June 2006 Archives (Latest News)

Taoiseach must demand collusion summit with Tony Blair following murder attempt on senior UVF Special Branch agent

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, whose office was the target of a UVF bomb attack in March 1997, which is believed to have been the work of Special Branch agent Mark Haddock among others, today demanded that the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern call a special summit meeting with… Read more

Rural Planning - changes will have impact wider than rural communities

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has warned that the draft rural planning guidelines (PPS 14) will have an impact far wider than just on rural communities. Read more

Questions Raised For Orange Order After Scottish UDA Conviction

Sinn Féin Assembly member for Upper Bann John O'Dowd today said that the Orange Order had serious questions to answer after the conviction of yet another one of their members with UDA activity, this time in Scotland. Read more

All-Ireland strategy required to tackle illegal dumping

Sinn Féin enviorment spokesperson Philip McGuigan MLA has today called for an all Ireland waste management strategy to curb the practice of illegal dumping in the Six Counties. Read more

Unionists will not stop progress on education reform

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson MLA has said that DUP sabre rattling over the retention of academic selection should be ignored. Read more

DUP Position On Violence Exposed By Demand To Free Poyntzpass Killers

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Antrim Philip McGuigan has said that the demand by senior DUP official Gary Blair for the release of the Poyntzpass killers (Irish News 31/05/06) should surprise nobody given his own personal history, but does expose again the DUPs hypocrisy on the issue of loyalist… Read more

Government adding insult to injury by not contacting victims' families

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Children's Rights Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has accused the Government of adding insult to injury as it emerged that the state has yet to contact the family of the victim of the sex offender known as Mr. A, who was released from prison… Read more

Government must stand by commitment to redevelop Temple Street Hospital

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has called on the government to stand by its commitment to redevelop Temple Street Hospital as part of the €500-million Mater Hospital redevelopment plan. Read more

MacLochlainn - time for government to support cancer care services for the North West

Sinn Féin Donegal Councillor Padraig MacLochlainn has expressed his regret at the decision of Consultants in Letterkenny Hospital to stop treating breast cancer patients in protest at the Health Service Executive's refusal to appoint a permanent breast surgeon. Councillor MacLochlainn said 'it is time that the government treated the demand for… Read more

Sinn Féin MEP welcomes EU child protection measures

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today welcomed a European Parliament report designed to protect children from convicted child sex offenders across the EU. Read more

Sinn Féin express concern but facilitate passage of legislation to cover gap in law

Sinn Féin Justice, Equality and Human Rights spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has raised concerns with some sections of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2006 but has said "Sinn Féin is facilitating the passage of this legislation to cover the gap in the law." Read more

Sinn Féin challenges British Government on its commitments regarding EU Structural Funds

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today challenged the British Government to move beyond the narrow, staid approach to the use of EU Funds that makes passing reference to equality, all-Ireland work and the need to involve civil society while making no real attempt to do anything about any… Read more

Adams -priority must be to protect children

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP speaking in Belfast this morning as emergency legislation was being rushed through the Dáil said 'There is widespread anger at the government's handling of this crisis.' He said 'It is vital that the government move to re-assure the families of the victims of the… Read more

Governments urged to speed up all Ireland economic co-operation

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA commenting on the joint statement from British direct rule ETI Minister Maria Eagle and Irish Minister for Enterprise Michéal Martin has welcomed ongoing work to enhance and deepen economic co-operation across Ireland and urged the British and Irish governments to speed up the… Read more

Shell's illegal road further evidence of contempt for local community - Ferris

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Natural Resources and Rural Affairs Martin Ferris TD has said the news today that a road built by Shell to facilitate their unwanted pipeline through Rossport is "further evidence, as if more was needed, of the contempt the company has shown for the local community." Read more

Sinn Féin meet with Loughs Agency

A Sinn Fein delegation led by All-Ireland spokesperson, Barry McElduff, today met with senior officials from the Loughs Agency, part of the Foyle Carlingford Irish Lights Commission, one of the All-Ireland Implementation bodies set up under the Good Friday Agreement. Read more

Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle to meet in Dublin on Saturday

The Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle will meet in Dublin tomorrow, Saturday 3rd June. Read more

Harney must publish plans for both Crumlin and Tallaght's children's Hospitals

Sinn Féin Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Táinaiste and Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney to publish her plans for both Crumlin and Tallaght's Children's Hospitals after the go ahead was given to locate the new 'national' children's hospital at the Matter… Read more

Ó Caoláin spends day meeting Healthcare groups as part of SF National Healthcare Campaign

As part of Sinn Féin's National Healthcare Campaign Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has been engaged in numerous meetings throughout this morning with a variety of Healthcare Groups in County Clare and is this afternoon in North Tipperary where he is meeting, among others, activists from the Nenagh Hospital… Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes decision to re-arrest and imprison Mr. A

Sinn Féin Justice, Equality and Human Rights spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has welcomed the news that the Supreme Court has ruled that the sex offender known as Mr. A should be re-arrested and imprisoned. Read more

Sinn Féin announce representatives to the Preparation for Government Committee

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP, speaking as the party's Ard Chomhairle met in Dublin today, confirmed that the Sinn Féin representatives to the Preparation for Government Committee, which is meeting in Stormont on Monday, will be Martin McGuinness MP, Michelle Gildernew MP and Conor Murphy MP. Read more

Crowe demands proper funding for National Education Welfare Board

Speaking today, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Seán Crowe called on the government to adequately fund the National Education Welfare Board. Read more

DUP not serious about restoring political institutions

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP has accused the DUP of continuing to block progress following the first meeting of the 'preparation for government' committee today. Read more

Soaring house prices hinder first time buyers

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, Fra McCann MLA commenting on the latest University of Ulster quarterly index produced in conjunction with the Housing Executive and the Bank of Ireland showed that house prices were increasing by £600 a week said that this means first time buyers will find it harder to… Read more

Hain accused of spinning education spending

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson MLA has said that every penny allocated to schools at the present time is welcome but that announcing and re-announcing the same package of funding gives the impression that Peter Hain is more focused on spin than delivering long-term sustainable funding. Read more

