March 2009 Archives (Latest News)

de Brún calls from Palestine on EU and US to demand an end to Gaza siege

In advance of tomorrow's (2 March) Sharm El Sheikh Conference for Gaza reconstruction and support for the Palestinian economy, Bairbre de Brun MEP has called on the EU and US to demand that the border crossings at Gaza be opened and that free movement be allowed into and out of… Read more

Great sadness at Omagh Hospital Vigil - McColgan

The Sinn Féin Chairperson of Omagh District Council, Cllr Marty McColgan says that there was great sadness at the vigil held in Omagh last night to coincide with the decision by the Western Trust to withdraw acute services provision at the Tyrone County Hospital. Read more

Mayor Chivers delighted as another Naíscoil opens in Limavady

Speaking today at the beginning of Seachtain na Gaeilge 2009 (Irish Language Week), Mayor Chivers has welcomed the opening of another Irish medium school in the Limavady area. Read more

Parker in Lisburn Road cycle lanes call

Balmoral Sinn Féin representative Vincent Parker has written to Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy MP to call for provision to be made for cycle lanes on the Lisburn Road. Read more

John O’Dowd seeks Speakers intervention on lack of answers from Health Minister

Sinn Féin Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd has written to the Speaker of the Assembly Mr Willie Hay asking him to intervene and ask the Minister for Health Mr Michael Mc Gimpsey to answer a written question which is now outstanding for 4 months. Read more

PSNI Accused of brutality in Castlederg

Castlederg Sinn Féin Councillor Ruairí McHugh has accused the PSNI of brutality following an incident in Hillview Park in the town which resulted in two brothers being hospitalised after being beaten and attacked with CS Spray. Read more

Tax increases - those who earn the most must pay the most

SINN FÉIN President Gerry Adams has accused the government of having facilitated bankers and developers to distort the housing market during the 'Celtic Tiger' era and helping to destroy the Irish economy. He said that those whose greed put housing beyond the reach of ordinary people and undermined the state's… Read more

Doolan welcomes Council's proceedings against 100 developers

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Daithi Doolan has welcomed the news that Dublin City Council has initiated Planning Enforcement Action against 100 property developers for non-payment of Development Contributions. Councillor Doolan said the move was "long overdue considering the City is now owed over €24m in Development Contributions." Read more

Lack of fiscal powers inhibits reaction to recession

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment committee, Paul Butler, has stated today that the main point that should be taken from the visit to the Assembly by the British Treasury Select Committee is that it highlights the severe lack of fiscal powers for local representatives… Read more

Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill visits Great Ormond’s Street hospital.

Sinn Féin MLA and deputy chair of the Health Committee, Michelle O’Neill will be visiting Great Ormond’s Street hospital tomorrow, the 3rd of March, 2009. The purpose of the visit is to examine care and services that are not available locally for our children. Read more

Tús Seachtain na Gaeilge 2009

Lainseáil lámhleabhair ‘Gaeilge Riachtannach do ghníomhaithe Shinn Féin’ ar máidín in oifigí Shinn Féin i Stormont. Read more

Fianna Fáil 1980s golden circle culture to blame for findings of Transparency International Report

Responding to today's Transparency International Report Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald MEP has reiterated the party's demand for political parties to publish annual financial statements. The Dublin MEP noted as deeply worrying that international observers see Ireland as suffering high levels of 'legal corruption' adding the Taoiseach cannot… Read more

Efforts must be made to provide employment for marginalised groups

Sinn Féin MLA and Chairperson of the Employment and Learning Committee, Sue Ramsey, will tomorrow call on employers to strive to ensure that marginalised groups are provided with employment opportunities. Ms Ramsey will make the call at an event organised by the Equality Commission entitled ‘Bridge the gap – improving… Read more

Sinn Féin move emergency motion to halt sale of Council land to one of Anglo's golden circle

Sinn Fein Dublin Councillor Larry O'Toole has submitted an emergency motion to tonight's Dublin City Council meeting calling for the disposal of council property on Moore Street to developers Chartered Land to be put on hold pending a garda investigation into Anglo Irish Bank and its golden circle clients. Read more

Older people deserves society’s respect and assistance – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin spokesperson for older people Micky Brady MLA has called for a renewed approach to practically assist older people within our society. Read more

Woe betide Margaret Ritchie’s budget – but enough excuses. It’s time to deliver.

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast and member of the Social Development Committee, Fra McCann, has called on Margaret Ritchie to actually answer a question at Ministerial Question Time without referring to her budget. Read more

Ferris Warns on Cutbacks in Fight against Drugs

European Candidate Cllr Toireasa Ferris has warned that the cutbacks in the campaign against drugs, which may appear a soft option for Ministers in the short term, could have long term devastating consequences for a whole generation of young people across Munster. Read more

British Treasury Select Committee visit highlights lack of fiscal powers at Assembly

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA commenting by the British Treasury Select Committee said that listening to its members served only to highlight the severe lack of fiscal powers in the Assembly. Read more

Green Leader admits Lisbon will lead to Increased Military Expenditure in Ireland

Sinn Fein Vice President and Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has this morning welcomed Green Party Leader John Gormley's admission that the Lisbon Treaty will lead to Ireland increasing its military spend in Europe. Ms McDonald has also called on the government to put into the public domain any and… Read more

Fianna Fáil have abandoned education system

Speaking this morning from Portlaoise Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams described the governments spend of €113 million on prefabricated school over the last three years as a damning indictment of a government who claim that education is a priority but who in reality have failed to deliver for tens of… Read more

Government policies to blame - Adams

SINN Féin President Gerry Adams today said it is the policies pursued by the Fianna Fáil Green Party government that has left the state more vulnerable than its European neighbours to the effects of the global economic downturn. Read more

Author Margaret Ward to speak at Sinn Féin International Women’s Day event

A Sinn Féin event to celebrate International Women’s Day will feature respected historian and author Margaret Ward. Bairbre de Brún MEP will introduce the conference, which will begin at 1.00pm on Saturday, March 7, at the Balmoral Hotel in Belfast. Read more

Public engagement with Assembly of vital importance – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin Representative on the Assembly Commission and Lagan Valley MLA Paul Butler has said that community engagement must be of vital importance to the Assembly. Read more

Proposed name of new council to be Causeway Coast and Glens

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has welcomed the Local Government Boundaries Commissioner decision to accept Sinn Féin’s proposal that the name of the new North-eastern council, encapsulating Ballymoney, Moyle, Coleraine and Limavady District Councils be changed from “Causeway Coast District Council” to “Causeway Coast and Glens District Council”. Read more

Junior Minister, Gerry Kelly, clebrates fairtrade fortnight

Junior Minister Gerry Kelly raised a celebratory cuppa as he poured praise on the Fairtrade Award winners announced during a special reception in Stormont today. Read more

Transfer of Powers Legislation begins Westminster passage

The legislation relating to the transfer of powers on policing and justice will begin its passage through Westminster tomorrow. Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing Alex Maskey will today travel to London to monitor the passage of the Bill. Read more

