stanton today said that UUP proposals to tackle poverty in loyalist working class areas were flawed, sectarian and clearly put together by a party out of touch with the realities on the ground. Read more

Driving test ruling - Evidence of Government's shambolic approach to issue

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment and Local Government, Arthur Morgan TD, has described news that Minister Martin Cullen's plans to outsource driving tests have been rejected by the Civil Service arbitration board as "yet more evidence of the shambolic nature of this Minister and Government's approach to problem solving." Read more

Disabled people not getting services they need - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has said disabled people are not getting the services they need and the Government is not living up to the promises it made when it introduced the Disability Act. The Sinn Féin Dáil leader was commenting on the Comptroller… Read more

Hain remarks - an admission of political realities

Responding to remarks today by the British Secretary of State Peter Hain stating clearly to the DUP that progress can only be made with the inclusion of Sinn Féin, party Vice President Pat Doherty MP said: Read more

Gerry Adams to raise Immigration Reform with US political leaders

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams in New York this morning met Grant Lally, President of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and Ciaran Staunton one of the ILIR's founders. Read more

de Brún calls for EU Commission to back campaign against forced prostitution ahead of World Cup Finals

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today called upon the European Commission to lend its support to a recently launched campaign against forced prostitution. Read more

Ferris slams closure of Mallow sugar plant

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD has slammed the announcement that the Mallow sugar factory is to close in May. The closure will mean an effective end to the sugar industry in Ireland and the loss of over 100 jobs. Read more

Ferris slams closure of Mallow Sugar Plant

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD has slammed the announcement that the Mallow sugar factory is to close in May. Read more

Planning development plans do not add up

Commenting on the announcement of the new planning legislation being enacted, Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson, North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan has said that reform must not equate to removing all local input into planning issues. Read more

Doherty moves to halt Mountfield Asphalt plant decision

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has called on planners to halt the application from RJ Maxwell and Sons to build an Asphalt Plant in West Tyrone after receiving clarification from EU Commissioner Stavros Dimas that the practice of 'project splitting' to evade Environmental Impact Assessments was illegal and… Read more

Unionists urged to protect education services

Sinn Féin Southern Education Library Board member Cllr Mickey Coogan has urged unionists to vote against plans to cut frontline education services when it comes back to the Board next week after the decision was put off for a week. Read more

de Brún welcomes plan for EU co-ordination in health promotion and disease prevention

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today welcomed a report which recommends co-ordinated action at EU level in the areas of health promotion and disease prevention. Read more

Children chased & threatened with knife in Rasharkin

Rasharkin Sinn Féin Councillor, Daithí McKay, has expressed his concern after an incident in which a group of children in the village were chased by a man and threatened with a knife. Read more

Long-term unemployment must be prioritised

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Poverty, North Belfast MLA Kathy Stanton has said that there must be a strategic response to the problem of long-term unemployment as well as a priority in tackling economic inactivity. Read more

BBC misrepresent and distort remarks of US Senator

Sinn Féin today said that the BBC was either guilty of deliberate misinformation or the worst kind of unprofessional sloppy journalism after they ran a story wrongly claiming that Senator Ted Kennedy supported the position of the US Administration regarding Gerry Adams fundraising in the USA. Read more

Martin McGuinness meet Sri Lankan Delegation

Martin McGuinness yesterday met a delegation from Sri Lanka, including Presidential Adviser, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, to discuss the peace process in Sri Lanka and the renewed negotiations between the government and the Tamil Tigers. Read more

SDLP MP support for Direct Rule - shows party in disarray

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP today called on the SDLP leader Mark Durkan to come clean on his party's actual position on the restoration of the political institutions. Read more

Government must demand end to illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin International Affairs and Human Rights spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD called on the Dublin Government to publicly demand that the EU and US pressurise Israel into ending its illegal occupation of Palestine. Read more

US Politicians Back Adams

Following discussions yesterday with Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams a number of senior US representatives agreed to lobby the British government to reconvene the Assembly in the short term. Read more

