November 2007 Archives (Latest News)

Sinn Féin Proposes Employment Committee Job Creation ‘Field Trip’

At the first meeting of the Enterprise, Trade and Employment Committee this afternoon Sinn Féin’s Enterprise and Employment spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD proposed that the Committee initiate an investigation into what needs to be done to create new jobs in regional towns which have been hit by a recent state… Read more

Anger as tackling domestic and sexual violence are not named in Minister’s policing priorities for 2008

Speaking today as Justice Minister Brian Lenihan published his policing priorities for 2008 Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD described as a disgrace the fact that tackling domestic and sexual violence has once again been left out of the Minister’s named priorities. Read more

Sinn Féin outline impending crisis for 1,100 community childcare providers - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin this morning held a press conference to outline the impending crisis for the community childcare sector due to the government's introduction of the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme. Read more

Government community childcare scheme cutback in disguise - McDonald

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has today described the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme as a government cutback in disguise. Read more

Human Trafficking Bill is welcome but remains limited in its scope – Ó Caoláin

Speaking from the Dáil today on the Human Trafficking Bill Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said that while there is much more that needs to be done to address the problem of human trafficking, he welcomed the long awaited elementary steps contained in this legislation Read more

Gildernew launches North West Trail cycle route

Sinn Féin Minister for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has officially launched the “North West Trail” at an event held in the Alley Arts and Conference Centre, Strabane. Read more

Community Shock over Attack on pensioner

Sinn Féin MLA John O Dowd has the community in the Garvaghy road area of Portadown is in shock following the attack on an elderly man in the area this evening which has resulted in the victim being rushed to hospital with serious injuries. Read more

Farm Minister visits West Tyrone

Sinn Féin Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, today visited TMC Dairies, Town of Monaghan’s milk powder plant in Artigarvan outside Strabane. Read more

Sectarian Knife Attack‏

Sinn Féin Derry City Councillor Lynn Fleming has said that she was horrified to find out that the young man attacked in John Street had to receive over 50 stitches to a wound in his back. Read more

Armagh House Prices reflect scale of housing crisis

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan has said that the latest house price index showing that house prices had risen by 188% in the Armagh area and Newry by 157%, require an urgent response from Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie. Read more

Two out of ten still paying for Christmas 2006 - McLaughlin

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has said that a survey by a price comparison website which found that two out of ten people using credit cards are still paying for Christmas 2006 highlights the need for more awareness around the subject of seasonal debt and its… Read more

Call for creative response following meeting with Seagate‏ management

Following a meeting between Sinn Féin MLAs Raymond McCartney and Martina Anderson and Mr John Spangler General Manager Seagate to discuss Seagate’s future in the North West and recent redundancies Mr McCartney has called for a creative response from the company and from the Executive. Read more

Ferris slams lay offs at Shannon

Kerry North TD Martin Ferris has slammed the decision by Aer Lingus to lay off 51 workers at Shannon as a consequence of closing the link to Heathrow. Read more

Sinn Féin comment on new Assembly pro-life working group

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Women’s Issues Jennifer McCann MLA has re-iterated the party’s position on abortion. Read more

Minister visits St George's market to consider access issues

Sinn Féin Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy MP MLA today visited St George’s Market in Belfast to see at first hand the access and parking problems which traders and shoppers experience there. Read more

Threats target Belfast republicans

Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has condemned the deaths threats issued by dissident republicans against 10 people in North Belfast including a number of republicans. Read more

‘Hoax’ Devices at home of Sinn Féin Councillor

Sinn Féin Glengormley Briege Meehan has confirmed that the two suspect devices at her home are being investigated. Read more

McGuinness - Politics working in new political landscape

Speaking from a meeting of the Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle in Dublin today, deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said that the last six months had demonstrated clearly that his party had delivered on the mandate given to them by the people. Read more

OECD Conference ‘School Leadership Development Strategies’ 7-8 November, Dublin

Sinn Féin Minister for Education Caitríona Ruane and Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin TD, will jointly host an international OECD conference in Dublin on the theme of School Leadership Development Strategies. Read more

Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle expresses condolences to family of Martin Meehan

The Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle, which is meeting in Dublin today, has extended condolences to the family of Martin Meehan following his sudden death in Belfast. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams described Martin as an exemplary republican and said he would mourned by all who knew him. Read more

Sinn Féin – Looking forward with confidence: Adams

Sinn Féin President, West Belfast MP Gerry Adams MP MLA speaking at an internal Belfast party conference has said that republicans are looking forward with confidence as we embark on potentially the most rewarding phase of our struggle. Read more

Time to step up fight against crime – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking as seven men appeared in court in connection with Friday’s attempted robbery of a cash in transit van at Celbridge, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh commended the Gardaí involved in the arrest operation and called for the fight against organised crime to be stepped up. Read more

Poll reflects government attempt to bamboozle and bore Irish people into submission on EU Reform Treaty - McDonald

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has described the results in today's Irish Times poll on the publics waning support over the last two years for the EU Reform Treaty as 'not surprising.' Read more

Massive pay increases for government unacceptable – Morgan

Sinn Féin TD and party spokesperson on Finance Arthur Morgan has described the announcement of significant pay rises for 1,600 senior public servants including the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and government Ministers as totally unacceptable. Read more

Latest cancer debacle indicts HSE and Health Minister- Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the controversy over mammography at the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise, Sinn Féin Health and Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the Health Service Executive could not shirk its responsibility. Read more

O'Dowd welcomes Minister's response to Disabled 'Blue Badge' issue

Upper Bann Sinn Féin Assembly member John O'Dowd has welcomed the response from Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy to an Assembly question he tabled after a number of disabled people in the Banbridge and Lurgan areas of Upper Bann were issued with parking fines for allegedly displaying their 'Blue Badge'… Read more

Delivering for Rural Dwellers

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has outlined how the Executive’s spending plans and the draft Programme for Government will deliver for rural dwellers. Read more

Martin McGuinness visits Ombudsman as she prepares to leave office

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP today visited the Office of the Police Ombudsman as Nuala O’Loan’s term in the post came to an end. Read more

900 job losses yet no Assembly statement

Sinn Féin East Derry MLA Francie Brolly has said that it is a disgrace that a week after the announcement that 900 jobs will go from the Seagate operation in Limavady there is no Ministerial statement from the DETI Minister Nigel Dodds and a refusal by the Speaker to allow… Read more

Speed is the Road Safety Issue - Boylan

Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has said that speed is the Road Safety issue. The MLA who is his Party’s Road Safety spokesperson told a recent meeting involving colleagues from border areas, that the wrong speed choice killed three times as many people as drink driving. Read more

Focus must remain on addressing sudden cardiac death in the young

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has welcomed news that proposed measures to combat sudden cardiac death in the young will be addressed in the Service Framework for Cardiovascular Health & Wellbeing due to be published for consultation in April of next year. Read more

Maskey Travels to US for First ever Irish Diaspora Conference

Sinn Féin South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey will travel to the US tomorrow, Tuesday 6th November, to attend the first ever Irish Diaspora conference in New York on November 7 and 8. Read more

Molloy to host Relatives for Justice at Stormont

Sinn Féin’s Francie Molloy MLA (Mid-Ulster) will host a reception and photographic exhibition for Relatives for Justice in the Long Gallery, Stormont at 11am tomorrow, November 6th. Read more

Adams meets Poots on Irish Language Act

A Sinn Fein delegation, including Party President Gerry Adams MP MLA, Barry McElduff MLA and Francie Brolly MLA today met with the Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure Edwin Poots, on the issue of Acht na Gaeilge – the Irish Language Act. Read more

PSNI have ‘long way to go’ in gaining community confidence in battle against drugs

Sinn Féin Policing Spokesperson, Alex Maskey has said that recent events like the tragic death of Dean Clarke highlight huge concerns within our communities at the PSNI response to drugs. Read more

Road Safety Measures a Political Whitewash

Last week Transport Minister, Noel Dempsey, introduced a number of Road Safety measures with the aim of curbing the amount of Road Traffic Accidents and fatalities resulting from those accidents. The panicked nature of these measures, as well as the fact that many of them are already standing legislation, suggest… Read more

Improved rail service equates to more customers-Mc Kay

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that the latest figures released by DRD showing the number of people using the Derry-Belfast railway line shows that an "improved service equals more customers". The figures were given in a response to a question from Mr McKay to the DRD… Read more

Ballymoney Council supports Causeway Centre remaining in public ownership

Ballymoney Council have backed a Sinn Féin motion supporting the public sector proposal for a Visitors Centre at the Giant’s Causeway. The DUP-dominated council also recognised that any decision to hand the Visitors Centre over to a private developer would “result in a loss in public income” and the “possible… Read more

News of rape shocks community‏

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has said that the the brutal rape of a young student in the Bogside area at the weekend ahs shocked the local community. Read more