Sinn Féin Councillor calls on Ballymena Council to back her motion to take action against sectarianism

Sinn Féin Ballymena Councillor Monica Digney has today called upon all political parties to support a Sinn Féin motion committing the council to 'taking action against sectarianism and set an example to all of its citizens'. Read more

'Making Rights Real in a New Ireland'

Sinn Féin is organising a Belfast-wide community consultation event titled 'Making Rights Real in a New Ireland' on Wednesday June 14th, at 10.30am, in Clifton House, North Queen Street, Belfast. Read more

Sinn Féin urge Minister to rethink draft rural planning guidelines

A Sinn Féin delegation led by West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff and North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan and Magherafelt councillor Sean McPeake have met with the British direct rule Minister responsible for rural planning, David Cairns today, Monday 5th June, at Stormont to discuss the way forward on rural planning… Read more

Gildernew - Rotating door not good for farmers

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew speaking ahead of her first meeting with the newly appointed direct rule Agriculture Minister David Cairns said: Read more

Gerry Adams departs for three day visit to Basque Country, Spain & Catalonia

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams will tomorow begin a three day trip to Bilbao,Madrid and Barcelona to meet Basque, Spanish and Catalan political leaders. The meetings will discuss the developing peace process in the Basque Country and explore ways in which Sinn Fein's experience of conflict resolution in Ireland can… Read more

Kelly - British Government need to take heed of Oversight criticisms

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing and Justice issues Gerry Kelly today said that the British government needed to take notice of the fears being expressed by the Oversight Commissioner, Al Hutchinson, about the plans to increase the role of MI5 in intelligence gathering in the six counties. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP to express EU funding concerns with Peter Hain at European Parliament today

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will meet with British Direct Rule Minister Peter Hain at the European Parliament in Brussels this afternoon. Read more

Only Executive will solve industrial de-rating issue in the Six Counties

Sinn Féin South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has said that only an Executive with locally accountable ministers will resolve the difficulties around the industrial de-rating issue. Read more

Sinn Féin to host waste management campaigners at European Parliament

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will host an all Ireland delegation of environmental campaigners at the European Parliament in Brussels between the 6th and 7th June (Tuesday/Wednesday). Read more

Community healthcare under pressure and under resourced in Dublin

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has voiced her concern at the provision of community healthcare across Dublin Read more

Sinn Féin MEP raises EU funding concerns with Peter Hain at European Parliament today

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will met British Direct Rule Minister Peter Hain at the European Parliament in Brussels this afternoon. Read more

Timeframes for elimination of housing waiting lists must be set - Morgan

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Arthur Morgan T.D. described today's announcement of funding for local authority housing by Minister of State with responsibility for Housing Noel Ahern as "totally insufficient" and demanded that the Minister set clear timeframes for the elimination of housing waiting lists. Read more

SF call for Dáil sitting to deal solely with sex offences legislation

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said this week's Dáil session should be used solely to deal with the wider issues around sex offences that could not be dealt with by last week's emergency legislation. Read more

Threats to cut health spending in Northeast by €10 million will be fought tooth and nail

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has voiced his deep concern at reports in the media that the HSE North East is to cut spending by nearly €10 million. Deputy Ó Caoláin, who represents Cavan and Monaghan - two counties directly affected by the HSE Northeast, said "Such… Read more

Adams - ETA Cessation provides unprecedented opportunity

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has arrived in Bilbao at the start of a three day visit. Read more

Doolan-EU Commission must adopt Zero Waste

Sinn Féin's Dublin Environment Spokesperson Councillor Daithí Doolan speaking from Brussels today has slammed, "EU attempts to force incineration on communities across Ireland." Read more

End exploitation of young people and deliver the Construction Skills we need

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson MLA has said that young people across the Six Counties have been failed by the Construction industry and the failure of the Department of Employment & Learning to ensure that the Industry meets its own skills needs. Read more

Sinn Féin will press to have child protection at the top of the political agenda

Speaking in advance of today's sitting of the Dáil Sinn Féin Dáil Group Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said 'Sinn Féin will press to have child protection placed at the top of the political agenda.' Read more

DUP election in Strabane is challenge for rejectionists

Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone Pat Doherty today said that the DUP now had to prove that they were capable of sharing power on the basis of equality and respect both at local government level and within any restored political institutions. Read more

Craigavon council AGM suspended in legal row

The Annual General Meeting of Craigavon Borough Council, which was due to take place this morning at 10.00am, has been suspended Read more

British Government must Eend the pretence over their role in the conflict

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Truth Philip McGuigan today said that recent damning revelations about the involvement of British State agents and agencies in the systematic murder of citizens demonstrated clearly why the British government cannot be the arbiter in any truth recovery process and why an international dimension is vital. Read more

Government must account for and cease collusion with CIA's illegal renditions

Sinn Féin International Affairs spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on the Government to immediately account for and cease its collusion with the CIA's network of secret flights and illegal renditions. Read more

Bairbre de Brún welcomes all Ireland waste management delegation to European Parliament

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today hosted a delegation of waste management campaigners to the European Parliament in Brussels. Read more

EU report confirms Irish complicity in CIA rendition flights

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has this afternoon called for a 'full and thorough investigation' into a report which implicates Ireland as a stop-over point for CIA planes, many of which are associated with the illegal transportation of prisoners to third countries. Read more

Crowe calls for increased funding of crisis services

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has called on the Government to increase funding for support services for victims of rape and other abuse. Speaking today Deputy Crowe said these services are "essential" and the few services that are there are "under extreme pressure to meet the demands that are being… Read more

Taoiseach's defence of McDowell's flawed legislation deeply misguided

Sinn Féin Dáil Group leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described the Taoiseach's defence of Michael McDowell's flawed legislation which went through the Dáil last week as deeply misguided. Read more

Sinn Féin demand change in application of draft planning guidelines

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has said that it is totally wrong that planning application processed after March 16th when the Department of Regional Development published its' controversial draft guidelines on rural planning were handled under the draft rules even before the… Read more