Sinn Féin on 'twitter'

Sinn Féin is now on 'twitter' You can access the latest news and keep up to date with the party on http://twitter.com/sinnfeinireland Bígí Linn! Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls on Government to guarantee future of Dial to Stop Drug Dealing phone-line

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD called on the Government to guarantee the future of the ‘Dial to Stop Drug Dealing’ non Garda phone-line which is due to cease operating when funding runs out despite its success in tackling drug dealing. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome Assembly endorsement to remove cigarette displays

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast and member of the Health Committee, Sue Ramsey has welcomed the debate by the Assembly to endorse the removal of cigarette displays by 2010. Read more

Exchequer figures cannot continue to go unchallenged

Speaking today from Leinster House Sinn Féin Vice President and Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald described this afternoons exchequer figures, which outline a 2.3 billion shortfall in comparison to the same period last year, as a public finance crisis that cannot continue to go unchallenged. Ireland needs an alternative government." Read more

Lenihan cannot be trusted with National Pension Reserve Fund – Morgan

Speaking in the Dáil this evening on the National Pension Reserve Fund Bill Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said given the failure of the Minister for Finance to deal with the banking crisis thus far he would dread giving him a carte blanche to raid the pension fund… Read more

Government must bring forward new budget for 2009 – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has supported a Private Members Motion in the Dáil this evening which calls for a new budget for 2009. Deputy Morgan said the only people who don’t seem to understand the need for a new budget are the coalition cabinet and its docile… Read more

Invest NI now acquiring additional land in Strabane District - Doherty‏

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has been told by Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster and senior officials from Invest NI of the practical steps that are in now being taken to address the shortage of economic development land in Strabane District following a meeting held… Read more

Kelly elected chair of Omagh District Council’s Agriculture Committee‏

Sinn Féin Councillor, Peter Kelly has outlined his priorities following his election as chairperson of Omagh District Council's Agriculture Committee. Councillor Kelly has been a hill farmer for all of his adult life and has an extensive knowledge of the many issues affecting the farming community. Read more

Education Minister opens first STEM event

Sinn Féin Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, attended the opening of the brand new initiative across the North of Ireland which aims to promote a better understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in a fun and engaging way. Read more

Anderson to raise PSNI/Loyalists building contracts

Following on from yesterdays guilty verdict in the McIlwaine and Robb murder case, Sinn Féin Policing Board member Martina Anderson will raise at this week’s Policing Board meeting the issue of police contracts being awarded to construction companies linked to active loyalist paramilitary figures. Read more

Education opens first STEM event

Over 3,500 primary school children will experience the wonders of modern science when they attend the first STEM Experience event. Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, attended the opening of the brand new initiative across the North of Ireland which aims to promote a better understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics… Read more

Anderson calls on BBC to clarify speculation that locally produced programmes on Radio Foyle “may be cut”

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has said that any attempt to dilute or cut local programme time at BBC Radio Foyle would be a backward step. Read more

Spending cuts must not target social welfare – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has described as “ominous” the reply given to him by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen today who indicated that expenditure cuts in the forthcoming Supplementary Budget may include social welfare. Read more

Outrage at electoral registration legal case

Sinn Féin South Antrim MLA Mitchel McLaughlin has called on the Head of the Electoral Office Douglas Bain to reassess his approach to voter registration after the arrest of a 68 year old man for electoral fraud because of a failure to provide a National Insurance Number. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes Ulster Scots/Irish Language Diversity event in Limavady

Sinn Féin Language and Culture Spokesperson, Francie Brolly MLA (East Derry) has welcomed the announcement that an UlsterScots/Irish Language diversity event is to be held in Limavady Borough Council's Offices on Wednesday 25th March. Read more

Gildernew opens workshop on rural antipoverty and social inclusion framework

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA today further outlined her proposals to deliver a £10million fund to address rural poverty and exclusion. Read more

Gldernew launches consultation ob roll-out of CAP Health Check policy options

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has launched a consultation on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Health Check agreement. There are several policy issues arising from the recent CAP Health Check agreement where the Department has some discretion in implementation and on which it now seeks the views of stakeholders. Read more

SDLP in disarray over policing transfer

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing issues Alex Maskey has accused the SDLP of being in their usual disarray when it comes to policing legislation. Mr Maskey’s comments came after the SDLP leader Mark Durkan seemed incapable of making up his mind on whether he supported the transfer of powers or… Read more

Brolly welcomes Limavady Councils decision to retain bilingual logo

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on the Irish language, Francie Brolly, has welcomed decision by Limavady Council to retain the Irish language on their logo. Read more

British Challenged on Inquiry Costs

Responding to comments in the British House of commons by Shaun Woodward outlining costs of £300m for four Inquiries, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Truth issues Francie Molloy said: Read more

PRESS NOTIFICATION: de Brún’s Eyewitness account from GAZA

When: Thursday 5th March 6:30pm Where: An Cultúrlann, Falls Road BELFAST Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will give an eyewitness account of her time spent in Gaza. Read more

Electoral Office infringing on Civil Rights – Hearty

Sinn Fein Crossmaglen Cllr Terry Hearty has said that the focus of the electoral office should be to encourage people to vote rather than enforcing a policy of removing people from the electoral list and denying them this fundamental civil right. Read more

Sinn Féin raise lack of social housing in south Down with Housing Minister

Sinn Féin MLA Caitríona Ruane met recently in Stormont with Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, MLA, to discuss a number of issues including the lack of social housing being built in south Down and the inadequate support currently available for homeless people, especially those with mental health issues. Read more

Ó Caoláin and Doherty set out Sinn Féin's concerns with report from Consultative Group on the past

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD and West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty will both attend today's meeting of the Oireachtas Good Friday Agreement Implementation Committee which will also be attended by Robin Eames and Denis Bradley of the Consultative Group on the Past. Read more

Assembly spends over £¼million on sending publications to MLAs

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that Assembly Members are not doing enough to reduce the amount of money being spent on paper in the Assembly. Mr McKay has revealed that over £¼million has been spent on sending Assembly publications which include reports, minutes, etc to MLAs… Read more

Sinn Féin welcome development on new Fermanagh hospital

Sinn Féin MPA MLA for Fermanagh South Tyrone, Michelle Gildernew, has welcomed the announcement that a new backer has been found for a new hospital project offering acute services near to Enniskillen. Read more

Molann Sinn Féin méadú in úsáid na Gaeilge san Oireachtas

Tá sé molta ag Sinn Féin go mbéadh aontú idir na páirtithe chun usáid na Gaeilge san Oireachtas a mhéadú i 2009. Mar tús ar seo tá rún curtha os comhair na Dála agus an tSeanaid ag Sinn Féin ag iarraidh go mbeadh 50% de ghnó an Oireachtais trí Ghaeilge… Read more

Ó Snodaigh opposes appointment of Gallagher as Chairperson of Garda Ombudsman Commission

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has opposed a motion in the Dáil this morning which recommends the appointment of Mr. Dermot Gallagher to the position of Chair of the Garda Ombudsman Commission. Deputy Ó Snodaigh made clear that his opposition to the appointment of Mr. Gallagher was… Read more

Sudanese Government must reverse decision to expel aid agencies from Darfur – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin International Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Government of Sudan to reverse its decision to expel ten aid agencies from Darfur. Read more

Ruane highlights importance of Integrated Education Week

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane visited Millennium Integrated Primary School this morning to help celebrate Integrated Education week. Read more

GILDERNEW CONSULTS ON FUTURE DIRECTION OF LESS FAVOURED AREAS (LFA) SUPPORT

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has announced a period of public consultation on future options for support arrangements for Less Favoured Areas (LFAs). Read more

O'Keeffe doesn't know how many schools using prefabs!