News of rape shocks community‏

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has said that the the brutal rape of a young student in the Bogside area at the weekend ahs shocked the local community. Read more

Gildernew attends conference on Rural Childcare

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has attended a conference on rural childcare hosted by Oakleaf Rural Community Network. Read more

Deputy First Minister opens Abolition of Slavery Exhibition

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA today described slavery as a manifestation of racism and greed as he opened a new exhibition in Belfast to mark the abolition of the slave trade. Read more

Boylan welcomes Sinn Féin MEP's partipation in China climate change talks

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry/Armagh, Cathal Boylan has welcomed this weeks visit by party colleague, Bairbre de Brún MEP to China as part of a European Parliament committee involved in a series of high-level meetings to formulate proposals on the EU's policy on climate change. Read more

Foster must confirm if senior planner put forward private developer’s proposal to Moyle Council

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has called on the Minister of Environment to confirm whether or not a senior member of Planning Service put forward proposals regarding a private Visitors Centre at the Giant’s Causeway to Moyle Council on behalf of Seaport Investments. Read more

Sinn Féin’s Gerry Kelly visits Canada (November 8 – 10)

Sinn Féin Junior Minister Gerry Kelly will visit Canada on a major speaking tour from November 8 to November 10. Read more

Irish government must pressure US administration to deliver immigration reform for Irish in America – Ó Snodáigh

Speaking at a demonstration held today outside Leinster House by the Irish American lobby group Families of the Undocumented Aengus Ó Snodaigh said it was simply wrong that so may thousands of Irish in America were facing yet another Christmas unable to visit friends and families at home. Read more

Sinn Féin President gives graveside oration at funeral of Meehan

Sinn Féin Prtesident Gerry Adams MP MLA gave the oration at the funeral of veteran republican Martin Meehan today. Read more

We are not there to prop up poor policing - Sinn Féin Chair of Newry and Mourne DPP

Newry and Mourne Sinn Féin Councillor Brendan Curran who was last night appointed as Chairperson of the local District Policing Partnership (DPP) has said that whilst the experience for many of policing in this area had been one of heavy handedness, political, sectarian and partisan, Sinn Fein was serious about… Read more

Demand for fresh Inquests

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA, Daithí McKay has said that he is fully supportive of relatives in their efforts to get the Chief Constable to release documents relating to the deaths of their loved ones to the Coroner. Read more

Bradley hypocrisy over new teachers exposed

Sinn Féin MLA Paul Butler has said that the hypocrisy of Dominic Bradley’s concern over the plight of newly qualified teachers being unable to secure full time permanent teaching posts while he retains a full time teaching post and his job as an Assembly member does little to advance their… Read more

Gildernew updates Assembly Committee

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has updated the Assembly Agriculture and Rural Development Committee on her Department’s work. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún welcomes EU cash investment

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed the announcement that the North and Border areas will recieve almost £500 million funding over the next six years from the EU. Read more

Ferris supports undocumented Irish in United States

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has added his voice to those calling for the status of undocumented Irish immigrants in the United States to be regularised. The Kerry North TD was speaking in support of a Private Members Motion on the issue in the Dáil this evening. Read more

"Opportune time for All Ireland soccer team"- Mc Elduff

Sinn Féin MLA and Assembly Culture Committee Chairperson Barry Mc Elduff has welcomed a FIFA move to allow six county soccer players to play for Ireland and has said the need for an All Ireland football team has never been greater. Read more

Ferris criticises closing of Farm Improvement Scheme

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD raised the closure of the Farm Improvement Scheme in the Dáil today. Deputy Ferris criticised the decision by Minister Mary Coughlan to accept no more applications and called for the necessary funding to be made available to ensure that all applicants… Read more

Assembly hears of Derry homeless crisis

Deep concern about the level of homelessness in Derry has been expressed by all the main political parties during a special Assembly debate tabled by Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson. Read more

Clarity needed on Minister’s intentions for Community Childcare Subvention Scheme – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader and Spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on the Minister of State for Children Brendan Smith to come into the Dáil to clarify his intentions in relation to the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme after reports today that he intends to alter… Read more

Ó Caoláin welcomes Taoiseach’s comments on Northern representation

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has welcomed the Taoiseach’s comments in the Dáil today when he stated his support for representation in the Dáil for Six County MPs. However, Deputy Ó Caoláin said the Taoiseach should push ahead with his own proposal to facilitate Northern MPs in a… Read more

Reckless tax cutting proposals must be dropped – Morgan

Speaking ahead of the government’s special budget cabinet meeting this Sunday Sinn Féin’s Economic Affairs spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has welcomed Fianna Fáil’s growing acceptance that pre election promises to cut PAYE and PRSI were ill conceived and would negatively impact on public services. Deputy Morgan also welcomed the indication… Read more

Comprehensive cancer care must be provided in public healthcare system – Ó Caoláin

Speaking during Statements on Cancer Care in the Dáil today Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD criticised Health Minister Mary Harney’s statement in response to the scandal at Portlaoise Hospital. Read more

Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Committee needs all-island approach - Ferris

Speaking at the first meeting of the Oireachtas Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Committee Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris today said the work of the committee would benefit greatly from an all-island approach. Read more

Comments from DUP MLA have potential to put lives in danger - Butler

Responding to comments made in the assembly yesterday by DUP MLA Michelle Mc Ilveen during a teaching jobs debate, Sinn Féin MLA Paul Butler has said that her comments have the potential to put lives in danger. Read more

Catholic Church meeting very useful - Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP along with party colleagues Martina Anderson MLA, Jennifer McCann MLA, Paul Butler MLA, Francie Brolly MLA and Senator Pearse Doherty, this morning met with a delegation from the Catholic Church led by Archbishop Sean Brady – Cardinal designate. Read more

Sinn Féin suggest proposals to help new teachers

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Paul Butler MLA has outlined two areas that could be explored in order to help newly qualified teachers into employment. Read more

Ministers Launch North South Research Project to attract Leaders in Teaching

Sinn Féin Minister for Education Caitríona Ruane MLA and Minister for Education and Science Mary Hanafin, TD, today addressed an international OECD conference in Dublin on School Leadership Development Strategies. Read more

Decentralisation of 30 Foras na Gaeilge staff post to Gweedore must be accelerated

Donegal Sinn Fein Seanator, Pearse Doherty has welcomed the recent announcement from the North South Ministerial Council on the Irish language that a working group is to be established to progress the decentralisation of 30 Foras na Gaeilge staff post to Gweedore. Read more

Murphy opens multi-million pound north coast wastewater treatment works

Sinn Féin Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, MP, MLA, today officially opened the new state-of-the-art North Coast Wastewater Treatment Works in Portrush. Read more

Good progress on £12 million investment in Derry

Sinn Féin Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £12million in Derry City Council area this year. Read more

Ferris says EU Vet Report confirms need for ban on Brazilian Beef

The Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD has said that the report on Brazilian beef issued by the EU Food and Veterinary Office yesterday confirms the need to impose a ban on beef imports from that country. The report found serious irregularities regarding animal registration, identification, vaccination, false certification… Read more

Martin McGuinness condemns Derry shooting

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has condemned the shooting of an off duty police officer this morning in Derry and urged anyone with information regarding this shooting to bring it forward to the police. Read more

Sinn Féin call on Minister to retain Agricultural Wages Board

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Gerry McHugh has called on the Minister Michelle Gildernew to protect the rights of the lowest paid farm workers by retaining the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB). Read more

MLA Highlights Remembrance Service for Road Crash Victims

Sinn Fein Road Safety spokesperson Newry Armagh Cathal Boylan, MLA speaking after attending a conference at the Seagoe Hotel, Portadown recently to highlight the plight of families left bereaved by road death has encouraged people bereaved by road traffic deaths to attend an Interdenominational Remembrance Service in Newry Cathedral at… Read more

Gildernew Meets Farmers for Action

Sinn Féin Farm Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA met yesterday with a delegation from the Farmers for Action Group led by its local co-ordinator, William Taylor. Read more

New concern over Arlene Foster’s handling of Seaport Giant’s Causeway application

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that he is extremely concerned at the Environment Minister’s handling of the application from Seaport Investments for a private Visitors Centre at the Giant’s Causeway. Read more

Skills Development essential for economic success - Ruane

Sinn Féin Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, today praised local schools who are working in partnership with business organisations to enhance pupils’ skills development. Read more

Sinn Féin meets with Seagate Management and employees

Sinn Féin’s Francie Brolly MLA (East Derry) has met with the manager of Seagate in Limavady to discuss the measures that need to be put in place to assist the 900 workers who face job loss in the next nine months. Read more

Dallat accused of misrepresenting DRD Committee

Sinn Féin Regional Development Committee member, Raymond McCartney has accused SDLP MLA John Dallat of misrepresenting the committee after claiming that it ‘unanimously agreed’ to reject proposals for work on the Derry – Coleraine railway when in fact that committee did no such thing. Read more