Mutual Assistance Bill will consolidate McDowell's subversive aganda

Sinn Féin International Affairs spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005 will "further consolidate the fast advancing anti-democratic and subversive agenda" of Justice Minister Michael McDowell. Speaking in the Dáil today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said Sinn Féin will oppose the Bill at every… Read more

How many safety breaches before Sellafield is closed? Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today demanded to know how many safety breaches will have to occur at the Sellafield plant before the British Government and the British Nuclear Group Sellafield (BNGSL) decommission the facility. Read more

McLaughlin expresses regret at Perfecseal action

Sinn Féin MLA for Foyle and the party spokesperson on Economic Affairs Mitchel McLaughlin has expressed his regret at the action of Perfecseal Management to arbitrarily dismiss the entire workforce who were engaged in industrial action. Read more

Community planning can revolutionise local government

Sinn Féin South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has briefed local community and residents groups on the effects that the Review of Public Administration (RPA) will have upon their communities and the work that they are involved in and called for a greater debate on the important role of community planning. Read more

Doolan welcomes launch of new childcare policy for Dublin City

Sinn Féin's Dublin South East Representative, Councillor Daithí Doolan, has today welcomed, "Dublin City Council 's new and innovative childcare policy." Read more

Sinn Féin comment on Parades Commission verdict

Sinn Féin Assembly member for Upper Bann John O'Dowd today described the decision of the Belfast High Court to back Peter Hain's appointment of a biased Parades Commission as a deeply worrying, if not surprising, judgement from a Diplock judge. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald urges support for EU campaign against forced prostitution ahead of World Cup Finals

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today urged support for an EU Campaign designed to raise awareness and help end the practice of forced prostitution. Read more

Local MP visits scene of forest fire

Sinn Féin MP for Mid-Ulster Martin McGuinness this morning praised the work of fire fighters who have spent much of the morning fighting a forest fire outside Draperstown. Read more

Invest NI need to wake up to Irish language business potential

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre deBrún has called on Invest NI to wake up to the business potential of the Irish Language. Read more

Rural Planning - protest against PPS 14

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has said that the approach outlined in the draft proposals on rural planning published by Jeff Rooker on March 16th will disrupt the fabric of rural living and called on British direct rule ministers to listen carefully… Read more

Morgan calls for All-Ireland Environmental Protection Agency

Sinn Féin Environment spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD today called for the 26-County Environmental Protection Agency to be reconstituted as an all-Ireland body with strong enforcement powers. Read more

SF Call meeting to advance All-Ireland Healthcare

Meath Sinn Féin Councillor Joe Reilly has announced that the Sinn Féin National Elected Representatives Forum (NERF) is to call a meeting of all Sinn Féin elected represetnatives who sit on Regional Health Forums throughout the country. Councillor Reilly, who is Chairperson of the NERF, said the meeting will be… Read more

Gerry Adams in Mayo to meet Health organisations

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP is to spend two days in County Mayo to promote his party's All-Ireland health policy document, Healthcare in an Ireland of Equal Read more

Major commemorative event to mark 1981 Hunger Strikes will take place in Dublin's Liberty Hall this evening

A major event to commemorate the 1981 Hunger Strikes will take place in Liberty Hall in Dublin City Centre this evening (Sunday 11th). Organised by the Dublin 1981 Hunger Strike Commemoration Committee, among those addressing the event will be former Hunger Striker Laurence McKeown, Malachy McCreesh, brother of Raymond McCreesh… Read more

McGuinness - Sinn Féin will not be bullied by DUP

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness addressed the Vol. Peadar McElvanna commemoration in Keady South Armagh over the weekend. Mr McGuinness told those assembled that Ian Paisley would not intimidate or bully Sinn Féin in the way in which he has sought to do with the Irish and British governments. Read more

Crowe challenges An Post senior management and Dempsey over pay

Speaking today Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications Seán Crowe heavily criticised both An Post management and Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey for their "arrogant and unaccommodating approach regarding the outstanding pay issue involving rank and file An Post staff. Read more

We must do more than thank our carers - we must support them

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Disability, Mid Ulster MLA Geraldine Dougan speaking at the start of carers' week has said that we need to do much more than recognise the invaluable role of carers in our society and called for priority resources, particular to expand and improve the provision of respite… Read more

New City Manager must respect democracy - Doolan

Sinn Féin's Dublin Spokesperson on the Environment, Councillor Daithí Doolan, has this morning called on, "the proposed new City Manger for Dublin, John Tierney, to respect the democratic mandate of the City Councillors and oppose the planned Poolbeg incinerator". Read more

Education reform being held to ransom

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, Michael Ferguson MLA has accused British direct rule Ministers of holding education reform to ransom. Read more

Sentencing Review must deliver a consistent policy

Sinn Féin Policing and Justice Spokesperson, North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly commenting on the review of sentencing for violent and sex crimes announced by British direct rule ministers has said that we need to see a sentencing policy that is consistent, proportionate and effectively protects local communities. Read more

Martin McGuinness travels to Basque Country

Sinn Féin Chief negotiator Martin McGuinness will tomorrow travel to the Basque Country for a three day series of meetings and events. Read more

Ó Snodaigh to address PANA press conference on EU Battle Groups

Sinn Féin International Affairs spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD will speak at the launch of the Peace And Neutrality Alliance (PANA) pamphlet entitled 'Battle Groups Regiments of the EU Empire' in Buswells Hotel at 11am tomorrow morning. PANA are launching the pamphlet as Minister of Defence Willie O'Dea is preparing… Read more

Leaving Cert maths paper highlights flaws in current system - Crowe

Speaking earlier today Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Seán Crowe sympathised with students and teachers in their indignation at yesterdays Leaving Cert Higher Level Maths paper which by all accounts was "outrageously difficult and full of tricks". Deputy Crowe described the leaving certificate system as an "academic pressure cooker." Read more

Government must revise relationship with Isreal in light of war crimes against Palestinians

Sinn Féin International Affairs and Human Rights spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Government to revise its policy on relations with Israel in light of the increased intensity of attacks by Israel amounting to the collective punishment of Palestinians which Deputy Ó Snodaigh described as war crimes. Read more

Gerry Adams extends condolences to family of Charlie Haughey

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has extended his condolences to the family of Charlie Haughey on his death in Dublin this morning. Read more