Speaking today in the Seanad Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty relayed his outrage that the Minister for Education does not know how many schools across the state are using prefabs. Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes change of command of troops in Chad

Speaking in the Dáil today on a motion to transfer the command of the Irish contingent currently serving in Chad Sinn Féin Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh welcomed the fact that Ireland is once again reverting to the UN mandate. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the State’s experiment with EU Battle Groups… Read more

Doherty calls for bankers bonuses to be returned to the State in Seanad debate on National Pension Reserve Fund

Speaking in the Seanad today on the National Pension Reserve Fund Bill Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty tabled an amendment calling for all bonuses that have been accrued by executives in the two main banks over the past three years to be returned to the state. Read more

Doherty calls for Seanad reform

Speaking in the Seanad today Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty called on the Government to reform the Seanad and eliminate duplication between the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament. Senator Doherty said many members of the public perceive the Seanad to be irrelevant. Read more

Sinn Féin to celebrate International Women's Day

When: Friday March 6th at 11am to 1pm Where: Wynn's Hotel, Abbey Street, Dublin 1 Who: Host Mary Lou McDonald MEP and Guest Nell McCafferty Read more

Soaring Unemployment – We need a plan to get Ireland back to work

Responding to this mornings CSO live register figures Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has described the soaring unemployment figures as catastrophic noting "the government cannot continue to ignore the effect soaring unemployment is having on the economy and until a plan for getting Ireland back to work is… Read more

Sinn Féin celebrating International Women's Day

Sinn Féin Vice President and Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald today hosted a lively event to celebrate International Women’s Day. Read more

Minister praises North/South agricultural student exchange

Minister Michelle Gildernew has congratulated CAFRE, Greenmount Campus and Kildalton College, Kilkenny on the first week-long exchange between agriculture students north and south. Read more

Scrapping of National Carers’ Strategy shows Government has no concept of planning for people’s needs – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health & Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called for the reversal of the Government decision not to publish the long-promised National Carers’ Strategy. He described the decision as appalling and said it showed the Government has no concept of planning for people’s needs. Read more

British Forces move a ‘backward step’ - Maskey

Sinn Féin Policing spokesperson and South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has slammed moves to redeploy British Special Forces in the North of Ireland, describing it as both a ‘backward step’ and ‘deeply worrying to the Nationalist and Republican community’. Read more

Education Minister announces 2009-2010 budgets

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has today announced budget allocations to schools and Education and Library Boards for the incoming financial year. The Minister announced record levels of funding for education services, with a resource budget totalling almost £1.9billion, but added this had been a difficult budget in which difficult decisions… Read more

Sinn Féin Will Oppose Any Removal of Rheumatology Services from Manorhamilton – Mac Lochlainn

Sinn Féin candidate for the North West EU Constituency Cllr Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has demanded that the HSE clarify its intentions regarding rheumatology services for the northwest which are currently provided at Manorhamilton in North Leitrim. Read more

Dáil 90 - A Debate on the Past and Future of Dáil Éireann

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP MLA will this afternoon participate in the Dublin Book Festival in City Hall Dublin. The debate is entitled Dáil 90: A debate on the Past and Future of Dáil Éireann. Read more

Sinn Féin condemn Riverdale shooting

West Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Sue Ramsey today said that the overnight shooting of a man in his Riverdale home was wrong and should not have happened. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome Education budget

Sinn Féin MLA and education spokesperson John O’Dowd has welcomed todays Education budget signalling it as the way forward for a progressive and adaptable education system. Read more

No action from Government as over 5,400 joined live register across North West in February – Mac Lochlainn

Sinn Féin candidate for the North West EU Constituency Cllr Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has slammed government inaction an additional 5,471 people became unemployed across the 11 counties of the North West Constituency in February. Mac Lochlainn was speaking following the release of county by county live register figures by the… Read more

Cheap attacks on victims is nothing but electioneering from Jim Nicholson – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Victims and Mid-Ulster MLA Francie Molloy has criticised Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson for calling for the resignation of one of the four Victims Commissioners for expressing views on the loss of her brother. Read more

Sinn Fein celebrate International Women’s Day

Sinn Féin Vice President and Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald today hosted a lively event to celebrate International Women’s Day. Nell McCafferty was the guest speaker. Read more

There can be no place for British Forces in accountable, civic policing; there is no place for them in Ireland - Adams

The Sinn Féin leadership met in Dublin this afternoon to sign off on Sinn Féin's Job Creation proposals for getting Ireland back to work which are due to be released later next week. They also discussed the revelation that PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde has requested the deployment of British… Read more

Ireland needs JOBS JOBS JOBS - Mary Lou McDonald

Following the release of this week's disastrous unemployment and exchequer figures Sinn Féin's leadership today gathered in Dublin to discuss the party's proposals for an alternative political alignment to tackle the economic crisis. Read more

Ireland needs JOBS JOBS JOBS

Following the release of this week’s disastrous unemployment and exchequer figures Sinn Féin’s leadership today gathered in Dublin to discuss the party’s proposals for an alternative political alignment to tackle the economic crisis. Read more

Sinn Féin call for the suspension of Social Security Review.

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on Benefits, Mickey Brady, has today called for the suspension of the current social security services review. Speaking today following the Assembly debate on a motion calling for a suspension Mr Brady said: Read more

Statement from Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, MP, MLA.