International experts arrive for major transport and climate change event

Sinn Féin Transport Minister Conor Murphy said people must work together to tackle the massive environmental challenge of climate change. Read more

BBC treatment of Gaelic Games ‘second-class’

Sinn Féin Councillor Kevin Campbell has called on the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure to meet with the BBC to discuss the second-class treatment that Gaelic Games receives compared with other sports. Read more

Gildernew attends all-Ireland Ministerial Council Farm meeting

Sinn Féin Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has met with Mary Coughlan, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF), Eamon O'Cuiv, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA) and Environment Minister Arlene Foster MLA (DOE) at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Agricultural… Read more

Anderson and McCartney to attend London Conference on Venezuela‏

Sinn Féin Foyle MLAs Martina Anderson and Raymond McCartney will attend a conference in London this weekend on the current situation Venezuela. Read more

Martin McGuinness visits Ebbrington Barracks

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA visited the former Ebrington Barracks site in Derry today to be updated on the ongoing regeneration work there. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald sets out Sinn Féin vision for Dublin

Speaking to more than 100 Sinn Féin activists at a conference in Dublin this morning MEP Mary Lou McDonald said Sinn Féin's priorities for Dublin are to create safer Dublin communities, end the housing crisis in the city, end the unequal two-tier health system and to promote republican politics in… Read more

Fight against crime must be escalated after Ballyfermot shooting

Speaking to more than 100 Dublin Sinn Féin activists at a conference this morning Dublin South Central TD and party Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh announced details of a campaign to create safer communities and commended Gardaí for apprehending two men after a shooting in his own constituency last night. Read more

'UDA should get off community's back' Maskey

Alex Maskey, Sinn Féin MLA, (South Belfast) commenting on the expected UDA statement has said that the UDA should end its sectarian campaign, its drug dealing, criminality and extortion, engage seriously with the IICD. Read more

Harney and HSE presiding over cancer care chaos - Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the ending of breast cancer services at Mullingar Hospital and the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise by the HSE, Sinn spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said Health Minister Harney and the HSE are "presiding over a chaotic situation". Read more

Government must deliver on commitment to abolish PRSI ceiling - Morgan

Speaking ahead of today's government's special budget cabinet meeting Sinn Féin's Economic Affairs spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has welcomed indications that Brian Cowan is finally taking Sinn Féin's lead on personal taxation and will not cut PAYE and PRSI as promised during the recent general election campaign. Read more

Sinn Féin determined to advance republicanism in this new phase of struggle - Adams

Speaking at today's annual Edentubber commemoration in north County Louth Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA welcomed the veterans of the campaign and the families of the five republicans killed in 1957 at the foot of the Edentubber Mountain. Read more

Sinn Féin call for all-Ireland Road Safety Conference

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Road Safety, Newry Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan has called for an all-Ireland conference on Road Safety. Read more

Suicide risk to young remains alarmingly high - Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, MP for West Belfast said that the risk of suicide to young people remains alarmingly high. Read more

Ruane launches Primary Schools Sport Programme

Sinn Féin Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has officially launched the new ‘Curriculum Sports programme’, aimed at developing physical literacy skills and encouraging participation in sport amongst young children. Read more

Government must put overhaul, reform and democratisation of the World Bank on the agenda – Morgan

Speaking as a the International Development Association, a branch of the World Bank, was being held in Dublin today, Sinn Féin Economic Affairs spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD called on government to commit to pressing for the overhaul, reform and democratisation of the World Bank. Read more

Justice Minister statement on Garda Overtime an admission of failure – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Dublin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh and party Spokesperson on Community Safety has again called on the Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan to immediately initiate a robust programme of civilianisation of administrative Garda tasks and re-deploy fully trained Gardaí into the fight against crime. Read more

Tierna Cunningham condemns Whitewell sectarian attack

Sinn Féin Councillor for Castle Ward, Tierna Cunningham has condemned an attack on homes and cars in the Whitewell area in the early hours of this morning and appealed for unionist political representatives to show leadership in their communities in the wake of the attacks. Read more

Ritchie approach to homelessness the same as direct rule Ministers

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has said that Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie is falling into the same trap as former British direct rule Minister David Hanson when it comes to saying what she is going to do about the social housing crisis in the North of Ireland and in… Read more

Evidence not speculation needed to convict Quinn Killers

Sinn Féin Newry Armagh MP Conor Murphy has dismissed the comments of John Grieve and Lord Laird as wholly political and utterly devoid of fact and said that if they have any information about the brutal murder of Paul Quinn should bring it forward to the Gardai or PSNI. Read more

Sinn Féin call for Independent members of DPPs

Sinn Féin Policing Board member Alex Maskey MLA has called on people from across the community to apply for positions as Independent Members on the newly constituted District Policing Partnerships. Read more

Gildernew committed to protecting the Rights of Agricultural Workers

Retention of the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) is key to protecting the rights of agricultural workers in the North. That was the main message from Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA to assembly members today. Read more

McGuinness dismisses RIRA as unrepresentative

Speaking directly to the micro group which claimed responsibility for the shooting of an off duty policeman while leaving his child to school in Derry last Thursday, Deputy First Minister and Mid-Ulster MP, Martin McGuinness said that the war is over and that it was time that they woke up… Read more

Anti-Irish Unionism continues with misguided attack on Irish language

Speaking before a debate on the "club bank" scheme for schools Sinn Féin Irish language spokesperson Francie Brolly MLA has lambasted Anti Irish language campaigners for another pointless debate aimed at attacking a cultural tool. Read more

McGuinness condemns shooting of off-duty policeman

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has condemned the shooting of an off-duty policeman in Dungannon, County Tyrone and said that those who carried out this shooting will not succeed in plunging us back into conflict. Read more

Time for the airlines to join the fight against Climate Change: de Brún

Speaking in a debate in the European Parliament in Brussels this evening, Bairbre de Brún MEP called for the European Commission and MEPs to vote to 'end their [airlines'] special treatment and to take into account their effect on our environment and in contributing to climate change'. Read more

Minister comments on Avian Flu in Suffolk, England

Sinn Féin Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has assured the poultry sector and bird keepers here that her department is in close contact with DEFRA in light of the confirmation of an outbreak of Avian Flu in Suffolk, England. Read more

Shock at Omagh Fire Tragedy

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has expressed shock at the loss of life in a house fire in Omagh Town this morning. Read more

Partition loophole failing abuse victims

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has said women seeking to escape from abusive relationships are being hampered by one of the anomalies of partition. Read more

Ministers launch Better Regulation and Simplification Review

Sinn Féin Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew and DUP Environment Minister Arlene Foster have named the panel which will lead a joint Review of Better Regulation and Simplification. Read more

Am do na haerlínte bheith páirteach sa troid in aghaidh athraithe aeráide - de Brún

Ag caint i ndiospoireacht san AE, Parlaimint na hEorpa areir, dúirt FPE Bairbre de Brún go bhfuil se in am do na haerlínte bheith páirteach sa troid in aghaidh athraithe aeráide. Read more

DUP urged to stop wasting assembly time with meaningless anti-Irish motions - Brolly MLA

Speaking before a debate on the "club bank" scheme for schools Sinn Féin Irish language spokesperson Francie Brolly MLA has lambasted Anti Irish language campaigners for another pointless debate aimed at attacking a cultural tool. Read more

Time for the airlines to join the fight against Climate Change: de Brún

Speaking in a debate in the European Parliament in Brussels last night, Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún MEP called for the European Commission and MEPs to vote to 'end their [airlines'] special treatment and to take into account their effect on our environment and in contributing to climate change'. Read more

Youth Centres are vital part of our community - Ruane

Sinn Féin Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has paid tribute to the role youth centres play in all communities. The Minister was speaking during a visit to Fortwilliam Youth Centre, Mount Vernon Estate, in North Belfast, where she met youth workers from the centre. Read more

Bullying of disabled children totally unacceptable

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Disability, Mid Ulster MLA Michelle O’Neill has said she is appalled at the findings of a study by the mental health charity, Mencap which reported that children with physical or learning disabilities faced repeated taunts and violence in school, parks and on transport. Read more

de Brún regrets Parliament did not go further in limiting carbon emissions

Bairbre de Brún MEP has today welcomed the inclusion of aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Today's vote in the European Parliament sees the first piece of legislation on the EU level since EU leaders decided in March to reduce the EU's emissions by 20% compared to 1990… Read more

Rights of Older People Infringed - Disabled lady Refused Shopping Support

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MLA Mickey Brady has said that the withdrawal by social services of 2.5 hours care per week that provided someone to do the shopping for an elderly disabled and wheelchair bound lady was totally unacceptable. Read more

Ferris Voices Regret Over EPA Decision on Gas Refinery

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources and the Environment, Martin Ferris TD, has voiced his regret over the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to grant a license to the Corrib Consortium to proceed with the planned gas refinery at Bellanaboy, County Mayo. Deputy raised the issue in the… Read more