Doherty calls on Department of Education to retain St Joseph's, Plumbridge

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MP Pat Doherty has urged the Department of Education to retain St Joseph's High School in Plumbridge. Read more

de Brún calls upon EU to lead the way in co-ordinating fight against potential influenza pandemics

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today called upon the EU and theEuropean Commission in particular, to take the lead in ensuring that the region is 'as well prepared as can possibly be for future outbreaks of flupandemic'. Read more

The coming weeks will test DUP

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy MLA speaking after the second meeting of the preparation for government committee has said that the coming weeks will test the intention of the DUP to engage in the necessary work required to re-establish the Assembly and Executive. Read more

Sinn Féin reiterates call for CIA and US Military flights to be refused use of Irish airports and airspace

Sinn Féin International Affairs and Human Rights spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called for all planes associated with the CIA or US military to be refused the use of Irish airports and airspace. Read more

New Cancer Strategy launch short on detail - Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the newly published Cancer Control Strategy, Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has criticised the "absence of detail" from the Tánaiste's launch of the document prepared by the National Cancer Forum. Read more

Hanson told to get real about problems facing first time buyers

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, Fra McCann MLA has lambasted the pleas of British direct rule Housing Minister David Hanson to the Council of Mortgage Lenders for them to do more to help first time buyers Read more

NorthWest must get fair share of new jobs

The Sinn Féin Chair of the Derry City Development Committee Sinn Féin Councillor Maeve McLaughlin has called on British Secretary of State Peter Hain to ensure that the second phase of the job creation by Indian Company, ICICI OneSource be situated in Derry Read more

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin's comments on death of Charles Haughey

Speaking in the Dáil today on the death of former Taoiseach Charles Haughey Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: Read more

N3 Bus Corridor not enough - Gallagher

DUBLIN 15 Sinn Féin Councillor Felix Gallagher has claimed that the N3 Quality Bus Corridor is not enough and will do little to improve journey times into the city centre. Read more

History made as Matt Carthy elected as Sinn Féin's first Mayor of Carrickmacross

Sinn Féin Councillor Matt Carthy was this week elected as the first ever Sinn Féin Mayor of Carrickmacross Town Council. Councillor Carthy said: Read more

Anger at Wrightbus attempt to defend poor equal employment record

Sinn Féin North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan has accused management at Wrightbus of attempting to defend the indefensible after they claimed that 'as far as they were concerned' they had done all they could to address the massive under representation of Catholics in the workforce. Read more

Sinn Féin comment on Tour of the North Parade

Sinn Féin Councillor for the Ardoyne area Margaret McClenaghan today praised the work undertaken by the Ardoyne Dialogue Group in the run up to this Friday's Tour of the North Orange parade. Read more

We must actively challenge Racism, Sectarianism and Homophobia - Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has expressed concern at the increase in racist and homophobic violence across Europe and has called for everyone actively to challenge racism, sectarianism and homophobia wherever we find it - whether from neighbours or colleagues, powerful policy-makers or the media. Read more

New Hospital 'carrot' designed to secure end of NE hospital network - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said, "Any plan that envisages locating a new regional hospital for the North East based solely on population density is scandalous." Deputy Ó Caoláin was reacting to the publication today of the HSE-commissioned Teamwork Report on the future of health services… Read more

Irish language victory in Education Order

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, Michael Ferguson MLA has said that the British government have responded to pressure and amended the Draft Education Order in order to address the restriction on English Speaking Schools offering Irish Language as an entitlement. Read more

Hain warned against pandering to DUP

Sinn Féin Newry Armagh MP Conor Murphy has warned British Secretary of State Peter Hain against pandering to the negative agenda of the DUP. Read more

Ó Snodaigh reveals documentation that implicates Shannon in transfer of arms

Sinn Féin International Affairs and Human Rights spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said documentation has come into his possession which shows that "not only is Shannon Airport being used as a pitstop for US troops on their way to and from their war in Iraq, but also to facilitate… Read more

Additional half per cent for low paid in partnership deal derisory - Morgan

Sinn Féin Employment spokesperson Arthur Morgan T.D. said that while Sinn Féin welcomed many of measures in the new social partnership deal particularly in relation to conditions of employment "workers should not have had to bargain for the basic right to be free from exploitation". Read more

Loughinisland Murders - British Involvement and Cover-up

Sinn Féin Assembly member for South Down Caitriona Ruane this morning attended a press conference being held by the families of those murdered at Loughinisland 12 years ago. Read more

Sinn Féin launch online bulletin to update Europe on political situation in Ireland

Sinn Féin's European Department has announced a new initiative to update and brief MEPs, European officials, European Government representatives and NGOs on the political situation in Ireland. Read more

McCartney - Perfecseal dispute Ends

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has said that he is glad that common sense has prevailed and that the dispute between management and employees at Perfecseal has been resolved. Read more

Ferris - Western Development Commission report confirms continuing decline of rural areas

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Rural Development, Martin Ferris TD has said that a report published today by the Western Development Commission confirms what many people have been saying regarding the continuing problems facing rural communities, particularly in the west of the country. Read more

Overcrowded classrooms unacceptable - Crowe

Speaking today Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Seán Crowe criticised the fact that more than "one in four of the State's primary school students are in classes of 30 or more, while a further 287 students are in classes of 40 or more." Read more

The Michael Davitt Centenary Lecture - By Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP

Gerry Adams - decline in rural communities must be treated as a national crisis Read more

Crowe backs call for end to practice of 'chemically managing' dementia patients

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has echoed the call made by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland for an end to the practice of some nursing homes of "chemically managing" dementia residents. Read more

Gerry Kelly to deliver main address at Wolfe Tone Commemoration on Sunday

Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle member Gerry Kelly MLA will deliver the main address at the annual Wolfe Tone Commemoration in Bodenstown on Sunday 18th June. Read more

Ballymena Council can do more to tackle sectarianism

Ballymena Sinn Féin Councillor Monica Digney has said that Ballymena Council can do more to tackle sectarianism. Read more