Adams protests to US Administration over Airport Security delay

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and party colleagues Rita O'Hare and Richard McAuley were unable to attend scheduled events in Buffalo last night and today after they were detained by security screening problems at Dulles Airport last night. Read more

Government plans will be judged on whether they will deliver political institutions

Sinn Fein Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness today said that his party looked forward to seeing the two governments plans for a speedy restoration of the political institutions. Read more

Gerry Adams demands Governments move on Assembly

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams this evening completed his series of engagements in the USA. Read more

Proposals from Governments must be Good Friday Agreement compliant

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy today said that any proposals from the two governments would have to be Good Friday Agreement compliant if they were going to have a chance of success. Read more

de Brún welcomes beginning of 'Rural Life Week'

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today welcomed the beginning of Rural Life Week as a 'celebration of the enormous contribution made towards creating a sustainable rural and agricultural sector across Ireland'. Read more

Sinn Féin announce details of 'Failte' initiative to mark Intercultural week

Sinn Féin spokesperson on racism has announced details of a number of local government initiatives being taken by Sinn Féin Mayor and Chairs across Ireland to mark Intercultural week (19th - 25th March) and International Day Against Racism on March 21st. Read more

Sinn Féin meet British Government on Electoral Registration

Sinn Féin National Director of Elections Pat Doherty MP and Six County Director of Elections Cllr. Sean Begley today met with the British Minister David Hansen to discuss the British Governments proposals to amend the current electoral registrations guidelines. Read more

Huge concern over future of Rural Development Council

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has voiced concern over speculation that an announcement on the future of quangos and the Review of Public Administration tomorrow from Peter Hain will spell the end of the Rural Development Council (RDC). Read more

Maskey - End era of quangos

Sinn Fein Spokesperson on the Review of Public Administration, South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has said that reduction in the number of quangos is a requirement for bringing about a democratic society. However he added that councils should not be given the power to allocate housing. Read more

New Sinn Féin Councillor to be co-opted for South West Inner City

Dublin Sinn Féin has announced that the party will nominate Críona Ní Dhálaigh to replace Andrew O'Connell, the party's outgoing Councillor for the South West Inner City, at the April meeting of Dublin City Council. Read more

Sinn Féin mark International Day Against Racism in the Dáil by tackling Government's record

Marking International Day Against Racism three of Sinn Féin's TD will raise the issue of racism in the Dáil today. Speaking after Order of Business Deputies Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin and Seán Crowe will seek to have the business of the Dáil adjourned so the issues could be… Read more

A Safer Dublin: Dublin Sinn Féin discussion document on Dublin Fire Brigade

This year is the 25th anniversary of the Stardust disaster, where 48 young people lost their lives, and it is perhaps fitting in a document designed to contribute to the debate about the reform and improvement of the fire services, that we begin by reiterating Sinn Féin's continued support for… Read more

DUP already have relationship with unionist paramilitaries

Commenting after the meeting today between the DUP and the IMC and the comments from Peter Robinson that he may be prepared to talk directly to unionist paramilitaries, Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Antrim Philip McGuigan said that the DUP were living in a fantasy land if they were… Read more

Welcome for expected US Congress Resolution on Pat Finucane killing

Commenting in advance of an expected resolution from the US Congress demanding an independent inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane, Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast and the party spokesperson on Justice issues Gerry Kelly said that the British government stalling and evasion would have to end. Read more

Dublin Sinn Féin launches document on Dublin Fire Brigade

Dublin Sinn Féin this morning launched a discussion document calling for investment and reform in Dublin Fire Brigade. Read more

200 Criminal Justice Bill amendments "outrageous abuse of parliamentary procedures" - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has reacted angrily to Minister McDowell's latest attempt to introduce substantial legislation through the back door. Read more

Sinn Féin mark International Day Against Racism in the Dáil by tackling Government's record