Urgent action needed to provide beds to combat MRSA - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health and Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called on the Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney and the HSE to urgently meet the need for additional beds in hospitals to address the continuing spread of MRSA. Read more

Checks and Balances still key issue in shake up of councils

Sinn Féin Newry Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan has said that Sinn Fein has no interest in giving enhanced powers to councils unless they are accompanied by appropriate and robust checks and balances in order to avoid the discriminatory practices which still exists in many councils today. Read more

Gildernew outlines Avian Flu precautionary measures

In response to the confirmation of an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Flu at a turkey farm on the Suffolk/Norfolk border in England, DARD has taken precautionary measures to minimise any risk here. Read more

Dublin Bus management must engage with unions - Morgan

Sinn Féin TD and Workers Rights Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has called on Dublin Bus management to sit down with unions representing the Harristown garage bus workers before the dispute escalates to other garages across the city. Read more

Sinn Féin Ministers to visit Omagh following Fire Tragedy

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy and Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew will visit Omagh Town tomorrow, Wednesday 14th November. Read more

Botched government scheme has thrown community childcare system into chaos – Ó Caoláin

Speaking from the Dáil tonight Sinn Féin TD and Spokesperson on Children Caoinhghín Ó Caolain noted that once again the opposition was addressing a botched government scheme that has thrown the not for profit community childcare system into chaos. Read more

Foster favoured private Causeway Centre before seeing Seaport application‏

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has revealed that Environment Minister Arlene Foster was in favour of the private application for a Visitors Centre at the Giant's Causeway BEFORE she received papers regarding Seaport's application and BEFORE she visited the site. Read more

Employment Committee accepts Sinn Féin Job Creation ‘Field Trip’ proposal

Sinn Féin TD and Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has welcomed this mornings decision by the Enterprise, Trade and Employment Committee to agree to his proposal that the committee visit two of the state’s worst economic blackspots, East Cork and West Waterford. Read more

Ferris Calls For Greater Urgency in Tackling Transport Problems

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment Martin Ferris TD has called on the Government to display a greater sense of urgency in relation to tackling the massive transport problems that exist at present. Read more

Children's access to firearms must be addressed by government - Ó Snodaigh

"Sinn Féin Dublin TD and Spokesperson on Community Safety Aengus Ó Snodaigh said today research due to be presented on the significant levels of gang involvement and ease of access to firearms highlights the urgent need for government to introduce a focussed holistic programme targeted at children. Read more

Bairbre de Brún addresses MEPs on situation of Irish language

Bairbre de Brún MEP today outlined the situation of the Irish language to a cross-party group of MEPs in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. She specifically focussed on Acht na Gaeilge - the Irish Language Act in the north of Ireland, the status of Irish and an official and working… Read more

Sinn Féin delegation to meet PSNI Assistant Chief Constable

Sinn Féin MLAs Paul Butler and Jennifer McCann will lead a party delegation to meet the PSNI in Castlereagh PSNI Station on Friday 16 November @ 2pm regarding the campaign of intimidation against Catholics in the Stoneyford and Kilultagh areas. Read more

All-Ireland Road Safety approach will save lives - Doherty

Speaking during a Seanad debate this afternoon on Road Safety Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has highlighted the urgent need for All-Ireland cooperation on road safety. Read more

Junior Minister gets serious about play

Sinn Féin Junior Minister Gerry Kelly today emphasised his commitment to children’s play following a presentation from Playboard on their new innovative play scheme, ‘Reclaiming Playspace’. Read more

Shock at Derry jobs bombshell

New figures that reveal the massive extent of job losses in Derry prove the need for rapid investment in the city, Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has said. Read more

Junior Minister Gerry Kelly Visits Housing Scheme for young homeless people

Sinn Féin Junior Minister Gerry Kelly today visited a housing scheme for young homeless people in north Belfast. Read more

Raymond McCartney MLA calls for support for Air ambulance Charity

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has called on Health Ministers, Michael McGimpsey MLA and Mary Harney TD to throw their weight behind Alfa 5 Air Ambulance Group the charity set up to establish an air ambulance service and to look into the feasibility of government assistance for a dedicated… Read more

Parties Unite in Call for Environmental Protection Agency

The Coalition for Environmental Protection this morning held a cross party event at Stormont to highlight the urgent need for an independent Environmental Protection Agency. Read more

Alpha-nortestosterone review completed

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has published the review into DARD’s handling of the alpha-nortestosterone issue. Read more

Bairbre de Brún welcomes dissolution of extreme-right group

Bairbre de Brún today welcomed the dissolution of the extreme-right ITS group in the European Parliament following an internal clash between Romanian MEPs and the Italian MEP Alessandra Mussolini, granddaughter of former dictator Benito Mussolini, saying that they "made no positive contribution to the work of the European Parliament". Read more

Education Minister expresses disappointment at planned strike

Sinn Féin Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has spoken of her disappointment at planned strike action by NIPSA that will affect special schools. Read more

Sinn Féin call on people to fully support Quinn investigation

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy today called for people to fully support the Gardaí and the PSNI with the job of bringing the killers of Paul Quinn to justice. Read more

Fury at Iris Robinson as Health Minister sent packing

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson, Carál Ní Chuilín has said that Iris Robinson has overstepped her authority as Chair of the Assembly Health Committee after she told the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey that she did not want him to attend the committee for a discussion on the Health Budget. Read more

Sinn Féin will oppose proposals by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to increase in Donegal by 50%the number of holiday homes

Donegal Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has said that his party will tomorrow during a workshop of Donegal county council to review the county development plan oppose proposals by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael councillors to increase the number of holiday homes in Donegal by 50%. Read more

Sinn Féin question government competency to deliver Transport 21 - Ó Snodaigh

Speaking during a Dáil debate on Transport 21 Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh questioned government competency to deliver the ambitious project. Read more

MRSA Scandal - "Single rooms and isolation units clearly identified as far back as 2001 but government action was not taken” – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin TD and Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caolain this evening secured a Dáil debate on the continuing proliferation of MRSA affecting the country’s hospitals. Read more

Major dual carriageway schemes announced - Murphy

Sinn Féin Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy today took significant steps towards two major dual carriageway schemes. Read more

Ministers review actions following June flooding in Omagh

Sinn Féin's Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA and Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy have jointly addressed Omagh Council on flood alleviation in the Omagh area. Read more

Butler calls on classroom assistants to reconsider industrial action

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Paul Butler MLA has said that the planned industrial action by classroom assistants is not in the best interests of children, parents or classroom assistants. Read more

Sinn Féin call for Dáil debate on escalating gun crime

Sinn Féin Dublin TD and Spokesperson on Community Safety this morning sought an adjournment of the Dáil to facilitate a debate on the escalating gun crime in the city. The adjournment was not agreed to by the Dáil Ceann Chomairle. Read more

'I will not be bullied by any minister' - McKay

Responding to reports that Arlene Foster is seeking legal advice from departmental legal advisors about the concerns that he has raised about the Giants Causeway VIstors' Centre, North Antrim MLA Daithí McKay has said that he will not be bullied by any minister or distratcted from voicing genuine concerns. Read more

Kelly condemns death threats against Sinn Féin DPP members

Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has condemned the deaths threats issued against more than 11 Republicans who are members of the local policing partnership boards in Belfast emanating from an organisation calling itself the Irish Liberation Republican Army. Read more

McGuinness and Paisley to meet US President

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and First Minister Ian Paisley Snr today welcomed an invitation from US President George W Bush to meet with him in Washington in early December. Read more

Ruane visits school affected by Omagh Fire Tragedy

Sinn Féin Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has visited Omagh following the deaths of seven people in a house blaze in the town. Read more

Research into Older People Launched

Ensuring older people have access to the food they need for good health must be a top priority the Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said today. Read more

Sponsor secured for Smithfield on Ice - Burke

Sinn Féin Councillor and party group leader on Dublin City Council Christy Burke has today welcomed the news that Smithfield on Ice has secured a sponsor for the annual Christmas event. Read more

‘Commitment to Derry welcome’ - Anderson

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has welcomed a commitment by the First and Deputy First Ministers to tackle the neglect of Derry. Read more

deputy First Minister attends major conference on Heritage and Identity

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness told a major conference in Belfast that we need to move away from seeing our heritage as being divisive to widening its appeal so that many people can enjoy and appreciate it. Read more

Anderson welcomes Organic support

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has welcomed new measures from the Agriculture Minister to assist the organic farming trade here. Read more

Ferris Comments on Denny Job Losses

North Kerry Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has expressed his disappointment at the announcement that 50 more workers at the Denny factory in Tralee are to be made redundant in the New Year. Deputy Ferris offered his commiserations with the workers and their families, describing it as a bitter blow… Read more