Commenting on last night's attack in county Antrim Mr. Adams said: "Last nights attack was an attack on the peace process. It was wrong and counter productive. Read more

Goodbody report on taxi licenses unbelievable - McDonald

Dublin Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has described the Goodbody Economic report, which today advised against a moratorium on the granting of taxi licenses, as unbelievable. Read more

Ferris calls for public hearing on Corrib

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources Martin Ferris TD has called for an open public hearing to be established to hear all submissions on the proposed gas pipeline in Mayo. Read more

Sinn Féin call for Review of Residential Home Regulator

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has called on the Health Minister to review whether the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) are doing their job effectively. Read more

Sinn Féin call for the suspension of Social Security Review

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on Benefits, Mickey Brady, has today called for the suspension of the current social security services review Read more

Gerry Adams MP to address St Louise's Comprehensive Schools Senior Debating Society

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP will tomorrow - Tuesday March 10th - address the Senior Debating Society of St. Louise's Comprehensive School on the Falls Road in West Belfast Read more

Device at Sinn Féin Office in Cookstown

Sinn Féin MLA Francie Molloy has confirmed that a pipe bomb has been found at the Sinn Fein office in Cookstown Read more

East Jerusalem demolitions major hindrance to peace settlement in Middle East

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has called on Israel to immediately halt the demolition of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem. Read more

Sinn Féin call on Margaret Ritchie to bring forward her promised Mortgage Rescue Scheme

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on Housing, Fra McCann, will speak tomorrow to his motion express expresses concern at the increasing levels of house repossessions and calls on the Minister for Social Development to bring forward a Mortgage Rescue Plan as soon as possible Read more

PSNI officer shot dead in Craigavon

Commenting after a PSNI officer was shot dead in the Craigavon area this evening local Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd said: Read more

Projects in disadvantaged areas should not be axed – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has learned that health and community projects in disadvantaged areas, including 120 announced by Government last December, are now in jeopardy as the Department of Finance is set to block their funding. Deputy Ó Caoláin called for the announced… Read more

Gerry Adams comments on the attack in Antrim

Gerry Adams Blog Monday March 9th, 2009 The only way to go is forward On Saturday night I was in County Clare. The local government elections in the south are in 12 weeks time. That’s on June 5th. The elections to the European Parliament in both parts of Ireland are… Read more

Delivering Educational and Academic Excellence

Speaking today at St Louise's College, Sinn Féin leader, Geryy Adams commented on the attacks of recent days. The Sinn Féin leader also outlined the Party’s goal; “…to develop an education system which is pupil centered and which meets the needs of our modern world. Read more

Splinter groups will not derail Peace Process nor divert true republicans – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said that the splinter groups who carried out the fatal attacks in Antrim and Craigavon will neither derail the Peace Process which has the support of the overwhelming majority of the Irish people nor divert Irish republicans from the strategy which… Read more

Executive should follow EU lead in 'green jobs'

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has said that the Executive should follow the lead of countries across Europe by grasping the opportunities and investing in ‘green jobs’. Read more

de Brún calls for focus on needs of small farmers

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has said that a number of developments in the farming sector mean there is now an opportunity to focus on the needs of small farmers, particularly in the sheep sector and hill farmers. Read more

Teachers must be protected against any type of classroom abuse.

Sinn Féin MLA, Michelle O’Neill, has welcomed today’s dentate in the Assembly calling for adequate protection and guidelines for teachers suffering any type of abuse stating that it further highlights the concern and that the department has brought forward mechanisms to deal with this serious issue. Read more

Health services facing worse fate than 1980's cutbacks - Ferris

Speaking in the Dáil this evening on during the statements on the challenges facing the health services Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris called for strategic decision making to be taken out of the hands of the HSE and placed with the elected representatives of the people in the Dáil. He… Read more

Government’s lack of job creation plan will lead to economic catastrophe – Morgan

Speaking in the Dáil this evening on a Private Member’s motion on Unemployment and Social Welfare Sinn Féin Spokesperson Arthur Morgan said: Read more

Sinn Féin meets UPRG delegation

A Sinn Féin delegation including Belfast Mayor Tom Hartley and Assembly member Paul Maskey today met with representatives of the UPRG Read more

Ó Caoláin unreservedly condemns killings by dissident groups

Speaking in the Dáil today, on the all party motion on the killings in the North, Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD unreservedly condemned the killings and said Sinn Féin will not be deflected from its peace strategy which it has democratically adopted and successfully pursued. Read more

Ferris to present major report on farming and fishing in the West to Oireachtas Committee

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris will today present a report on the future of farming and fishing in the West of Ireland to the Oireachtas All Party Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Read more

The process of change will continue

SINN FÉIN President Gerry Adams has said, “that the recent attacks on the peace process have created an unprecedented degree of unity between political parties in the north. Read more

Conditions at Eglish National School are Completely Unacceptable for Teachers and Children

Conditions at Eglish National School are completely unacceptable for teachers and children – Sinn Féin EU candidate Date for Health and Safety Authority Improvement Order on the school has passed Following a visit to Eglish National School in Ahascragh, County Galway, Sinn Fein’s EU candidate for the North West constituency,… Read more

Broadband connection vital for business - Boylan

Connecting the 30% of the EU’s rural population that has no high speed internet access should be a priority for achieving ‘broadband for all’ by 2010, the European Commission has said. Read more

Adams supports ‘The People’s Forest’ Project

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has commended today’s launch of ‘The People’s Forest’, the joint project between the Ulster Camogie Board, the Ulster Ladies Football and the Back to Eden Group. Read more

Proposals for Seanad reform do not go far enough - Doherty

Donegal Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has said that proposals for Seanad reform from both Government and other opposition parties do not go far enough. He has described the Seanad as elitist, undemocratic, outdated and, in the minds of many, irrelevant. Read more

Caithfidh an rialtas stop a chur le h-ionsaithe ar theanga na gaeilge

Ag caint sa Seanad inniu dúirt an Seanadóir Shinn Féin Piaras Ó Dochartaigh: Read more

Ferris questions use of British Naval vessels

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries Martin Ferris TD has questioned the use of British naval vessels to inspect Irish fishing boats in Irish waters. Read more

Transport Infrastructure Is Key In Economic Crisis

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has said infrastructure investment has a vital role to play in the current economic crisis. Read more

Call for resignation of HSE manager in light of shocking revelations

Louth Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan has called for the resignation of the Hospital Network Manager of the HSE Dublin North East, Mr. Stephen Mulvany, in light of revelations that he sought to influence the report of the inquiry into the death of a twenty-four year old woman and her… Read more

Cost of Tánaiste’s mishandling of SR Technics – 1,200 job losses unless government changes tack

Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald MEP has this afternoon described the Táiniste’s handling of SR Technics impending closure as shambolic and has called on Mary Coughlan to work with trade union officials to ensure every avenue is fully explored to keep the Dublin facility open for business with… Read more

Sinn Féin delegation meets with An Taoiseach

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald and Northern Executive Minister Conor Murphy today met the Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin Read more

Fine Gael Hypocrisy on Third Level Fees

Speaking at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Science today, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education, Senator Pearse Doherty has described the actions of Fine Gael spokesperson Brian Hayes and his party colleagues as "utterly hypocritical" with regards to the reintroduction of third level fees. Read more

SF wants to forge a new alliance and offer egalitarian alternative

OPINION: A Sinn Féin emergency budget would target job creation by public sector investment, fire failed bankers and ban home repossessions for three years, writes MARY LOU McDONALD Read more

RUANE – VIBRANT, DYNAMIC AND GROWING IRISH-MEDIUM SECTOR

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, announced the outcome of the Review of Irish Medium Education today at the annual Comhairle Na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG) Conference in Belfast Read more