Marking International Day Against Racism three of Sinn Féin's TD will raise the issue of racism in the Dáil today. Speaking after Order of Business Deputies Aengus Ó Snodaigh, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin and Seán Crowe will seek to have the business of the Dáil adjourned so the issues could be discussed. Read more

Amended Part V of Planning Act has institutionalised bribery says Ó Caoláin

Speaking during tonight's Private Members Motion in the Dáil, which is dealing with planning and community development the Sinn Féin group leader, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD, said that Part V of the Planning Act had now institutionalised bribery by allowing speculators and developers buy their way out of providing social… Read more

Sinn Féin MEP expresses deep concern at possible jailing of Basque leader

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has voiced her concern at this Friday's hearing in the Spanish National Court which may result in the jailing of Batasuna leader Arnaldo Otegi. Read more

Time to get institutions back up and running

Sinn Féin Assembly group leader, John O'Dowd MLA has welcomed the publication of University of Edinburgh research highlighting the fact that ordinary people strongly support the restoration of the assembly and called on all political parties to work together to get the political institutions back up and running. Read more

Gerry Adams welcomes ETA Ceasefire

Speaking after the announcement of a permanent ceasefire by ETA Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: Read more

ETA statement in full

Here is the full translated text of the statement from ETA. Message from Euskadi Ta Askatasuna to the Basque People. Read more

Hain accused of Education 'bully-boy' tactics

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, Michael Ferguson MLA has called on democratically elected representatives on the Education Library Boards to stand up and defend education services against British government cuts and not allow themselves to bullied by the threats of Peter Hain. Read more

Political unionism in denial over role in conflict

Commenting on the hysterical unionist reaction to Tony Blair's overnight comments branding those responsible for the sectarian murder of catholic as bigots, Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Antrim Philip McGuigan said that political unionism was still in denial about its role in the conflict. Read more

Ferris supports call for fair deal for salmon fishermen

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Fisheries, Martin Ferris TD has voiced his support for salmon fishermen who claim that proposals on the industry threaten the survival of traditional fishermen, to the benefit of other commercial interests. Deputy Ferris was speaking at a protest outside Leinster House this afternoon. Read more

Lets celebrate success of LEADER network

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew, speaking in advance of the LEADER awards ceremony in the Glenavon Hotel Cookstown on Thursday evening has congratulated all of the award recipients and to Northern Ireland LEADER network and added that local people, not DARD, have… Read more

Mitchel Mc Laughlin welcomes O2 move on roaming charges

Sinn Féin General Secretary, Mitchel Mc Laughlin has welcomed the announcement by O2 (UK Ltd) of a 'Bolt-on' facility for pre-pay customers in the 6-Counties. Read more

No more excuses says Crowe - EU clears way for Minister to provide free travel pass for EU citizens in receipt of Irish pensions

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social and Family Affairs, Seán Crowe TD has urged Minister Seamus Brennan to stop searching for excuses for not introducing a free travel pass to pensioners who receive a pension from Ireland but reside outside Ireland. Read more

Joining EU Battle groups will lead to reduction in our commitment to real UN peacekeeping missions - Ó Snodaigh

Speaking during discussions on Irish participation in EU Battle groups with Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea in the Oireachtas Committee on EU Affairs today Sinn Féin spokesperson on International Affairs, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD criticised the inevitable reduction in the numbers of Irish soldiers being made available for traditional UN-led… Read more

Sinn Féin response to Gordon Brown Budget

Sinn Féin economy spokesperson Mitchel McLaughlin MLA has said that there is little in the Gordon Brown Budget for the North and said that is was time that political parties took responsibility for the future prosperity and well being of this part of Ireland by removing excuses for Executive government. Read more

Sinn Féin meet Equality Commission over Poverty Strategy concerns

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Poverty, North Belfast MLA Kathy Stanton has meet with the Equality Commission to raise serious concerns about the Anti-Poverty Strategy due to be published by the Department of Social Development and Office of the First and Deputy First Minster in the late spring. Read more