O'Dowd challenges DFP permanent Sectary over SIB consultant payments

Sinn Féin MLA and chair of the Public Accounts Committee John O Dowd has asked the Permanent Sectetary of the Department of Finance and Personnel to supply him with details of how any percieved conflict of interest is dealt with in regards to the Strategic Investment Board and their use… Read more

Sinn Fein take case for Irish language legislation to Brussels - Sinn Féin le cás Acht na Gaeilge a ardú sa Bhrúiséal

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún and Senator Pearse Doherty will lead a 25 strong delegation to Brussels next week to highlight the case for Irish language legislation in the six counties. Read more

Gildernew visits Fishing Research ship

Sinn Féin Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has visited the marine research vessel, Corystes, at her home port of Belfast. Read more

Threats to Republicans including DPP members

Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has said that the threats from dissidents to Sinn Féin Councillors, members of the District Policing Partnerships and republicans across Belfast will not stop any republican from working for political and social progress and Irish Unity. Read more

Doherty pays tribute to resilience and collective compassion of community in Omagh

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has paid tribute to the resilience and collective compassion shown by the people of Omagh in what has been a deeply traumatic week for the local community. Read more

McGuinness appeals for media sensitivity

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, MP, MLA has issued an appeal to the media to exercise sensitivity and give the families of those affected by the Omagh fire tragedy time and space to mourn their loved ones. Read more

Sinn Féin meet PSNI over Stoneyford intimidation

Sinn Féin MLA Paul Butler has today met with the Assistant Chief Constable Duncan Mc Causland and District Commander Paula Hilman in the Castlereagh PSNI station. Read more

Disappointment at Parades Commission decision

East Belfast Sinn Féin Representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has expressed his disappointment at the decision of the Parades Commission to allow a loyalist band protest to pass the Short Strand area twice on 24th November. Read more

Keady Road death

Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has expressed his sadness following the news of another death on the roads, after a man died in a collision on a road near Keady. Read more

Derry man injured in incident involving PSNI

Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has called for a full inquiry into an incident involving the PSNI in which a man sustained a serious injury to his arm. Read more

Forth attack on Cullyhanna Family – ‘deliberate intent to cause community strife’

Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy has said that he shares the deep concerns of many within the Cullyhanna community that there is a concerted sinister and deliberate anti-community element intent on causing intimidation and fear within the area. Read more

de Brún urges European Commission release of compensation payments to former Lough Foyle fishermen

Sinn Féin MEP, Bairbre de Brún has called on European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Joe Borg, to ensure the immediate release of monies for compensation payments to former fishermen who gave up their livelihoods involved in drift and draft-net fishing for salmon on Lough Foyle. Read more

Climate Change Action Required Now – Boylan

Cathal Boylan, Sinn Fein MLA for Newry and South Armagh and Vice Chair of the Assembly Environment committee, says the latest report from the IPCC, (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), must focus people’s minds on the need to act now. Read more

Scandal of 50% cut to Housing Executive budget

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MLA Mickey Brady has said that news that the Housing Executive is facing a fifty per cent cut in its funding, is a terrible indictment on the Department of Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. Read more

Cullyhanna Commemoration hears of challenges to vision of Republic

Over one thousand people who attended the 34th anniversary commemoration of Michael McVerry in Cullyhanna heard Derry Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney state that many challenges lie before republicans but that as in the past, those challenges would be confronted. Read more

de Brún to raise waste management issues with Minister Gormley

Sinn Féin MEP, Bairbre de Brún who is today involved in a range of meetings in Dublin as part of a high level delegation from the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety has said that 'Waste management is a key issue facing Ireland, North and… Read more

Plans to change Incapacity Benefit will hit the most vulnerable in society

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has said proposed changes to Incapacity Benefit announced by Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain will hit the most vulnerable in society. Read more

Better access to GP out-of-hours services for border communities

Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy has welcomed the announcement that from next week people living in the Carrigatuke, Keady, Killeen, Derrynoose, Milford, Killylea Crossmaglen, Creggan, Silverbridge, Newtownhamilton and Killeen areas can avail of GP out of Hours services in the NEDOC Out of Hours Centre in Castleblayney County Monaghan. Read more

Sinn Féin succeed in blocking yet another anti-Irish DUP motion - O'Neill

Speaking following a defeated DUP motion on the 'club bank' scheme for schools, Sinn Féin MLA and Education committee member Michelle O'Neill has lambasted Anti Irish language campaigners for another time wasting exercise. Read more

Students protesting against system brought in by SDLP

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson, Paul Butler has backed third level students protesting outside the Assembly today demanding the scrapping of Student Fees and the re-introduction of the maintenance grant. Read more

Morgan calls for Agency Workers' legislation

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Arthur Morgan TD has called on the Government to introduce legislation to provide equal treatment for agency workers. He also welcomed the launch of the SIPTU campaign aimed at improving agency workers' rights. Read more

"Minister should intervene directly in pharmacy dispute" - Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the ongoing dispute between the Health Service Executive and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) regarding the pricing of medicines, Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called for the Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney to intervene directly. Read more

Anger as An Bord Pleanála gives green light to incinerator - Doolan

Sinn Féin's Dublin Spokesperson on the Environment, Cllr. Daithí Doolan, has today expressed deep disappointment and anger as An Bord Pleanála gives the go ahead for the proposed incinerator for Poolbeg Peninsula. Read more

Concern that Nationalists losing out in new Ritchie funding package

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Fra McCann has voiced concern at the £3 million ‘Areas at Risk’ funding programme recently announced by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie and said that it is essential the money, especially for socially deprived areas, is allocated on the basis of objective need and equality. Read more

Ferris Calls for Debate on CAP

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD, is to seek the adjournment of the Dáil this afternoon to discuss the impending review of the Common Agricultural Policy. Deputy Ferris was responding to this morning’s release of a communication from the EU Commission setting the parameters for what it… Read more

Ruane launches anti-bullying campaign

Sinn Féin Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has unveiled an anti-bullying mural in Belfast city centre to coincide with anti-bullying week. Read more

de Brún addresses European Parliament hearing on the PEACE Programme

The European Parliament's ‘rapporteur’ on the evaluation of the PEACE Programme, Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún, today spoke at the European Parliament's public hearing on the PEACE Programme. Read more

50% of people entitled to rates relief missing out

Sinn Fein West Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann speaking after the publication of the Assembly Finance & Personnel Committee response to the 2007 Executive Review of the Domestic Rating System has expressed concern that 50% of those entitled to help with their rates are missing out. Read more

McLaughlin demands protection for Employment Agency Workers

Sinn Féin Economy spokesperson Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has called on the Minister for Employment & Learning to take whatever measures necessary to provide equal treatment for Employment Agency workers. Read more

SDLP and UUP vote against own Ministers

Sinn Féin Assembly group leader John O’Dowd MLA has said that the response of the SDLP and UUP to the Executive is ludicrous after they voted to support an amendment criticising the Executive’s legislative programme. Read more

Ill health is not an inevitable consequence of growing older

Newry and Armagh MLA Mickey Brady speaking at an Assembly debate prompted by the treatment of 76-year-old Michael Hanratty who, after a farming accident which resulted in a head injury, was deemed ‘too old’ by the Department of Health to receive specialist brain injury treatment, has said that the Department… Read more

Cancellation of South Belfast District Policing Partnership

Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, commenting on the cancellation the South Belfast sub-committee of the Belfast Policing Partnership meeting last night, has said that the DPP should consult more widely within the community for future meetings. Read more

Latest survey strengthens case for ‘zero’ tolerance – Boylan

Sinn Féin Road Safety spokesperson, Cathal Boylan MLA commenting on a recent survey on alcohol and driving has said that it strengthens the case for a zero tolerance approach. Read more

Announcement on Derry Coleraine Rail Line Upgrade welcomed‏

Following a meeting today of the Regional Development Committee in Stormont to discuss the Derry Belfast railway line Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has welcomed the announcement from the Minister that the Belfast – Colraine will be completely relaid. Read more

Tribunal of Inquiry Bill must be withdrawn – Ó Snodaigh

Commenting on the Tribunal of Inquiry Bill 2005 which commences debate in the Dáil today Sinn Féin TD and Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has described the Bill as an affront to democracy. Read more

Gildernew moves on Dangerous Dogs and Dog Fighting

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has made a statement to the Assembly on dangerous dogs and dog fighting. Read more

Gerry Kelly meets with young people on United Nations' children's day

Some 108 young people took to the steps of Parliament Buildings today to tell the Junior Ministers about the big issues affecting children today. Welcoming the young people to Stormont, Sinn Fein Junior Minister Gerry Kelly reaffirmed the Executive’s commitment to securing and prioritising the rights of children and young… Read more