Figures end Israeli lie on targeting of civilians – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin International Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said figures released today, which show that the vast majority of 1,434 Palestinians killed in Israel’s latest offensive in the Gaza strip were civilians, puts an end to the Israeli lie that they did all in their power to prevent… Read more

Taoiseach must re-engage with social partners – Doherty

Reacting to news that the Irish National Teachers Organisation will take part in a one day work stoppage closing all 3,200 primary schools across the state on 30th March as part of protests against the pension levy Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty called on the Taoiseach to re-engage… Read more

Unemployment out of control - Time for Action

Sinn Féin is holding a day of action in towns and cities across the country today demanding action on the unemployment crisis. Read more

Dublin Sinn Féin councillors and candidates gather for meeting with new Vice President

Sitting Sinn Féin councillors and local election candidates from across Dublin will gather on Sunday morning (15th March) for a meeting with newly elected Sinn Féin Vice President and Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald and newly elected Party Chairperson, Declan Kearney. Read more

McKay urges Assembly to ‘put Sammy’s lights out’

Sinn Féin North Antrim MLA and the Party’s Environment spokesperson Daithí McKay has added his support to a motion going before the Assembly today calling for support for the World Wildlife Fund’s ‘Earth Hour 2009’ Read more

Lenihan’s admission on VAT welcome but does not go far enough

Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald MEP has today welcomed Finance Minister Brian Lenihan admission that increasing the VAT rate last October was a mistake addin, “in advance of the governments October budget Sinn Féin called for a modest reduction in VAT in our pre budget submission. Read more

Progress in tackling Fermanagh ‘dental crisis’

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has said that she expects 6 new dentists to be employed in Fermanagh shortly Read more

McGuinness welcomes $30 million investement in the North of Ireland

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness was in New York today to participate in the announcement a $30million investment project by New York State Comptroller, Thomas Di Napoli. Read more

Concern at impending housing crisis in Enniskillen

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has expressed alarm at what she described as “an impending housing crisis” in Enniskillen town. Read more

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP, MLA remarks at the National Press Club Washington, DC this morning March 16th 2009

I want to thank you all for coming this morning.” “I am here with my colleagues Rita O Hare and Richard McAuley for a number of engagements around the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.” Read more

Adams welcomes Major Investment for North

The Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams today welcomed the decision by the New York State Comptroller to commit tens of millions of state pension funds to investments in the north of Ireland Read more

Adams Meets Hillary Clinton and Congressional leaders

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP MLA, and the party’s US representative Rita O Hare, yesterday met with the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the Deputy Secretary of State Jim Steinberg at the State Department. Read more

Doherty meets MoD Minister on Lisanelly transfer issue

West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty met with British Under Secretary of State for Defence, Kevan Jones MP in London yesterday to press the MoD Minister on the transfer of lands at the former military base at Lisanelly for the purpose of developing an Educational Village Campus in Omagh Read more

Sinn Féin condemn South Belfast violence

Sinn Féin MLA for South Belfast Alex Maskey has condemned those responsible for yesterday’s violence in the Holyland area of the city. Read more

Adams presents President Obama with Special Booklet made by west Belfast children and young people

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP MLA yesterday attended the Speakers lunch as part of the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Washington. Read more

Wildlife and Natural habitats must be protected - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has stressed her commitment to campaigning for the protection of our wildlife and natural habitats Read more

UN Security Council letter urges full investigation into breaches of international law in Gaza

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed the open letter from 16 of the world’s most experienced investigators and judges to the UN Secretary General and the UN Security Council calling for a full international investigation into alleged abuses of international law during the recent conflict in Gaza and… Read more

Gildernew visits Wood Energy Visitors' centre

Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA today visited the Wood Energy Visitors’ Centre at Brook Hall Estate on the outskirts of Derry Read more

Finance Minister should seek reduction of penalty charge for homeowners moving to variable rate mortgages

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has criticised the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan after he refused to take steps to ensure that banks change the penalty system they impose on customers who wish to change their mortgages from fixed to variable rates to avail of cuts in… Read more

Fine Gael graduate tax is just third level fees in disguise – Doherty

Speaking today as Fine Gael launched its proposal for a graduate tax Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty said the highlights that party’s hypocritical approach to the campaign against the reintroduction of third level fees. Read more

NIE planning application not end of fight

Responding to the NIE statement of intent to proceed with planning permission for the Cavan-Tyrone Electricity Interconnector to be placed over ground, Cathal Boylan, MLA for Newry and Armagh, has said; Read more

Bairbre de Brún backs state-of-the-art Irish Language Arts, Culture and Business Centre in Derry

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will meet with the North West’s leading Irish language Arts and Cultural organisation - An Gaeláras, in Derry City tomorrow, Thursday 19th March. Read more

de Brún to visit Limavady on £18.5 million Rural Development Programme

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will visit Limavady tomorrow for a briefing on the £18.5 million available for the North West through the Rural Development Programme (RDP Read more

South Belfast violence unacceptable – Maskey

Sinn Féin south Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has condemned those responsible for violence in the lower Ormeau area last night. Read more

"More needs to be done to tackle rising unemployment" Mitchel McLaughlin MLA

Commenting on the rising levels of unemployment, Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson ,Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) said that he believes that there is more that can be done to arrest the situation. Read more

CAB money should be used for Dial to Stop Drug Dealing phone-line – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called for a portion of the money confiscated by the Criminal Assets Bureau annually to be ring fenced to secure the future of the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing non Garda phone-line. Read more

Counselling services for all post-primary schools to be tendered

The Department of Education has announced a tender to provide counselling services in post-primary schools. Read more

Vote ban for Irish nationals

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has confirmed that the party have written to the Chief Electoral Officer Douglas Bain challenging legislation that excludes Irish citizens born in the North but living abroad from being able to vote in the European elections in June Read more

Minister annoucnes decision on Clogher Valley integrated primary school

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has turned down a proposal to grant-aid Clogher Valley Integrated School. Read more

Gildernew announces closing date for brucellosis collection pilot

Minister Michelle Gildernew, MP MLA, has confirmed that the free pilot collection scheme for aborted material, which has been in operation since mid October last year, will close on 31 March 2009. Read more

Sinn Féin to host Farmers Forum in Greencastle

Sinn Féin MP and party spokesperson on rural affairs, Pat Doherty, will host a Farmers Forum in Greencastle Community Centre on Thursday 26th March at 7.30pm. Read more

Caitríona Ruane approves schools' amalgamation

CAITRÍONA RUANE APPROVES SCHOOLS' AMALGAMATION The Minister of Education, Caitríona Ruane, has approved the amalgamation of St MacNissi’s College, Garron Tower; St Aloysius’ High, Cushendall and St Comgall’s College, Larne. Read more

Thought’s and prayers of community are with the Neeson family - McKay

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has sent his and his party’s condolences to Irish actor Liam Neeson on the death of his wife Natasha. Read more