Sinn Féin will confront British Education Minister and support other political parties

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson will lobby the SEELB Meeting this morning at 10am to show support for those who are prepared to refuse to implement cuts to education services and to lobby those who remain undecided. Read more

DUP challenged to respond to drug threat

Sinn Féin North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan has issued a challenge to the DUP to respond to the biggest threat facing modern society, the threat of drugs. Read more

Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill - Sinn Féin welcomes Ministers agreement to remove prisons from legislation

Speaking after the report stage of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said he was delighted that Minister McDowell agreed to accept Sinn Fein's amendment removing the possibility of a prison or part of a prison being made… Read more

Rural Planning - Rural Communities must make themselves heard

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew, has urged rural communities to make their voice heard during the consultation on the new draft planning policy (PPS 14) published last week. Read more

Gerry Adams warns Irish and British Governments over next steps

Speaking today at the launch of a commemorative candle to remember the Hunger Strikes of 1981, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams told the two government that Sinn Féin and other republicans have delivered big time in terms of this process and that it was now over to the governments to… Read more

Sinn Féin Assembly team engage with Equality Commission

Sinn Féin Assembly members are today meeting with the Equality Commission at Stormont to discuss the response to Equality issues across three key areas - Health, the Review of Public Administration and Education. Read more

Housing Minster's "head in the sand"

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Cllr Fra McCann MLA has accused British direct rule housing minister, David Hanson, of burying his head in the sand, when it comes to housing issues. Read more

Republicans urged to light candle to remember the Hunger Strikers

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams was today joined by former Long Kesh O/Cs Brendan McFarlane and Seando Moore for the launch of a commemorative candle to remember the 25th Anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike. Read more

Doolan-City Council incompetence on fire safety continues

Sinn Féin's Dublin South East Representative, Councillor Daithí Doolan, today accused, "City Council officials of dragging their heels on an independent fire report on the safety of hundreds of residents of council flats. " Read more

Education Boards must stay united

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson speaking after the BELB meeting with Direct Rule Minister Angela Smith said that the Education Boards must stay united. Read more

Kelly Raises Controversial Cases With Police Ombudsman

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing and Justice issues Gerry Kelly said that he had raised the Mc Ilwaine/Robb, McCord and McConville cases in discussions with the Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan. Mr Kelly also raised with the Ombudsman the British government plans to give MI5 primacy and the implications of the… Read more

Sinn Féin TD makes Dáil plea for urgent reform and investment in fire service

Speaking during Matters on the Adjournment in the Dáil this evening Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe called for "urgent reform and investment" in the fire service because, he said, "without substantial change a disaster is waiting to happen." Read more

Morgan questions Minister on media speculation regarding changes to Labour Inspectorate

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Employment and Workers Rights, Arthur Morgan TD, today questioned the Minister for Sate with responsibility for Labour Affairs, Tony Killeen TD, regarding reports in the media over the last week suggesting that the Government was on the verge of making proposals in relation to the labour… Read more

Sinn Féin will prioritise Health in General Election and beyond - Ó Caoláin

At a party selection convention in Cootehill, CountyCavan this (Thursday) evening, delegates selected Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD as the Sinn Féin candidate for the Cavan-Monaghan constituency in the forthcoming General Election. Read more

Gerry Adams to deliver Dublin speech

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP will address the party's National Elected Representatives Forum tomorrow (Saturday 25th March) in the Writers Museum, Parnell Square, Dublin 1. Read more

Actions of Mourne arsonists despicable - Cllr Willie Clarke MLA

South Down Assembly Member Cllr Willie Clarke has described as 'despicable' the people who deliberately started the gorse fire in the Mournes on Thursday afternoon. Read more

Concern of negative assessment of North Belfast Housing Strategy

Sinn Féin North Belfast City Councillor, Carál Ní Chuilín has said that the assessment of Housing Executive's seven-year North Belfast Housing Strategy by the St Patrick's and St Joseph's Housing Committee raises very serious concerns, particularly as it appears that the housing crisis being faced by nationalists has worsened. Read more