Sinn Féin Donegal Senator welcomes Committee programme of work

Sinn Féin Donegal Senator Pearse Doherty has today welcomed the Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs joint Committees agreement to accept his proposals in its programme of work for the coming Dáil year. Read more

deputy First Minister condemns robberies of priests

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has condemned the knifepoint robbery on two priests in Cookstown as well as the robbery of another priest in West Belfast at the weekend. Read more

Coherent approach to Andersonstown barracks site ‘in order’

West Belfast MP Gerry Adams, President of Sinn Féin has said that a new study of regeneration in Andersonstown can safeguard the iconic status of the site of old Andersonstown RUC barracks. Read more

Sinn Féin to bring agenda for change to new Committee on the Good Friday Agreement

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty, speaking ahead of the first meeting of the new Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement in Dublin on Thursday, November 22nd, has said that while it falls short of representation in the Oireachtas for citizens in the North it… Read more

Psychological services in schools, charities stepping into void left by government – Ó Caoláin

Speaking from the Dáil this evening on psychological services in schools Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said “Charities are stepping into the void left by Government failure. The fact that the Saint Vincent de Paul Society has privately funded over 1,000 psychological assessments of children and young people is… Read more

Following British data loss Sinn Féin calls for government rethink on e-border plans

Sinn Féin TD and Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó this morning sought an adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the loss of sensitive data relating to 25 million individuals living in Britain. Read more

Anderson blasts British Government’s incompetence

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Equality and Human Rights, Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has blasted the British government’s incompetence over the loss of 25 million child benefit recipients personal details. Read more

Sinn Fein call for proper implementation of Article 40 to increase social new builds

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Cllr Fra McCann Has called on the Minister of Social Development to ensure any new housing developments across the north complies with article 40 of the Planning Act that compels developers to leave aside 20% of their developments for social and affordable housing. Read more

Work to begin to develop Full Service School Network in Ballymurphy

Sinn Féin Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has announced that work will begin to establish a Full Service School Network centred on Corpus Christi school in Ballymurphy. Read more

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader speaks at todays Sligo General Hospital Demonstration

Speaking at this morning’s demonstration outside Leinster House demanding that breast cancer services be maintained at Sligo General Hospital Sinn Féin TD and Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the current crisis in mammography is being used by government and the HSE to justify their drive to over-centralise our hospital… Read more

Minister meets NIPSA

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has welcomed representatives of NIPSA to Stormont. Read more

Committee votes to block attempt to raise Student Fees

Sinn Féin MLA Sue Ramsey, who is the chairperson of the Assembly Employment and Learning Committee, has said that the committee has voted to block or annul the regulations presented by Reg Empey that would have allowed him to increase Students Fees. Read more

Ruane welcomes progress on ‘catering for healthier lifestyles’ in schools

Sinn Féin Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, today praised the hard work of school staff in promoting healthy eating amongst their pupils. Read more

Sinn Féin take case for Irish language legislation to Brussels - Sinn Féin le cás Acht na Gaeilge a ardú sa Bhrúiséal

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún and Senator Pearse Doherty will lead a 25 strong delegation to Brussels next week to highlight the case for Irish language legislation in the six counties. Read more

Sinn Féin call for NI Events Company to be wound up

Sinn Fein MLA John O’Dowd, who chairperson of the Assembly Public Accounts Committee, has called for the NI Events Company to be wound up immediately after revelations of serious financial problems and a deficit of over £1 million. Read more

McDonald welcomes vote against inappropriate info gathering by European Commission

Mary Lou McDonald has welcomed the decision of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee of the European Parliament to remove a series of intrusive and inappropriate points from the European Commissions plans for population and housing censuses. Read more

Open letter to media from Conor Murphy on Derry railway line

Sinn Féin Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy MP MLA has written an open letter to the media outlining his proposals for the future development of the Derry railway line. Read more

Gildernew attends all-Ireland Ministerial Council Aquaculture and Marine sector meeting

The aquaculture industry and marine tourism topped the agenda at a North-South Ministerial meeting today. Read more

Gildernew outlines progress on Nitrates Scheme

Sinn Féin Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has confirmed progress with undertaking Farm Nutrient Management Scheme inspections (FNMS). Read more

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin reaction to further misdiagnosed cancer cases

Commenting on the diagnosis of two further cancer cases in addition to the seven previously misdiagnosed as clear of cancer at the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar, Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: Read more

Simpson challenged over untrue allegations

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MLA Francie Molloy has challenged DUP MP David Simpson to repeat his untrue allegations in public and also to come clean about details he may have about a convicted UVF killer. Read more

Respect the key to future success

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has told students that respect is the key to securing a society here where racism and sectarianism are things of the past. Read more

Road Service to investigate Road Safety at Newry-Omeath crash site

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan has welcomed the announcement that Road Services is to investigate road safety along the Newry-Omeath Road. Read more

Shock at tragic Limavady death

Sinn Féin East Belfast MLA Francie Brolly has said that the local community is shocked at the tragic death of a young teenager in the Limavady area last night. He also called for action to address the concerns of the local community about the Blackburn path area. Read more

Planned 50% cut to Housing Executive budget would be disastrous

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MLA Mickey Brady has said that Margaret Ritchie’s plans to cut Housing Executive funding by 50% is a huge mistake and would have disastrous consequences for the most vulnerable people in our society. Read more

Sinn Féin leaders attend inaugural meeting of Good Friday Agreement Committee

Speaking during this afternoon’s first meeting of the Good Friday Agreement Oireachtas Committee Sinn Féin TD and party Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin described the committee’s work as a significant step forward in delivering the full potential of the Agreement. Read more

Harney and Drumm must be challenged on healthcare chaos

Sinn Féin Health and Children spokesperson and Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin today said Health Minister Mary Harney and HSE Chief Brendan Drumm must be challenged on the chaos in the health services. Read more

McGuinness criticises Simpson over allegations

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MP Martin McGuinness has said that David Simpson’s unfounded and untrue allegations about Francie Molloy deserve to be treated with total contempt. Read more

Cullinane appeals for support for glass factory workers

Sinn Féin City Councillor David Cullinane has appealed for the people of Waterford to support the workers and Trade Unions at Waterford Crystal in their fight to save jobs at the factory. Read more

Gildernew confirms more farmers to get Single Farm Payment in December

Sinn Féin Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has announced that 79% of farmers will receive their 2007 Single Farm Payments by 21 December 2007. Read more

Opportunities arising from work of EU Task Force must be grasped de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has called on the Assembly to make the most of the opportunities arising from the work of the EU Task Force set up after a visit by European Commission President José Manuel Barroso to Belfast in May, and has pledged to continue her support… Read more

de Brún MEP calls for flexible use of EU Fund

Bairbre de Brún MEP has called on the European Commission to show flexibility over the admissibility of a claim to the EU Globalisation Adjustment Fund following the recent announcement of huge job losses at Seagate. Read more

Treatment of haulage employees ‘scandalous’

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that over 200 employees who lost their jobs at Reid Transport in North Antrim have been treated scandalously. Read more

Junior Ministers visit Brussels to step up European participation

Sinn Féin Junior Minister Gerry Kelly and Ian Paisley jnr led a delegation to Brussels today to strengthen the links between Ireland and Europe. The Junior Ministers met with Secretary-General Catherine Day and Dirk Ahner, Director-General of DG Regio. Read more

Roisin McAliskey decision welcomed

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MP Martin McGuinness has welcomed the decision to end the extradition proceedings against Roisin McAliskey. Read more

Housing Minister must deliver - McCann MLA

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, Fra McCann has written to the Minister of Finance asking that prioritisation be given to housing in the budget and a greater focus should be given to housing from the Social Development Minister herself. Read more

Public Accounts Committee demands report on Events Company losses

Sinn Féin MLA John O Dowd has confirmed that the Public Accounts Committee at the Assembly is to ask for a report on the massive loss of public monies by the Events Company. Read more

Inquiry into management of cancer services must be independent – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health and Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has backed calls for a completely independent inquiry into the management of cancer services in the Midlands region following the latest development in the scandal. Commenting on calls for the resignation of Health Minister Mary Harney, the Sinn Féin Dáil leader… Read more

Martin McGuinness attends Elevation of Archbishop Brady

Deputy First Minister and Mid-Ulster MP Martin McGuinness has travelled to Rome for the elevation of Archbishop, Sean Brady to the position of Cardinal. Read more

McKay to meet Economy Minister with Reids workers

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay is to meet with Economy Minister Nigel Dodds today along with workers who have lost their jobs at Reid Transport in Cloughmills. Mr McKay is also putting forward a Private Notice question to be discussed in the Assembly tomorrow. Read more

New Ógra Shinn Féin set up in Derry City

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has welcomed the news that Derry City's well known Republican Youth group Tóirsire (meaning Torch Carriers), is to launch as Ógra Shinn Féin Doire this coming Tuesday 27th November. Read more

Minister Ritchie putting lives at risk - Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Older People, Newry Armagh MLA Micky Brady has said that the Social Development Minister's decision to cut funding for the "Warm Homes Scheme" by 50% will put peoples lives at risk. Read more