British Education Minister using 'falling rolls' to undermine services

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson has criticised the British Education Minister's comments on school closures in Co. Antrim this morning. Read more

Sinn Féin hit out at destruction of Graveyard in Glenavy attack

Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Butler has hit out at that those who vandalised a Church of Ireland graveyard in Glenavy. Read more

DUP accused of a blinkered approach to jobs equality

Sinn Féin Spokesperson Caitriona Ruane MLA has accessed the DUP of having a blinkered approach of jobs equality and urged all politicians to work together to ensure a strong Equality Commission can deliver workforce equality in both the public and private sector and at all levels of employment. Read more

Missed opportunity to progress Peace Dividend

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP MLA speaking after today's meeting of the Preparation for Government Committee has said that today's meeting was yet another missed opportunity to do real business. Read more

Sinn Féin President meets Mayo health organisations and unions

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP described his meeting with local health groups and unions in Mayo on Thursday 15th June as "very important and informative". Read more

Economic picture far from rosy

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA has said that Maria Eagles needs to take off her rose tinted spectacles and get to grips with the underlying structural weaknesses within the economy. Read more

Kelly - Time for the two governments to stop sitting on the fence and show leadership

Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle member and MLA for North Belfast Gerry Kelly today delivered the main address at the annual Wolfe Tone Commemoration in Bodenstown. Read more

Doolan - Council blows €10.5m on incinerator

Sinn Féin's Dublin Environment Spokesperson & Representative for Dublin South East, Councillor Daithí Doolan, has slammed, "City Council officials for spending over €10m of public money on promoting an incinerator that is prohibited by the City Development Plan." Read more

McGuinness welcomes FIFA passport move

Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness has welcomed the news that FIFA are to recognise the unique constitutional position regarding the six counties and are to withdraw their demand that people wishing to play for IFA teams had to hold British passports. Read more

O'Toole - support for Fire Brigade Service urgently needed

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Larry O'Toole has described statistics released from the Fire Brigade Service highlighting the increase in attacks on their members as deeply shocking. Read more

Ferris - Fire Safety must be prioritised by the government

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris this morning repeated the party's call for a state-wide co-ordinating body for the 37 local fire authorities in the 26 Counties. Read more

Sinn Féin President launches Recruitment Campaign billboards

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams was joined by local MLA Gerry Kelly and Louth TD Arthur Morgan for the launch of a billboard campaign urging people to join the party in North Belfast this morning. Read more

Sinn Féin comment on Garvaghy Road Court ruling

Sinn Féin Assembly member for Upper Bann John O'Dowd said today that the decision of three Diplock judges in the Belfast High Court not to grant leave for the Garvaghy Road residents to appeal to the House of Lords did not alter one iota the fact that Peter Hain has… Read more

Sinn Féin meet British Chancellor

A Sinn Féin delegation led by Party President Gerry Adams MP and including Martin McGuinness MP and Michelle Gildernew MP today met the British Chancellor Gordon Brown. Read more

Ó Snodaigh critical of McDowell's Garda Reserve announcement

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has criticised Justice Minister Michael McDowell's announcement of new Garda positions to oversee and implement the Garda reserve. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the Minister hasn't bothered to consult the very people the reserve will affect most - the communities. Read more

Scientific Research and Development investment welcomed by Crowe

Speaking after the Government's announcement regarding Scientific Research and Development, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Seán Crowe said it was long overdue but welcomed the Government's commitment to spend at least €3.8 billion on scientific research over the next 7 years. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP calls upon European Union to declare its opposition to commercial whale hunting

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today called upon the European Union to actively oppose the practice of whale hunting. Read more

Sinn Féin demands Joint Ministerial Meetings to redress north west/border counties infrastructure deficit

Omagh Sinn Féin Council Chair Cllr Seán Begley says that demand for Division 1A Transport infrastructure for the North West and Border Counties of Ireland took a major step forward today with the official launch of a joint position paper on the issue by the Irish Central Cross Border Area… Read more

Springfield Determination - Immoral and Unacceptable

West Belfast Sinn Féín Councillor Tom Hartley has branded the decision of the Parades Commission to reward last summers orgy of unionist violence in Belfast with a parade along the Springfield Road as "immoral and unacceptable". Read more

Crowe calls for more Fire Brigade Resources

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe today reiterated party colleagues in their call "for Fire Brigade services to be put on the political agenda." Read more

Ferris welcomes commitment to all-Ireland electricity market

Sinn Féin Energy spokesperson Martin Ferris TD has welcomed the pledge by Energy Ministers North and South of the border to put in place legislation to allow for a single electricity market on the island by July 2007. Deputy Ferris said the move must herald the emergence of a low… Read more

Gerry Adams to meet with Parades Commission regarding Springfield decision

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP will meet with the Parades Commission this lunchtime regarding the decision to allow an Orange march along the Springfield Road in Belfast. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald MEP to host delegation of workers, rights campaigners at European Parliament

MEP for Dublin and Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mary Lou McDonald will tomorrow host a delegation of trade union activists and workers, rights campaigners at the European Parliament in Brussels Read more

O'Toole calls for dedicated Garda task force in North Dublin to bring an end to spate of murder in the area

Dublin Sinn Féin Councillor Larry O'Toole this morning called for the establishment of a dedicated Garda task force in North Dublin to bring an end to the spate of murders in the Coolock area. Read more

West Belfast Festival funding cut a slap in the face for community success story - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today described the decision to slash £100,000 in funding for the West Belfast Festival - Féile an Phobail, as a "slap in the face for one of the most successful community based festivals in Western Europe". Read more

Adams Meets Parades Commission over flawed Springfield determination

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP today led a party delegation including West Belfast Councillor Tom Hartley and senior Assembly member Alex Maskey to meet with the Parades Commission after their decision yesterday to force two Orange Parades onto the Springfield Road this Saturday. Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes publication of sexual assault report but criticises Government for long delay

Sinn Fein Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has welcomed the long overdue publication by the government of the report 'Sexual Assault Treatment Services - A Review'. Read more

Ian Milne - New Chair of Magherafelt District Council

The new chair of Magherafelt District Council, Sinn Féin Councillor Ian Milne, has called on everyone to engage fully in the Council. Read more