Ruane approves transformation of Fort Hill Primary School to Intergrated Status

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has approved a Development Proposal for Fort Hill Primary School, Lisburn, to acquire controlled integrated status. Read more

Need for specialist services for women and children at the Royal – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MLAs Jennifer McCann and Sue Ramsey have said that the Health Minister’s decision about the future of the Lagan Valley hospital reinforces the need for the new regional hospital for women and children to be commenced at the site of the Royal as a matter of urgency Read more

Breast screening programme extension welcomed, but why stop at 70 years of age? – O’Neill

Sinn Fein MLA and deputy chair of the Health Committee, Michelle O’Neill, has welcomed today’s announcement that the breast-screening programme will be extended for women up to the age of 70 but stressed that there should be blanket screening from the age of 50 onwards. Read more

Martina Anderson in Boston on Trade talks

Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has held discussions in Boston with Massachusetts State Treasurer Tim Cahill and other senior Legislators seeking investment in the North West. Read more

Government needs to publish Lisbon re-run guarantees

Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald has this afternoon called on the Taoiseach to publish the wording of the so called legally binding guarantees to be attached to the Lisbon Treaty when it is put before the people for a second time Read more

Unemployment is out of control – time for action

Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald MEP will tonight host a public meeting in Wynn’s Hotel in Dublin calling for action on Ireland’s soaring unemployment. Read more

Ferris calls for cut in gas charges

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Energy Martin Ferris TD has called on the Energy Regulator to direct Bord Gáis to cut gas prices immediately. Read more

SF opposed to detention beyond seven days

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing issues Alex Maskey today said if there is evidence against an individual then that person should be charged and that evidence put before the courts. Read more

Pupils can be leaders in their communities

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will be attending a celebration of Conservation Volunteers and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust ‘DIG IT & EAT IT!’ project tomorrow, Friday 20th March at Presentation Primary School, Portadown. Read more

Concerns at Invest NI ability to deliver new DETI programmes to boost economy

Sinn Fein Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA has welcomed today's announcement of two new programmes by DETI Minister, Arlene Foster, aimed at boosting local economic growth. Read more

Sinn Féin EU Candidate Echoes Calls for Clarification on REPS 4 Payments

Sinn Féin’s EU election candidate for the North West Constituency Cllr Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has called on the Department of Agriculture to respond to concerns raised by farmer’s representatives regarding payments under REPS 4. Read more

Sinn Féin will not stand for attack on right to higher education – Doherty

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty described the Minister for Education’s plan to end free third level education as an unwarranted attack on the right to higher education. Read more

A sure start is a good start - Ruane

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, today visited a Sure Start project in Downpatrick to discuss local needs with parents and staff Read more

All parts of Ireland should provide humanitarian access to Guantanámo detainees.

Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brún has called for all parts of Ireland to be opened to allow for Guantanámo Bay detainees to be given humanitarian access and has welcomed the Taoiseach’s commitment to allow some of the detainees to travel to the south of Ireland Read more

The Number One Priority Should be Retaining and Creating Jobs

Speaking in response to the huge 20% drop in the retail price index EU candidate Cllr Toiréasa Ferris said that the number one priority for any government at this point should be retaining and creating jobs. It should be getting Ireland back to work. Read more

UN special rapporteur Gaza comments ‘hugely significant’

Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brún has described as ‘hugely significant’ comments by Richard Falk, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories about preliminary evidence of war crimes during the Israeli assault on Gaza from December 27 to January 18. Ms de Brún, who recently returned… Read more

Gildernew meets with counterpart in Dublin on a range of agricultural issues

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, today met with Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Brendan Smith TD at Farmleigh House in Dublin. Today’s meeting was the 10th occasion that the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Agriculture sectoral meeting has been held. The Ministers discussed moves towards closer… Read more

New legislation to protect children and vulnerable adults welcomed but is must be properly resourced. – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on children and young people, Sue Ramsey, has welcomed the bringing forward of legislation that will allow for increased measures to ensure the safety and protection of children and vulnerable adults. Speaking today Ms Ramsey said: “Any legislation brought forward to safe guard… Read more

Gerry Adams comments on the death of Cllr Maire Moore

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has extended solidarity and sympathy to the family of Belfast Councillor Maire Moore who died this afternoon, Saturday March 21. Mr Adams and his wife Colette are life long friends of Ms Moore. Read more

Sinn Féin launch major job retention & creation Strategy

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald MEP, Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD and Cllr. Pádraig Mac Lochlainn who is a board member of InterTradeIreland since 2007 today launched the party’s job retention and creation strategy document entitled ‘Getting Ireland back to work’ Read more

Sinn Féin will not stand for attack on right to higher education

Sinn Féin EU East and local election candidate for Kilkenny City, Kathleen Funchion has described the Minister for Education’s plan to end free third level education as an unwarranted attack on the right to higher education. She said Sinn Féin will oppose this attack on higher education at every stage. Read more

Rural dwellers should respond to Planning consultation before March 31st

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has called on the rural public to respond to the consultation on draft PPS21 (Planning in the Countryside). Read more

Assembly to debate electoral registration concerns

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has urged all parties to back a Sinn Féin motion highlighting the difficulties people are experiencing when trying to register to vote and calling for the registration process to be simplified. Read more

Sinn Féin launch Job Retention and Creation Strategy

Download a PDF of the Sinn Féin Job Retention and Creation Strategy . Read more

Sinn Féin condemns Poleglass bomb alerts

Sinn Féin west Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann has condemned those responsible for numerous bomb alerts in the Poleglass area. Read more

Adams calls for suspects to be charged or released

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP today repeated his party’s call for those currently being detained by the PSNI for periods beyond human rights best practice to be either charged or released. Read more

Motorists forced to 'play chicken' at mini-roundabout - Cllr Cara McShane

Sinn Féin Moyle Council Vice-Chair, Councillor Cara McShane, has made a request again to Roads Service for urgent action to be taken to ensure the safety for motorists and pedestrians at the mini-roundabout on Leyland Road, Ballycastle and for the continuation of the footpath on the approach to the mini-roundabout… Read more

Anderson welcomes domestic violence report

Policing Board member Martina Anderson MLA has welcomed the publication of the Board’s inquiry into how the PSNI tackle the issue of domestic violence here. Read more

Cáitríona Ruane says "Let's close the gap"

The gap between high achievement and under achievement is threatening children’s ability to reach their potential Read more

It’s time to get Ireland back to work

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald MEP, Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD and Cllr. Pádraig Mac Lochlainn who is a board member of InterTradeIreland since 2007 today launched the party’s job retention and creation strategy document entitled ‘Getting Ireland back to work’. The document contains more than 80 proposals,… Read more

Environment Minister must spell out who or what he will target to reduce greenhouse gases if humans aren’t responsible- Sinn Féin

Sinn Fein MLA and spokesperson on the Environment, Daithí McKay, has called on Sammy Wilson to outline very clearly who or what he will target to reduce greenhouse emissions by 25% below the 1990 levels by 2025, as set out in the Programme for Government, if he believes that humans… Read more