Programme for Government only as good as its’ implementation

Sinn Féin Equality Spokesperson, Foyle MLA Martina Anderson speaking ahead of an Assembly debate on the draft Programme for Government and Investment Strategy has said that the Executive will be judged on how it succeeds in addressing inequalities and tackling regional imbalance. Read more

Events Company Board Members have questions to answer

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Paul Maskey has said that Unionist Board Members of the troubled "NI" Events Company have questions to answer over the organisations downfall. Read more

Sinn Féin tables no confidence motion in Harney and Government Health Policy

Sinn Féin has tabled a Dáil no-confidence motion in Health Minister Mary Harney which it says is an indictment not only of her stewardship but of Government health policy and management of the health services. Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: Read more

Cross-border GP service welcome but much more needed – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health and Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has welcomed the commencement from today (Monday 26 November) of the new cross-border General Practitioner Out-of-Hours Service. The service will enable people living in South Armagh who require a GP outside normal practice hours to attend a GP in the NEDOC… Read more

No new social housing in 2008

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Fra McCann has said that the comments from Housing Minster Margaret Ritchie that there ‘might not be any social housing new builds next year’ represent a deep and profound failure. Read more

Sinn Féin tables no confidence motion in Harney and Government Health policy

Sinn Féin has tabled a Dáil no-confidence motion in Health Minister Mary Harney which it says is an indictment not only of her stewardship but of Government health policy and management of the health services. Read more

de Brún in major Waste Management event

Sinn Féin's MEP on the European Parliament's Environment committee, Bairbre de Brún, will tomorrow take part in a major Friends of the Earth event in Brussels. The hearing entitled 'Don't Waste your Climate' will bring together MEPs and experts from across Europe to look at the new Waste Framework Directive. Read more

Sinn Féin Councillors to join Derry DPP‏

Councillor Lynn Fleming has described the party’s forthcoming participation on the Derry District Policing Partnership as ‘a welcome opportunity to bring accountable and proper policing to the citizens of the city and district’. Read more

Sinn Féin meet PSNI over policing in Derry

A Sinn Féin delegation met with the PSNI in Derry to raise their concerns over the incident which led to Gary Donnelly having his arm broken. The delegation consisted of Paul Fleming, Maeve McLaughlin and Raymond McCartney. Read more

Action plan to tackle spiralling cocaine urgently required - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin TD and party spokesperson on Community Safety Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on government to immediately resource and implement a strategy to tackle the growing cocaine crisis in Ireland. Read more

Farm Minister comments on EU Commission CAP health Check proposals

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has commented on the publication by the EU Commission of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Health Check proposals. Read more

Stand up for Derry campaign set for Stormont and the Guildhall

Sinn Féin in Derry have announced that they are to take the Stand Up for Derry campaign to both the Stormont Executive and Derry City Council. Read more

Reid Employees tell of children working nightshifts at plant

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that employees who have lost their jobs at Reid Transport have raised serious concerns around practices that were taking place within the company. Mr McKay was part of a delegation which alerted the Employment Minister Reg Empey of these concerns at… Read more

Better access to GP out-of-hours services for border communities

Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy has welcomed the announcement that people living in South Armagh can avail of GP out of Hours services in the NEDOC Out of Hours Centre in Castleblayney County Monaghan. Read more

Ministers meet to discuss local food procurement

Sinn Féin Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA, has today met with the Sinn Féin Education Minister Caitriona Ruane and Health Minister Michael McGimpsey to discuss the possibility of increasing the volume of locally produced and processed foods that are offered through our public sector catering facilities. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes Acute Hospitals Committee decision to call on Health Minister to cover expenses for women recalled for breast checks

Dublin Sinn Féin Councillor Christy Burke has this afternoon welcomed the Acute Hospitals Committee decision to support his motion calling for travel and medical support to be provided to all women recalled as a result of inaccurate breast tests. Read more

“Ritchie should use imagination” – Pat Doherty MP, MLA

Pat Doherty MP, MLA (West Tyrone) has called on Social development Minister, Margaret Ritchie to use her imagination to resolve funding issues within her department instead of blaming everyone else for her ineptitude. Read more

Link bridge at Narrow Water needed to improve all Ireland links - Ruane

South Down Assembly Member Caitríona Ruane has said that she believes funding for a link bridge at Narrow Water near Warrenpoint will be made available by the Irish Government and that the realisation of this project would provide a major boost for tourism in south Down and north Louth. Read more

Pricewaterhouse Cooper behaviour towards Reids workers disrespectful

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has welcomed the commitment from Economy Minister Nigel Dodds to act on a number of matters Reids Transport workers raised with him last night (Monday). Mr McKay who organised the meeting, said that there was no excuses for the administrator Pricewaterhouse Cooper refusing… Read more

Launch of the Derry Republican Graves Association Calendar 2008

Speaking at the Launch of the Derry Republican Graves Association Calendar 2008 at the annual Pól Kinsella Sinn Féin Cumann Function Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney encouraged republicans to support the important work of the Graves Association. Read more

Invest NI have failed Derry

Following a meeting with Invest NI, Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has challenged the organisation over its lack of investment and assistance to ensure the economic development of Derry and the North West region. Read more

Budget limitation should not limit thinking

Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson speaking ahead of the Assembly debate on the draft Budget has said that tackling inequality and protecting the most vulnerable must be a key objective of the budget. Read more

Minister Ritchie should return to local government - McCann

Responding to a barrage of stories eminating from the Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Fra McCann has said that the scaremongering must stop, the Minister should announce what, if any, positive moves she shall make and if she is under pressure she should return to local… Read more

Ferris Calls for Extension of Energy Efficiency Grants

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Environment, Martin Ferris TD, has called on the Government to extend all grants to promote energy efficiency to recipients of Fuel Allowance. The Kerry North TD was speaking in the Dáil where he sought a debate on the issue. He also called for this… Read more

Ferris secures Dáil Debate on Tralee Job Losses

Kerry North Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has been successful in raising a Dáil debate today on the recent loss of 50 jobs at Denny’s in Tralee and the implications this will have on the worsening unemployment situation in the town. Read more

HSE Reversal on Regional Orthopaedic Unit in Navan Victory for Patients

Cllr. Joe Reilly has described the u-turn by HSE management to reopen the Regional Orthopaedic Unit in Our Lady's Hospital Navan and to proceed with thirty operations as a small victory for those who challenged the HSE decision and a welcome victory for the chosen thirty patients and their families. Read more

Gildernew Announces aid for Fishing Industry

Sinn Féin Fisheries Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has announced £12.76m (€18.1m) funding under the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) for the local fishing industry. Read more

Concerns over activity of administrators after allegations of violence against Reid workers

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has voiced his concern after it was reported that firearms were brandished at a Reid Transport plant in Loughgiel. Mr McKay was speaking after two incidents took place at the company’s yard where Reid workers said they were threatened. Read more

Murphy welcomes Strasbourg collusion ruling on South Armagh murders

Sinn Féin Newry Armagh MP Conor Murphy has welcomed the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg that today ruled that the collusion between the RUC and UDR and loyalists in the murders of eight men, including John, Brian and Anthony Reavey and Joseph, Barry and Declan… Read more

Most South Belfast streets exceed the proposed limits for the number of HMO’s

Sinn Féin South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has called for an urgent review of the Housing Executive’s Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) strategy, after it has emerged that the HMO’s specified for registration in South Belfast are not scheduled to be completed until February 2013. Read more

Welcome for Executive’s Review of Domestic Rating - Mitchel McLaughlin MLA

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has welcomed the publication of the Executive's Review of Domestic Rates. Read more

No confidence motion opportunity for Dáil Deputies to show where they stand on Cancer Care Crisis - Ó Caoláin

Speaking from the Dáil tonight party Dáil leader and Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD pledged Sinn Féin’s full support of the motion of no confidence in the Minister for Health and Children Deputy Mary Harney. Read more

Violence against women

Sinn Féin spokesperson on women Jennifer McCann MLA speaking following the publication of an Amnesty International Report today highlighting the lack of services available in the North of Ireland for women who are raped or experience violence has said that tackling violence against women must be given the priority it… Read more

Stand Up for Derry‏

Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has said that the ‘Stand Up for Derry’ campaign will not only continue but will be intensified over the coming months despite the SDLP voting against a motion put before Derry City Council calling for all party support for the campaign. Read more

Pricewaterhouse Cooper need to engage with Reids workers’ committee to resolve dispute

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said discussions between Pricewaterhouse Cooper and the Reids workers’ committee is key to resolving the dispute at the Cloughmills factory. He was speaking after Pricewaterhouse Cooper released a statement in regard to wage arrears. Read more

Minister welcomes abolition of cross-border transfer fees

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the decision by National Irish Bank and its sister company Northern Bank to abolish fees for electronic cross-border transfers. Read more