Morgan accuses Government of facilitating house price increases

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has accused the government of facilitating increase in house prices after it was revealed today that the average price of houses has increased by 15% each year for the last decade. Read more

Taoiseach must ensure immediate implementation of sexual assault report's recommendations - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to provide the €2.8 million funding needed now to fully implement the recommendations from the Government-commissioned report showing that treatment services for sexual assault victims are on the verge of collapse. Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls for protections for asylum seekers and refugees on World Refugee Day

Marking World Refugee Day Sinn Féin Justice, Equality and Human Rights spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called for the rights of all asylum seekers and refugees to be protected. Read more

Threats to Navan Hospital must be lifted

Navan Sinn Féin Councillor Joe Reilly has called on the HSE to immediately clarify the situation with regard to the surgical unit at Our Lady's Hospital in Navan. This follows representations from medical staff who are concerned that the surgical unit is about to close. Read more

Economic success has left the poor behind - Crowe

Speaking this afternoon in the Dáil, Sinn Féin Social and Family Affairs spokesperson Seán Crowe TD called for action from the Minister for Social and Family Affairs Séamus Brennan to end consistent child poverty. Read more

Ombudsman Report shows PSNI parade statements to be untrue

Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd has welcomed a report by the Police Ombudsman into the PSNI's handling of Black Preceptory parade in Lurgan two years ago. Read more

Reckless employers must be held criminally liable for workplace accidents and fatalities - Mary Lou McDonld MEP

MEP for Dublin and Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mary Lou McDonald has this morning welcomed a delegation of trade union activists and workers, rights campaigners to the European Parliament in Brussels. Read more

Equality survey shows growing awareness of the Equality Agenda

Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Equality/Human Rights, Caitriona Ruane MLA commenting the publication of the Equality Commission survey into the public awareness about Equality issues today said that it clearly shows growing awareness of the Equality Agenda but voiced concerns about the perception of increasing prejudice. Read more

Sinn Féin respond to Parades Commission refusal to review decision

Commenting after the Parades Commission refused to review their decision to force two Orange Parades onto the nationalist Springfield Road on Saturday afternoon, local Councillor Tom Hartley said that the decision compounded the wrong decision already taken and he appealed to the Orange Order leadership to engage directly with local… Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls for end of preferential trade with Isreal

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Human Rights and International Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Government to end its policy of preferential trade with Israel. Speaking in the Dáil today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said, the Irish people are behind the Palestinians and it is incumbent upon the Minister… Read more

Sinn Féin to welcome families of Hunger Strikers to Leinster house for commemorative event

Sinn Féin TDs will hold a commemorative event in Leinster House tomorrow to mark the 25th anniversary of the 1981 Republican Hunger Strikers. Read more

West Belfast Anger At SDLP Role In Springfield Parades Decision

West Belfast Sinn Féin Assembly member Fra McCann has said that people in the Springfield Road area are angry at the role played by senior SDLP member Joe Hendron in the decision to force the Orange Order parade through their community this weekend. Read more

Gerry Adams expresses sympathy to family and friends of Fr. Denis Faul

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has expressed his regret on learning of the death of Fr. Denis Faul. Mr. Adams extended sympathy to the 'family and friends of Monsignor Faul.' Read more

Adams wishes Olympians good luck

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP speaking after attending the opening ceremony of Special Olympics this evening along with many party colleagues including Martin McGuinness MP and Michele Gildernew MP and a number of Sinn Féin Assembly members praised the efforts of all those involved and the hard work in… Read more

Typical SDLP arrogance over Hendron role in parades decision

Sinn Féin Assembly member for West Belfast Fra McCann has accused the SDLP of "typical arrogance" after they branded the criticisms of senior member Joe Hendron's role in the Parades Commission determination concerning the Springfield Road parade as "predictable nonsense". Read more

Minster and Garda Commissioner need to clarify what resources are available to fight crime in Coolock district

Donaghmede Councillor Killian Forde has called on the Garda Commissioner and the Minister of Justice to explain the conflicting opinion between them and local frontline Garda on what is needed to be able to respond effectively to the huge increase in murders in the Coolock Garda district. Read more

We will not accept efforts to slow political progress or lower expectations - Ó Caoláin

Speaking at a commemorative event in Leinster House marking the 25th anniversary of the death of ten Republican prisoners on Hunger Strike, Sinn Fein Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the seeds of a "renewed and transformed Republicanism" were sown in 1981. He said Republicans would not accept current attempts… Read more

New Proposals - A Charter For Political Policing

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly, spokesperson on Policing and Justice, has said that proposals on new police powers which the NIO has been consulting until recently constitute a "charter for political policing" Read more

Bairbre de Brún calls for awareness and action on Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today supported calls to raise awareness around Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Read more

Mid Ulster hospital must retain services people need

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MP Martin McGuinness has said Sinn Féin are totally opposed to any diminution of services at the Mid Ulster Hospital and will continue to fight to secure the services that meet the needs of the local community, including the retention of full life saving services and… Read more

Burke to bring forward motion to Dublin City Council calling for stab vests to be provided to fire fighters and ambulance crews

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Christy Burke has a motion going to the July sitting of Dublin City Council calling for stab vests to be provided to ambulance crews and fire fighters working in the city. Read more

Irish troops must have been aware of illegal renditions on their watch

Sinn Féin Human Rights and International Affairs spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said that Irish troops serving as military police in Bosnia - Herzigovina in 2002 must have been aware of an illegal rendition that took place there in January of that year. Deputy Ó Snodaigh raised this issue… Read more

EU Constitution debate needs to be real not a PR exercise - Mary Lou McDonald

MEP for Dublin and Sinn Féin National Chairperson Mary Lou McDonald has today attended the National Forum on Europe debate in Dublin Castle entitled "Ireland and the European Union: Looking to the Future". Read more

Unionists looking for excuses

Sinn Féin Newry Armagh MP Conor Murphy speaking after three days of the 'Preparation for Government' committee at Stormont has DUP are still looking for excuses instead of engaging seriously in the genuine preparatory work for the restoration a power sharing Executive. Read more