Sinn Féin to push for free prescriptions

Sinn Féin are set to launch a major campaign next Monday, 27th March at in the Long Gallery in Stormont starting at 12 noon in the drive for the introduction of free prescriptions charges. Read more

City Council to become central in delivering childcare services - Doolan

Sinn Féin Dublin South East Representative, Councillor Daithí Doolan, has today welcomed, "Dublin City Council's commitment to become centrally involved in the delivery of childcare services across Dublin Read more

Sinn Fein accuses Justice Department over compassionate parole refusal

Sinn Féin TD for Kerry North Martin Ferris tonight accused the Department of Justice of 'petty, vindictive behaviour' after they refused Republican prisoner Pearse McCauley compassionate parole to attend the funeral of his mother in law. Read more

Gerry Adams Dublin Speech

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP today gave a keynote speech to Sinn Féin's National Elected Representatives Forum in Dublin, in the Writers Museum, Parnell Square at 10.45am. Read more

Sinn Féin call for abolition of prescription charges

Sinn Féin will today launch a Six County-wide campaign aimed at abolishing health service prescription charges. The party will be holding a formal campaign launch in the Long Gallery in Stormont starting at 12 noon. Read more

McGuinness to respond to weekend comments from Irish and British Government sources on peace process

Sinn Féin's chief negoitator, Martin McGuinness MP will be available to talk to the media in Dublin today (Monday 27th March) at 2pm outside the gates of Leinster House on Kildare Street. Read more

Rigorous review of all state and semi-state contracts called for to ensure proper pay and conditions for all employees

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Employment affairs, Arthur Morgan TD, has called for a "rigorous review" of all existing contracts between state companies, semi-state companies and local authorities and outside contractors conducting work on their behalf to ensure full compliance with all employment regulations with specific attention being paid to remuneration. Read more

Rooker 'sounds death knell for fishing industry'

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has said that today's announcement from Jeff Rooker that there will be no compensation payments to fishermen during the 2006 tie-up period is an absolute disaster for the fishing industry. Read more

Dublin Bus review - Government guilty of holding up development

In response to a major review of bus services in Dublin, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport Seán Crowe today criticised Minister for Transport Martin Cullen's record, accusing him of "holding things up" and "depriving the people of Dublin of a first class public transport system." Read more

Sinn Fein seek £10 billion Peace Dividend

A high level Sinn Fein delegation including Bairbre de Brún MEP, party General Secretary Mitchel McLaughlin MLA and Caoimhghin O Caolain TD will meet British Secretary of State Peter Hain tomorrow, Tuesday 28th March, at 10am at Stormont Castle to press for a £10 billion 10-year Peace Dividend. Speaking ahead… Read more

Sinn Féin Select Sandra McLellan as candidate for Cork East

Sinn Féin last night selected Youghal Councillor Sandra McLellan as their candidate in Cork East for the next election. A working mother and a former shop steward, Sandra featured prominently in the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis earlier this year. Read more

Council Mayors refuse to support cuts to Education budgets on the NELB

Sinn Fein education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson in discussions with Northern Education & Library Board representatives Cllr Oliver Mc Mullan Mayor Of Moyle District Council and Cllr Sean Kerr Mayor of Magherafelt District Council have reinforced the need to oppose the £4 million pounds with the cuts tabled at today's (Tuesday… Read more

Policing Board Once Again Ignore Human Rights Standards

Sinn Féin's Equality and Human Rights spokesperson Caitríona Ruane MLA has slammed the Policing Board's contempt for equality and human rights by proposing to introduce the use of Taser electric shock weapons in the North. Read more

Sinn Fein seek £10 Billion major Peace Dividend

A high level Sinn Fein delegation consisting of Bairbre de Brún MEP, General Secretary, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA, Caoimhghin O Caolain TD, and Dara O'Hagan met with British Secretary of State Peter Hain and his officials this morning, Tuesday 28th March, at Stormont Castle to press for a £10 billion, 10-year… Read more