Gaelic games should be 'celebrated, not berated'

Sinn Féin MLA and Assembly Culture Committee Chair Barry McElduff shall today meet the BBC Controller Peter Johnston to discuss the BBC's coverage of Gaelic Games in both television and radio. Read more

McLaughlin calls on all banks to abolish cross-border transfer fees

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has called on all Banks to follow the lead taken by National Irish Bank and its sister company Northern Bank in abolishing fees for electronic cross-border transfers. Read more

SDLP Minister targets elderly and homeless with budget cuts

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has accused Social development Minister, Margaret Ritchie of targeting the homeless and the elderly by threatening to cut the Housing Executive budget and the Warm Home schemes by 50%. Read more

Ruane highlights importance of non-formal education

Sinn Féin Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane MLA, has welcomed the opportunities that exist for young people to learn outside of the formal education environment. Read more

Health & well being of constituents in Dáil Deputies hands – Ó Caoláin

Speaking today from Leinster House Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin today confirmed the party’s support of this evening’s motion of no confidence in the Minister for Health and Children Deputy Mary Harney. Sinn Féin have also tabled our own motion of no confidence. Read more

Replacing PPS 14 – a new debate on rural planning

Newry Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan, who is the Vice Chairperson of the Assembly Environment Committee, took part in a debate at the Stormont Hotel on Wednesday morning to discuss what new policy should replace the draconian PPS 14 which threatened to decimate the rural way of life. Read more

Step forward for North West radiography unit

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has welcomed the meeting today of the North South Ministerial Council Meeting in which the campaign to situate a radiography unit in the North West has taken a step forward. Read more

Minister considered using 'planning condition' to remove existing Visitors Centre at Causeway

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA, Daithí McKay has asked the Environment Minister Arlene Foster to explain what planning condition she was considering using to "secure the removal of the existing visitor centre buildings" at the Giants' Causeway. Read more

EU battle groups not appropriate form of international intervention in Chad - Ó Snodaigh

Speaking during a Dáil motion on the dispatch of defence forces personnel to Chad as part of an EU battle group adventure Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh emphasised the party’s concern for the deteriorating situation in Chad, agreed that international support and peace keeping is urgently needed but opposed… Read more

Media briefing on Sinn Féin’s Budget 2008 Priorities

Sinn Féin TD and Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan will tomorrow (Thursday) November 29th brief the media on the party’s Budget 2008 priorities @ 11am in Leinster House. Deputy Morgan will be joined by Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin. Read more

Equality must be the cornerstone of social provisions for the Travelling Community - Doherty

In response to a Seanad discussion 'Realising Equality and the Traveller Community' Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty said "if a society is judged on how it treats identifiable minority groups then Ireland would fail miserably." Read more

Sinn Féin demands real Seanad reform - Doherty

Speaking during a debate on Seanad reform Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty noted the undemocratic and elitist construct of the institution and argued that the proposed the Green Party reforms fell far short of what was needed to create a democratic, transparent, accountable and relevant second house of parliament. Read more

Flexicurity will further undermine rights of most vulnerable workers - McDonald

Speaking this evening on the report put to the EU Parliament on 'Flexicurity' Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald warned that the primary objective contained within the report was to erode workers rights. Read more

Support for Rape Crisis Centre

Following yesterdays report from Amnesty International highlighting the lack of services and provision of trained counsellors to help women and children who are raped or abused Sinn Fein MLA Jennifer McCann has called on the executive to find funding for the Rape Crisis Centre. Read more

Alban Maginness challenged over claim to be North Belfast housing champion Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin Chief Whip, North Belfast MLA Carál Ní Chuilín haschallenged Alban Maginness over SDLP claims to be housing champions and champions for the vulnerable. Read more

Gildernew meets NIE over North-South Electricity Inter-connector

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has met with representatives of NIE regarding proposals for a new North-South electricity inter-connector. Read more

Post Office Network ‘Change Programme’ should not increase rural isolation

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Gerry McHugh has said that it is essential that any proposals to rationalise the Post Office Network should not in any way add to the isolation of people, particularly in rural areas. Read more

Introduction of public meetings to JPC process essential to its success – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking during a consultation of Joint Policing Committee (JPC) members hosted by the Minister for Justice, Sinn Féin TD and Community Safety Spokesman Aengus Ó Snodaigh said: “Today’s evaluation of the JPCs' work to date offers a real opportunity for the Minister to address the shortcomings experienced thus far so… Read more

Trade needs to 'go green' - de Brún

Sinn Féin's MEP Bairbre de Brún has today welcomed the European Parliament's backing of an important message - trade needs to go green. Read more

Covert Camera allegations raise serious questions for British government

Sinn Féin Newry Armagh MP Conor Murphy has said that allegations carried in the Andersonstown News today that the British Army was still engaged in using covert cameras to spy on people in South Armagh, West Belfast and County Louth raised very serious questions for the British government. Read more

McKay to accompany Reids workers to meeting with Administrators

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay is to accompany representatives of workers who lost their jobs at Reid Transport to a meeting with Pricewaterhouse Cooper today (Thursday). The meeting is being hosted by the Labour Relations Agency. Read more

Get on your bike this Christmas!

Sinn Féin Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, encouraged children to try cycling to school as she launched the Safe Routes to School Project. Read more

Drink driving initiative‏

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has welcomed the launch of the joint initiative by the PSNI and the Garda Siochana to tackle drink driving over the Christmas period. Read more

Ní Chuilín to host World Aids Day conference in Stormont

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín MLA will host a World Aids Day conference in conjunction with the HIV support centre in Stormont, Saturday December 1. Read more

Sinn Féin launches Budget 2008 Priorities Document

Sinn Féin TD and Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan today launched the party's Budget Priorities for 2008. Deputy Morgan takes over the portfolio from party Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin. Deputy Morgan has extensive experience in the business sector. Read more

Ó Caoláin - Concerns over future of VHI

Sinn Féin Dáil Group Leader and Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD speaking during the debate on the Voluntary Health Insurance Bill said: “Risk Equalisation is essential but this legislation does nothing to remove the doubts about the future of the VHI as a statutory corporation.” Read more

Government’s Drugs Strategy is failing to deliver

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD speaking in the Dáil in relation to the National Drugs Strategy demanded that the government take action to deal with the crack cocaine and crystal meth which are now in danger of establishing a real foothold in this country. Read more

Arntz Belting company‏

Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has called on the management of Arntz Belting Company to state the facts in connection with a planning application for housing on its entire site. Read more

‎McKay congratulates Reid workers for taking stand

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has congratulated workers at Reids Transport after the blockade at the company gates was brought to an end. Mr McKay was speaking after attending a 5-hour meeting between the administrators and the Reids workers. Read more

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillors launch motion in support of 16 Days Campaign

Dublin Sinn Féin Councillors today launched the party's Domestic Violence Motion to be put to City Council next Monday in solidarity with the 16 Days of Action Opposing Violence against Women Campaign. Opening today's event in City Hall Dublin Cllr. Louise Minihan said "The biggest obstacle to women fleeing domestic… Read more

Expansion of Derry University Campus needed

Sinn Féin Cllr Maeve McLaughlin has called for targeted approach to the increase in student places at Magee. Read more

Sinn Féin Dublin TD supports 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against Women Campaign

Speaking at this mornings from City Hall at a Sinn Féin event in support of the 16 Days Campaign Sinn Féin Dublin TD and Community Safety Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh said: Read more

Gerry Kelly meets with all party group on Children and Young people

Sinn Fein Junior Ministes Gerry Kelly met with representatives of the Assembly’s All Party Group on Children and Young People along with Ian Paisley Jnr. Read more

EU green light for Post Office financial support

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Gerry McHugh MLA has welcomed the EU decision to authorise direct government aid to support the postal service. Read more

Covert spying in Louth allegations raise serious question for British government

Sinn Féin Louth TD Arthur Morgan has said today allegations in the media that the British Army remains engaged in using covert cameras to spy on people in South Armagh, West Belfast and County Louth raises serious questions for the British government. Read more

Police should never bug client conversations - McKay MLA

Responding to a ruling by Brian Kerr who said that the monitoring of such conversations will be unlawful Sinn Féin MLA and Policing Board Member Daithí McKay has said that the police should never bug client conversations and that changing the legacy of bad policing is the responsibility of all. Read more

Adams to host 'A Celebration of the Irish Language' in Stormont

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA will host 'A Celebration of the Irish Language' in the Great Hall in Stormont, Friday 7 December. Read more

Mac Ádhmaidh ag óstáil Ceiliúradh na Gaeilge i Stormont

Beidh Uachtarán Shinn Fein Gearóid Mac Ádhaimh MP MLA ag óstáil Cheiliúradh na Gaeilge i Mór-Halla Stormont ar an Áoine 7 Nollaig. Read more

November 2007 Archives (Latest News)

November 1, 2007

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November 14, 2007