Minister Ahern in denial of housing crisis - Crowe

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has accused the Minister of State with responsibility for Housing Noel Ahern of being in denial of the housing crisis. Speaking in the Dáil today Deputy Crowe said the Government's housing policies are "failing families, young couples, parents and the significant homeless… Read more

Transport Strategy must deliver improved public transport

Sinn Féin Regional Development spokesperson, Raymond McCartney MLA speaking in response to the close of the consultation on Sub Regional Transport Plan 2015, has called for a step change in the provision of public transport and for road maintenance to be prioritised as an essential component of delivering a co-ordinated… Read more

Changes to tax system for Share Fishermen don't go far enough

Sinn Féin South Down MLA Caitríona Ruane commenting on the scheme announced this week by Revenue and Customs to help Share Fishermen working out of Ardglass, Portavogie and Kilkeel when submitting their tax returns, has said that the scheme does not go far enough. Read more

Imagination required for northern economic recovery

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA has said that approach to economic development north and south could not be more stark and called for a Peace Dividend and imagination to support Economic Recovery on the North. Read more

Coal Price Increase will push more into fuel poverty

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Poverty, North Belfast MLA Kathy Stanton has said that the 6.4 per cent average increase in coal prices announced today will hit the thousands of people who rely on coal for their heating very hard and warned that it will push even greater numbers of people… Read more

Sinn Féin to hold party conference on Rural Health

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP has announced details of a Sinn Féin conference on Rural Health to be held on Saturday, 24th June, at the Sinn Féin Centre in Gulladuff. Read more

Justice Official's Statements Inflammatory and Unproductive - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Justice and Equality, Aengus ÓSnodaigh TD has reacted angrily to remarks made on Thursday by Department of Justice Secretary General Seán Aylward, calling them "inflammatory and unproductive". Read more

Sinn Fein Delegation Attends Peripheral Regions Conference in Lapland

Sinn Fein Mayor of Buncrana Padraig MacLochlainn will travel with MEP Bairbre de Brún tomorow on a four day long conference on EU peripheral regions in Kiruna, Sweden. Read more

Gerry Adams to participate in Oslo Forum

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams will be travelling to Oslo, Norway on Monday for two days to take part in the OSLO Forum 2006. The Forum brings together senior mediators from major peacemaking institutions and governments to discuss their different experiences and shared challenges. Read more

Gallagher calls for Phoenix Park Underground Railway

DUBLIN 15 Sinn Féin Councillor Felix Gallagher is seeking a study to ascertain the viability of reopening the underground railway through the Phoenix Park and extending it to link in with existing public transport. Read more

Sinn Féin call for Rural Health Taskforce

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP speaking at a party conference on Rural Health in Gulladuff today, Saturday 24th June has called for the establishment of a Rural Health Taskforce. Read more

Political process in trouble unless Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern take decisive action

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP, speaking at a meeting of party activists in Dublin City this morning, said 'the political process will be in serious trouble unless Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern take decisive action when they come to Belfast next week.' Mr. Adams said he was initiating a review… Read more

Rise in Racist incidents - all-party working group

Sinn Féin South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has said that agreement among all of the political parties on Friday to establish an all-party working group to tackle racism was an important step but also called for a more substantial and credible response from both central government and local government. Read more

O'Toole to contact the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Department of Enterprise over job losses in Clonshaugh

Sinn Féin Councillor Larry O'Toole is to contact the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Enterprise following the closure of Jabil Global Services in Clonshaugh in recent days. Read more

Sinn Féin to meet Hanson over failure to tackle fuel poverty

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Poverty, North Belfast MLA Kathy Stanton will head a delegation including fuel poverty and anti-poverty NGO's to meet with British Direct Rule Social Development Minister David Hanson today, Monday 26th June, at 2.30pm at Castle Buildings to discus the issue of fuel poverty and demand the… Read more

Sinn Féin call for Rural Health Taskforce

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP speaking after a party conference on Rural Health in South Derry on Saturday, 24th June, has called for the establishment of a Rural Health Taskforce. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald welcomes All Ireland free travel promise

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has today welcomed plans for pensioners throughout Ireland to avail of free public transport no matter where they travel on the island Read more

Hendron again challenged over Springfield Road parade decision

Sinn Féin Assembly member for West Belfast Fra McCann today repeated his call for senior SDLP member Joe Hendron to state his position on last weekends Orange Parade through the nationalist community on the Springfield Road. Read more

Wasted money would have funded medical cards for children

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on Health Minister Mary Harney to provide full medical cards for all children. Deputy Ó Caoláin was reacting to the Minister's announcement of measures to make it easier for people to qualify for the GP visit card. Read more

Sinn Féin endorse 'Charter of Farmers' Rights'

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has endorsed the Ulster Farmers Union call for a 'Charter of Farmers' Rights' in the north at an event co-sponsored by the main political parties in the Long Gallery at Stormont today. Read more

Gildernew calls for action to save Fermanagh jobs

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew speaking at a Rally in Lisnaskea at the weekend has called for a more pro-active approach to saving the 188 jobs at the Ferne Foods processing plant owned by Moy Par Read more

Forde accuses PDs of vetoing Dublin Bus expansion

Dublin City Councillor Killian Forde has reacted with disbelief over weekend reports that the provision of desperately needed extra buses for the Dublin Bus Fleet was to be delayed further. Read more

Governments must reassert their role in the political process

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP today said that Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern had to set out in very clear terms the next steps in the political process if there is to be any possibility of the political institutions being put back in place in the time ahead. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald condemns attack on Dublin City Fire-fighter

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has today condemned the vicious attack on a fire-fighter in Dublin City Centre. Read more

Goggins health speech does not signal any shift in British thinking

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson John O'Dowd MLA has said that British NIO Health Minister, Paul Goggins, must not be permitted to use the need for ongoing reform and modernisation within the health service as a means to accelerate the privatisation of the service through the backdoor. Read more

Evening Herald headline - complete and utter lies

A Sinn Féin spokesperson described today's headline in the Evening Herald as complete and utter lies. Read more