Mc Gill welcomes increase in Financial Assistance for Water Main Connections to rural dwellings

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill has welcomed the announcement by DRD Minister Conor Murphy of an increase from £6,500 to £10,000 in the financial assistance being made available to householders requesting a water main extension to serve an existing property. Read more

McGuinness: Understanding the true effects of the recession

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA has stressed the importance of understanding the effects the current recession can have on our health and well-being. Read more

Brolly looks forward to Ulster Scots/Irish Language Diversity event in Limavady

Sinn Féin Language and Culture Spokesperson, Francie Brolly MLA (East Derry) has said that he is looking forward to the UlsterScots/Irish Language diversity event which is to be held in Limavady Borough Council's Offices tomorrow from 4 until 7 pm. Read more

Ó Donnghaile condemns Short Strand British Army recruitment drive

Sinn Féin’s East Belfast Representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has branded the decision to distribute recruitment literature for the British Army in the Short Strand area as both ‘inappropriate’ and ‘deeply offensive’. Read more

Gildernew launches consultation on welfare of meat chickens

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA today launched a public consultation on proposals for the implementation of new EU rules on the welfare of meat chickens. Read more

West Belfast open for business - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will attend a dinner tonight organised by the West Belfast & Greater Shankill Enterprise Council who are hosting the Irish Chamber of Commerce USA on a fact finding visit to West Belfast. Read more

McGuiness: Understanding the true effects of the recession

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA has stressed the importance of understanding the effects the current recession can have on our health and well-being. Read more

Breast screening opportunities should be availed of

Sinn Fein MLA and deputy chair of the Assembly Health Committee Michelle O’Neill has lauded the commitment of Action cancer to breast screening as a means of early detection and reducing mortality associated with breast cancer. Read more

Transfer 2010 guidance offers a fair system - Ruane

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has said that if schools follow the Transfer 2010 Guidance, it will deliver an effective and fair system of transfer to post-primary schools Read more

Call for CAB to investigate Irish Nationwide

Delivering his party’s pre-budget statement in the Dáil this evening Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said the Taoiseach must give serious consideration to state intervention to save private sector jobs Read more

Practice of using civil servants for constituency work of Ministers must end – Ferris

Speaking in the Dáil this evening on a Private Members’ motion calling for a reduction of Junior Ministers Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris criticised the use of civil servants for the constituency work of Junior Ministers. Read more

Real and effective employment strategy glaringly absent from Government approach – Ó Caoláin

Speaking in the Dáil this evening during pre-budget statements Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said: “At the end of February we were presented with catastrophic unemployment figures. There were then over 350,000 people out of work and we are losing jobs at a rate of 1,000 per… Read more

Home Help Pension Levy Unjust and Indefensible

EU Candidate Cllr Toiréasa Ferris described the imposition of the pension levy on Home Helps as unjust. Home Helps receive no pension from their employment and have no security of employment. She also said that it is indefensible that home helps who receive a meagre and uncertain income should have… Read more

Consultative Group on the Past report is deeply flawed - Adams

Sinn Féin President and west Belfast MP Gerry Adams last night gave the introductory remarks at a public debate in St. Mary’s University College on the recent report by the Consultative Group on the Past Read more

Human trafficking figures only the tip of the iceberg – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MLA, Jennifer McCann, has welcomed the recent launch of new support services for victims of Human Trafficking but says much more needs to be done to tackle this horrendous crime. Read more

Sinn Féin backs demand for Autism Bill

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MLA Michelle O'Neill has added Sinn Fein's support for an Autism Bill today at Stormont. Read more

Adams welcomes High Court detention ruling

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams today welcomed the ruling in the High Court in Belfast concerning the detention of a number of people currently being held by the PSNI for periods beyond normal human rights best practice Read more

Sinn Féin slam carers ‘snub’

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has slammed a British Government ‘snub’ to young carers here. Read more

EU failing to face up to Lisbon’s failed policies – Ireland and the EU needs a new Treaty for a new time

Speaking today during a parliamentary debate in Strasbourg on last weeks EU Council summit conclusions Sinn Fein Deputy Leader and Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald asked, “Is the common refrain that ´we must learn the lessons of this economic crisis` genuine? If it is then the case for fundamental change… Read more

People should be released or charged - Maskey

Sinn Féin MLA and Policing Board member Alex Maskey has said that Colin Duffy should be released or he should be charged. Read more

de Brún to attend Trócaire Annual Lecture with John Ging - Head of United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza

Sinn Féin MEP will attend the Trócaire Annual Lecture with John Ging - Head of United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Gaza at Queens University today in Belfast. Read more

Reg Empey must act on Auditor’s report into Further Education sector

Sinn Fein’s Further Education spokesperson Paul Butler has said that Reg Empey needs to act on the findings of the Auditor’s report into the financial management of further education colleges. Read more

Rural Planning - Final call for submissions on PPS 21

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has issued a final call for submissions to the consultation on Rural Planning (PPS 21) ahead of the deadline on March 31st. Read more

Morgan welcomes ICTU decision to defer strike action

Reacting to ICTU’s decision to defer strike action planned for next week Sinn Féin workers’ rights spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has welcomed the move and said the Government must now play its part in preventing further industrial unrest by introducing a budget based on fairness and equity. Read more

Upcoming budget must reverse attack on special needs education – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil today on pre-budget statements Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said the upcoming budget must rectify and reverse the recent Fianna Fáil and Green Party attack on children with special educational needs Read more

Doherty calls for state owned telecommunications grid

Speaking in the Seanad today Sinn Féin Communications Spokesperson Pearse Doherty said his party is calling for a state owned telecommunications grid which would prioritise investment in rolling out broadband networks across the island. Read more

Privateers determine health policy and health spending – Ó Caoláin

Responding to revelations that HSE Chief Executive Brendan Drumm successfully lobbied Health Minister Mary Harney for massive pay rises to attract senior executives from the private sector, Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhhgín Ó Caoláin said that the sums paid out were "grotesque and driven by greed". Read more

Campbell Challenged Over Human Rights Commissioner Remarks

Sinn Féin Assembly member in Assembly member Martina Anderson has told DUP MP Gregory Campbell that he would be better off concentrating on upping his performance as a Minister rather than trying to impede the work of the Human Rights Commissioner Read more

Release Maura Harrington – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking ahead of a protest in support of imprisoned Shell to Sea campaigner Maura Harrington today Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD called for the immediate release of Mrs. Harrington describing her imprisonment as both disproportionate and a misuse of public resources. Read more

de Brún to open West Tyrone Farmers Forum

Bairbre de Brún MEP will address the West Tyrone Farmers Forum in Greencastle tonight where Sinn Fein will engage with the local community on key issues being addressed at local level, at the Assembly, at Westminster and at EU level. Read more

GNP down 6.7% as Government decision run economy into ground – Morgan

Reacting to today’s CSO figures that demonstrate that Ireland's Gross National Product (GNP) is 6.7% down, Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has said disastrous Government decisions over the past six months are running the economy into the ground. Read more

Sinn Féin Launches Job Creation Strategy

Cllr Toiréasa Ferris will this weekend launch Sinn Fein’s Jobs Creation Strategy across Munster. The strategy includes: Read more

Murphy welcomes launch of Consumer Council research on customer views of water

Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, MP, MLA today welcomed research on customer views of water and sewerage services. Read more

Boylan disappointed in Trusts proposals for Armagh hospitals.