Sinn Féin support for Trade Union action

Commenting on today's strike action by the Trade Unions here in the North, Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has said that 'all public service employees across the board must have access to equal pension benefits'. Read more

Sinn Féin protest against Mary Harney's handling of health crisis

Sinn Féin in Dublin Mid-West protested against Mary Harney's handling of the health issue, focusing in particular on the A&E crisis in the hospitals and cut backs on smear tests for cervical cancer. Read more

Sadness at death of Children's Commissioner

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children and Young People has extended sympathy to the family of Nigel Williams, the first Commissioner for Children and Young People after he passed away today. Read more

Demilitarisation - Key Sinn Féin Demand

Commenting on the latest announcement from the British government regarding demilitarisation, Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy today said: Read more

Cullens Aer Lingus sale comments "completely undermines" promised engagement with Unions

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Transport, Seán Crowe TD, slated the Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, over his remarks this morning that he would "facilitate an investment transaction" in Aer Lingus in the next few weeks saying that it "completely undermines" the upcoming Oireachtas Committees deliberations on the issue of the… Read more

Minister must fund Grand Canal redevelopment - Doolan

Sinn Féin Dublin South East Representative, Councillor Daithí Doolan, has today announced he will be, "raising with Minister Eamonn O'Cuiv the demand to fund the redevelopment of the Grand Canal." Read more

SF will hold Minister to promises on EU Common Defence Research and Technology fund

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Defence, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, has said he would hold the Minister for Defence to his promise to come back to the Dáil before agreeing to support a Common Defence Research and Technology fund in the European Union. Read more

'Kells Accord' exposes Fine Gael as "no real opposition party" - Cllr. Brian McKenna

A Sinn Féin member on the HSE North East Regional Health Forum has said that a deal between the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael members on that body has exposed both parties as being no different when it comes to the key policy issue of health. Read more

Crowe calls for "overwhelmingly regressive Bill" to be withdrawn

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has called for the Criminal Justice Bill to be withdrawn saying the time allowed to comment on the new sections was "grossly inadequate". Read more

Sinn Féin call for comprehensive strategy to tackle child obesity

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson John O'Dowd MLA has said the consultation by OFCOM on the advertising of junk foods to children should be part of a comprehensive strategy to tackle obesity in children. Read more

Department losing direction in literacy and numeracy battle

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, Michael Ferguson MLA has said that the latest report from the Auditor General into literacy and numeracy levels at our schools makes for worrying reading and shows that the department is losing its' direction in the battle to beat literacy and numeracy problems and voiced particular… Read more

Government is in complete disarray over A&E crisis - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has said the Fianna Fáil/PD government is "in complete disarray over the A&E crisis which the Tánaiste Mary Harney has now discovered is a national emergency". Read more

McGuinness - Time to deliver Good Friday Agreement has come

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP and Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly were in London today for a series of engagements. Read more

Omagh District Council to seek legal advice on rural planning proposals

At a special meeting of Omagh District Council on Monday night the Council decided to seek legal advice on the rural planning policy proposals and to enlist the support of other Councils west of the Bann in a combined strategy to oppose the Direct Rule administrations rural planning proposals. Read more

Golden Six Hospital Agenda must be fought

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has urged elected representatives and communities west of the Bann and in the southern part of the six counties to unite to fight what he describes as the return to the 'Golden Six' Hospital Agenda being pursued by senior civil servants in the… Read more

Adams Criticises Government and Invest NI on TriVirix plant

Sinn Féin West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has spoken to Angela Smith, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment on the future of the TriVirix Company on the Springvale site in West Belfast. Read more

Sinn Féin call for Auditor to investigate Lisburn Council

Sinn Féin Lisburn Council group leader Cllr Paul Butler has written to the Local Government Auditor asking him to investigate Lisburn Council's spending of over £20,000 of ratepayer's money to pay for legal advice in relation to civil partnerships, proportionality and membership of Council Committees, the Irish language and the… Read more