Credit Unions under threat

Credit Unions are under a grave threat to their very existence according to Sinn Féin election candidate Cllr David Cullinane. "I met with representatives of St Dominic's Credit Union this morning (Monday) at their request, and I was shocked at the information I received. Read more

Crowe to lobby American politicians on undocumented Irish

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe will travel to Washington tomorrow as part of an Oireachtas delegation to lobby Senators and Congress men and women on the issue of undocumented Irish in the US and the upcoming McCain/Kennedy Bill on immigration reform. Read more

Criminal Justice Bill regressive, disproportionate and unnecessary - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has described the Criminal Justice Bill 2004 as "regressive, disproportionate and unnecessary." Read more

Adams - Governments need to show decisive leadership

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP speaking from Norway, where he is attending the Oslo Forum, said: "Yesterday once again we saw Peter Hain and Dermot Ahern meeting in Hillsborough to discuss everything except the actual problem. Senior British and Irish government figures constantly repeating that the November 24th deadline… Read more

Spotlight must be shone on Ireland,s role in CIA Rendition Flights - Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today welcomed the news that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe will meet in Strasbourg early next month to discuss the issue of "extraordinary rendition" CIA flights and Ireland's complicity in the practice. Read more

Sinn Féin review of Hain Assembly to begin in Dundalk tomorrow morning

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP will be available to speak to the media at 10am in the Foyer in Stormont tomorrow, Wednesday 28th June. Read more

Crowe welcomes free all-Ireland travel for pensioners

Sinn Féin Social Affairs and Transport spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has welcomed the announcement of a plan to give pensioners free travel on public transport on an all-Ireland basis. Read more

Harney should resign in shame over health crisis - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on Health Minister Mary Harney to "resign in shame." Deputy Ó Caoláin mad his call after a survey revealed Ireland's health system is one of the worst in Europe. Read more

Harney must withdraw unacceptable Hep C Bill - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said that the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney should immediately withdraw her Bill on insurance for people infected with Hepatitis C and HIV because it is discriminatory and has been rejected by the all… Read more

Moves to cap numbers of HMO's welcomed

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, speaking after yesterday's meeting with British Direct Rule Minister David Cairns and after attending the launch of the Planning Service's Subject plan on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's), has welcomed the report as the first step in dealing with the HMO issue. Read more

Sinn Féin meet Parades Commission regarding Garvaghy Road

Sinn Féin MLA for Upper Bann John O'Dowd has today met with the Parades Commission in Belfast to discuss the Orange Order's insistence that it march through the nationalist Garvaghy Road area of Portadown this summer. Read more

Sinn Féin seek action from two governments as review process begins

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness today said that what the Taoiseach and British Prime Minister say and do tomorrow will obviously influence the Sinn Féin review into the Hain Assembly approach which gets under way today. Read more

Tyrone Councils successfully challenge Planning Statement PPS 14 in Court

The Sinn Féin Chair of Omagh District Council Cllr Seán Begley has welcomed the decision of the High Court in Belfast today to grant leave of appeal to Omagh District Council, in conjunction with Cookstown and Strabane District Councils, to take a Judicial Review challenging Planning Statement PPS 14. Read more

New National Development Plan must be all-Ireland

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Finance spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD today questioned the Minister for Finance Brian Cowen on the new measures in relation to increased all-Ireland cooperation which will be included in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-1013 currently being prepared. Deputy Ó Caoláin called for an integrated… Read more

Walsh report leak disgraceful - Ó Caoláin

Cavan/Monaghan Dáil Deputy and Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has reacted angrily to the leaking to the Irish Times of an extract of the Carey report into the tragic death of Pat Joe Walsh at Monaghan General Hospital in October 2005 and the circumstances that lead to it. Read more

Recruitment of public hospital-only consultants should go ahead - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called on the Health Service Executive to proceed with the recruitment of hospital consultants under contracts which would see them working in the public hospital system only. Read more

Family reunification policies inconsistent, non-transparent and absurd - Ó

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Minister for Justice to act urgently to address the State's "inconsistent, non-transparent and downright absurd family reunification policies." Read more

Coalition of the confused can't agree on Criminal justice policy - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has highlighted yet another issue that the coalition of the confused partners, Fine Gael and Labour disagree on. Read more

Arrival of Birtish warship in Dublin unacceptable - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said the arrival in Dublin today of one of the largest warships in the British Navy is "totally unacceptable." Deputy Ó Snodaigh described the government's invitation of the warship as "shameful." Read more

European Union must get to grips with crisis situation in Gaza - Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has this morning called upon the European Union to respond clearly and definitively to the current Israeli incursions into Palestine. Read more

Ógra SF day of action to protest against British warship in Dublin Port

Ógra Shinn Féin will today be holding a day of action against the arrival of British warship HMS Ocean in Dublin Port. Read more

People of Dublin should send out the message that British warship is not wanted in Ireland - Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has today urged the people of Dublin to oppose the docking of a British warship in Dublin which, she said, "symbolized the continuing suffering of the Iraqi people and the occupation of Iraq". Read more

Hep C Bill a legislative ambush by Tánaiste

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Bill 2006 as a "legislative ambush by the Tánaiste and her Department." Read more

Government must clarify situation regarding use of Shannon for the transfer of military apparatus to Israel- Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin International Affairs and Human Rights spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD questioning the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern in the Dáil today he said the kidnap by Israel of some 25 democratically elected Palestinian representatives demonstrates "the true nature of Israel's commitment to not so democratic principles." Read more

Adams - Responsibility Rests With Governments

Speaking after leading a party delegation to meet with the Taoiseach and British Prime Minister in Stormont today, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP said: "No one should be surprised by the rejectionist stand of the DUP and their refusal so far to contemplate an agreement with the rest of… Read more

Gerry Adams to meet TDs at South Armagh gathering

Sinn Féin TDs and support staff from Leinster House will meet tomorrow in the heart of South Armagh. Read more

Clear majority in Dáil in support of northern representation - it's time for the Irish government to act

Sinn Fein TDs and support staff from Leinster House are meeting in the heart of South Armagh today for a day long series of meetings to advance preparations for the General Election in the 26 Counties which is due next year and to review their work as this session of… Read more

June 2006 Archives (Latest News)

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