Sinn Féin assembly member Cathal Boylan has spoken out after attending a meeting of the Southern Health Trust’s Board of Directors today. Mr. Boylan expressed his disappointment following the decision of the board to approve proposals for Mullinure, Saint Luke’s and Longstone. Read more

"Colin Duffy is as entitled to due process as anyone else"

Colin Duffy is as entitled to due process as anyone else" Commenting after Lurgan man Colin Duffy was charged in connection with the attack at Antrim Barracks, Sinn Féin Assembly member for Upper Bann John O’Dowd has reminded the media that Mr Duffy is entitled to due process and more… Read more

Gildernew praises centre on Human Rights for people with disabilities at Disability Action

Minister Michelle Gildernew, MP MLA, has presented certificates to a group of disabled people in Enniskillen who have recently completed a Human Rights training programme Read more

Education Minister looks forward to changing times

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has highlighted the opportunities that lie ahead for young people, if we can work together and embrace change Read more

Morgan slams Fine Gael privatisation proposals

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD described proposals from Fine Gael to sell off Bord Gáis, ESB International and Aer Rianta International as reckless behaviour. Read more

Minister Ritchie might do better to go back to the drawing board - McCann

Fra McCann Sinn Féin MLA for west Belfast has called on the minister for Social Development to go back to the drawing board with regards her proposed budget for 09-10. Read more

de Brún concerned at violence and attacks on homes

Sinn Féin MEP for the Six Counties Bairbre de Brún has expressed concern about attacks on the homes of Polish residents in Belfast yesterday and also about the city centre violence in the run up to yesterday’s football game. Read more

‘Social and religious inequality still a reality’ – SF

Huge inequalities based on religion and social status still exist in the North of Ireland according to the latest labour market statistics, Sinn Féin Equality and Human Rights spokesperson Martina Anderson has said Read more

Greenfield decision a victory for people power

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill heralded the U-turn by the Western Trust’s to keep Greenfield Residential Care Home open as a victory for people power. Read more

Ruane - Leadership key to progress

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, highlighted the importance of strong leadership to school leaders in Belfast today Read more

BYGONE HERITAGE AT THE HEART OF MODERN FARMING SAYS MINISTER

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has paid a visit to the 11th Ballygawley and Roscavey Bygone Farming Day at Ballygawley, County Tyrone Read more

Cowen’s emergency budget set to exacerbate the recession

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald MEP has today described Taoiseach Brian Cowen indications on the content of next weeks emergency budget as an “entrenchment of bad Fianna Fail policy. Read more

PRESS NOTICE: Sinn Féin to launch Easter Lily at Stormont

Sinn Féin will tomorrow (Tuesday) launch the annual campaign encouraging people to honour Ireland’s dead and wear an Easter Lily Read more

Sinn Féin attend Unison health cuts rally

Sinn Féin MLA’s Michelle O’Neill, Claire McGill and Conor Murphy today attended a protest held by the trade union Unison against proposed cuts to frontline health care services. Read more

Doherty wishes students "Ádh Mór" with Irish béalscrúdú

As leaving certificate students from across the state start their Irish oral examinations this week, Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty has come out to wish them good luck and to urge the Minister for Education and Science, and the Taoiseach Brian Cowen to commit to resourcing the improvement… Read more

Cuts to social welfare and disability services must be resisted – Ó Caoláin

Speaking in advance of his participation this evening (Friday, 27 March) in the Annual General Meeting of Inclusion Ireland in Monaghan, Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said that cuts to social welfare and to disability services in the forthcoming Budget must be… Read more

Ruane welcomes statement from Commission on Catholic Education

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, today welcomed the statement from the Commission on Catholic Education which restates their opposition to academic selection at 11 as a means of transferring to post-primary education. Read more

Sinn Féin to raise electoral concerns with Paul Goggins

Sinn Féin Spokesperson, Pat Doherty MP, MLA (West Tyrone) will lead a Party delegation to meet with British Minister, Paul Goggins tomorrow to raise a number of concerns around electoral registration and also the Review of Public Administration. Speaking today Pat Doherty said: “I am meeting with British Minister of… Read more

“Insurance companies must be penalised if they continue to discriminate against people in the north of Ireland”

Sinn Féin MLA, Jennifer McCann, has said insurance companies must be penalised if they continue to discriminate against people living in the north of Ireland Read more

Those responsible for bomb scares have nothing to offer our communities

Those responsible for bomb scares have nothing to offer our communities Read more

Harney insults Cystic Fibrosis sufferers – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described as "appalling" the decision by the Minister for Health & Children and the Health Service Executive to renege on their commitment to develop the Cystic Fibrosis Unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin to the standard required to save the lives… Read more

ANNOUNCEMENT OF C. DIFFICILE PUBLIC INQUIRY PANEL WELCOME - MITCHEL MCLAUGHLIN MLA

Sinn Féin representative Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has welcomed Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey's announcement of the panel of inquiry into the outbreak of C difficile in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust hospitals between 16 June 2007 and 31 August 2008. Read more

Visteon decision to close Belfast plant is a bitter twist

Sinn Féin west Belfast MP Gerry Adams has expressed his “deep disappointment at the decision by Visteon to close its plant in Belfast.” Mr. Adams said: “Sinn Féin has been liaising closely with the management of Visteon in Britain and in Belfast, and with the local workforce Read more

Sinn Féin Launch Emergency Budget Submission

At a press conference in Dublin today Sinn Féin set out the details of the party’s submission to the government to address the shortfall in public finances. Read more

de Brún welcomes proposal for additional money for Less Favourable Areas

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed the proposal for an extra £6 million for the Less Favoured Areas Compensatory Allowances Scheme (LFACA). Read more

Sinn Féin meets with Visteon workers

Sinn Féin west Belfast MLA’s Jennifer McCann (deputy Chair of the Enterprise Trade and Investment Committee) and Paul Maskey (Chair of the Public Accounts Committee), joined with Chair of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee Cllr Michael Browne in visiting protesting Visteon workers this evening Read more

Ó Snodaigh gives guarded welcome to Housing Bill

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has welcomed the Housing Miscellaneous Provision Bill in Leinster House this evening. Read more

Executive can get more from Europe - de Brún

Commenting on the Executive’s response to the European Union Task Force report and the meetings of the Executive Ministers delegation with Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, Sinn Féin MEP for the Six Counties Bairbre de Brún said: “There is a clear willingness in Europe to support economic development in the… Read more

March 2009 Archives (Latest News)

March 1, 2009

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