Superficial gimmicks from hyperactive Minister won't address crime

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD accused the Minister for Justice of "hyperactively" producing legislative reforms that are unnecessary saying they amounted to little more than "superficial gimmicks". Read more

Sinn Féin back demand for action on mobile phone roaming charges

Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson, Mitchel Mc Laughlin MLA welcomes British Secretary of State, Peter Hain's demand for further action from the mobile phone companies operating on the island of Ireland to end inadvertent roaming charges. Read more

Outrage at delays for therapy

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children and Young People, Sue Ramsey MLA has said that it is totally unacceptable that thousands of children and young people are still waiting for speech and language therapy 12 months after the Commissioner for Children and Young People warned that more needed to be done. Read more

Delivery of a Suicide Prevention Strategy is Key - Adams

Sinn Féin West Belfast MP Gerry Adams commenting on an expected announcement tomorrow by the Health Minister Sean Woodward on the issue of suicide said: "Any announcement on the issue of suicide by the Health Minister will be judged on how effectively it delivers on a effective regional suicide strategy,… Read more

PEACE III funding should promote national reconciliation and tackle disadvantage

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will travel to the Family Caring Centre based in Rathenraw, Antrim, tomorrow, Thursday 30th March. She will be accompanied by local Antrim Sinn Féin councillor, Anne Marie Logue. Read more

Adams welcomes Announcements on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Provision

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has described today's announcement by the Health Minister Shaun Woodward on suicide prevention and mental health as 'a useful first step which will require careful monitoring to ensure that it delivers and meets the needs of those at risk'. Mr. Adams said: "Delivery is… Read more

Adams - Future of political institutions now hangs in the balance

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP, speaking in advance of a crucial meeting with the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Government Buildings this afternoon (Thursday 30th), said "the future of the political institutions now hangs in the balance". He expressed his "deep concern at the approach of the Irish government to… Read more

Sell-off of Sellafield must be opposed by every means possible

Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson, Arthur Morgan TD, had demanded the Government oppose by every means possible moves by the British Government to sell-off the notorious Sellafield nuclear plant. Read more

Ferris calls for consultation with Salmon fishermen

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries, Martin Ferris TD has called on the Department of Marine to conduct a proper consultation with salmon drift net fishermen before a final announcement is made regarding the future organisation of the industry. Read more

Special meeting to discuss response to draft planning policy

Sinn Féin MP's, MLA's, councillors and political activists from across the Six Counties will meet at Stormont tonight, Thursday 30th, at 7pm in Stormont to discuss the party's response to the new draft planning policy (PPS 14). Read more

Poverty will not be tackled as a sop to unionism

Sinn Fein North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has voiced concern at the reported 30 million pound fund for loyalist areas to tackle disadvantage and said that poverty will not be tackled by political expediency or as a sop to unionism and that this approach will have serious implications for the… Read more

Sinn Féin Determined To Defend Agreement

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP today warned the two governments that his party was determined to defend the integrity of the Good Friday Agreement. Read more

PEACE funding making huge impact on the ground

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún speaking after a visit to the Family Caring Centre and other projects in Rathenraw, Antrim where she met with community activists based in estates throughout Antrim to discuss issues around the design and delivery of PEACE III, has said that EU Peace funding was… Read more

De Brún travels to Basque Country today

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will today travel to the Basque Country as part of a European Parliamentary Basque Friendship Group. The purpose of the visit will be to meet political parties, civil society organisations and to participate in a demonstration is support for the Basque Peace process. Read more

Reilly criticises manner in which Risk Review Report was handed by HSE

Sinn Fein Councillor Joe Reilly, a member of the North East/Dublin Regional Health Forum has strongly criticised the manner in which the Risk Review Report was handled by the HSE. Read more

March 2006 Archives (Latest News)

March 1, 2006

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March 7, 2006

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March 14, 2006

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March 21, 2006