August 2009 Archives (Latest News)

Sinn Féin Council Leader Slams InvestNI and reiterates call for 'Area of Exceptional Economic Needs' status for Derry

Sinn Fein Councillor Maeve McLaughlin has called on InvestNI to explain exactly what initiatives it is taking to halt the hemorrhaging of jobs in the North West and to attract new investment. Read more

SF comment on SDLP parades statement

Commenting after the SDLP produced a paper on the parading issue, Sinn Féin Assembly member for Upper Bann John O’Dowd said that it was crucial that the SDLP, in trying to appear relevant on the issue, did not allow the primary focus - which needs to be on the Orange… Read more

Leonard to appear before EU Commission

Coleraine Sinn Féin councillor Billy Leonard is to take his petition against the cumulative effect of four waste management sites in the Ringsend area of Co. Derry to Brussels in the autumn. Read more

Disappointment at Parades Commission decision on ABOD parade – Cllr McClenaghan

Sinn Féin Councillor Margaret McClenaghan has expressed her 'disappointment’ at the decision by the Parades Commission to allow yet another contentious parade, this time the Apprentice Boys of Derry, to march past the Ardoyne community. Read more

Attack on Catholic Church in Rasharkin condemned

Rasharkin Sinn Féin Councillor Daithí McKay has condemned an attack on a Catholic Church in the area over the weekend. A number of windows were smashed at St Columba's Church outside the village. Read more

Thomas Cook workers punished while white collar crime continues to be rewarded

Speaking today as workers employed by Thomas Cook were arrested for standing up for their rights Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the distorted priorities of the Irish judiciary and the Garda Siochana speak volumes for how this country has gotten into such deep recession. Read more

'No agreement' on Craigavon Council Co-option

Sinn Féin Craigavon Councillor Mairead O’Dowd has accused the DUP and TUV of breath-taking arrogance over their announcement that they have decided that there will be no by-election caused by the decision of TUV Cllr Mark Russell to stand down from Craigavon Council. Read more

Money saved from PSNI estate disposals needs to be diverted to front line services

Sinn Féin MLA and Member of the Policing Board Alex Maskey has stated that the recommended disposal of twenty six police stations as the review of the police estate is accelerated, is welcome and that the monies saved should be placed into front line services to deliver up to date… Read more

Incinerator will damage Lough Neagh ecosystem

Sinn Féin MLA and Lisburn City Councillor Paul Butler has welcomed the vote by the Council to refer a planning application to build an incinerator close to Lough Neagh to public inquiry. Read more

Doherty leads delegation of Donegal Home Help workers to meeting with HSE

Donegal Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has this morning led a delegation of home help workers to meet with local HSE manager John Hayes to highlight to him the effect of the cut to home help hours in the county. Speaking after the meeting Senator Doherty said the Government must… Read more

Adams Expresses disappointment at British Attorney General decision in Holland case

Last week west Belfast MP Gerry Adams wrote to the British Attorney General Patricia Scotland, on behalf of Harry Holland’s family and raised a number of important issues, including asking her to review the sentences of the accused and refer them to the Court of Appeal. Read more

Ferris welcomes British decision to halt extradition proceedings against republicans

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has welcomed the decision of the British Attorney General to stop extradition proceedings against a number of republicans. Read more

Gerry Adams MP to meet with British Attorney General to discuss Holland case

Speaking after the press conference with the Holland family regarding the refusal of the British Attorney General refusal to review the sentences in Harry’s case or refer them to the Court of Appeal Sinn Féin party president and MP for West Belfast, Gerry Adams MLA, said: Read more

Organic Farming a real asset

Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has today voiced support for the organic farming sector. Read more

Gildernew takes stock at Fermanagh show

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has today visited the Fermanagh County Show in Enniskillen. During her visit the Minister toured the trade stands, livestock judging, home industries marquee and met local farmers. Read more

Conor Murphy confirms route for A8 Belfast to Larne dualling

Transport Minister, Conor Murphy, today announced the preferred route for the proposed £113million dualling of the 14km section of the A8 between Ballyclare and Larne in Co Antrim. Read more

Harney must intervene in pharmacies dispute – Doherty

Donegal Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has called on Health Minister Mary Harney to urgently intervene in the HSE dispute with pharmacies before somebody becomes seriously ill or dies. Read more

Continuing drop in tax take shows need for urgent action

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has called for urgent action from the Government in response to the continued drop in the tax take. Read more

McDonald to seek clarification from Broadcasting Commission on referendum obligations

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald has expressed concern at a report from the Broadcasting Commission today stating that broadcsters will no longer be obliged to provide equal airtime for both sides of the upcoming second referendum campaign on the Lisbon Treaty. Ms. McDonald said any attempt to dilute… Read more

Adams attends Anti Plastic Bullet Vigil

Sinn Féin west Belfast MP Gerry Adams this evening attended the annual anti-plastic bullet vigil on the Falls Road at the site of the Andersonstown RUC Barracks. Read more

Sinn Féin to hold significant activist meeting

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams today announced that the party would be holding a meeting of the Sinn Féin leadership and senior party activists from across Ireland in Navan on Monday. Read more

Sinn Féin announces changes to Assembly committee positions.

Sinn Fein Assembly Chief Whip Carál Ní Chuilín has announced changes to the Sinn Féin line up in a number of Assembly committees. Read more

Policing Board decision to close and dispose of Mountpottinger PSNI barracks welcomed

East Belfast Sinn Féin representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has welcomed today’s decision by the Policing Board to close and dispose of Mountpottinger PSNI barracks. Read more

Tánaiste all talk and very little action on jobs – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has said the Tánaiste Mary Coughlan is all talk and very little action on job creation and retention. Deputy Morgan criticised the Tánaiste for ‘grabbing headlines’ today after she announced details of a Government job retention scheme for the second time in six… Read more

Policing Board vote welcomed

Sinn Féin Policing Board member Alex Maskey MLA has welcomed the vote taken by the Policing Board today for the disposal of 26 Police Stations across the North. Read more

Gildernew announces 2010 payments plan

Sinn Féin Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has announced the timetable for payments to farmers over the coming year. Read more

Allister agenda about return to the past

Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd has said there is nothing new in recent comments from Jim Allister and that his agenda is to take us back to a past where unionist domination and discrimination existed. Read more

Adams Challenges DPP

In an interview on BBC radio on Wednesday morning the Sinn Féin President and west Belfast MP Gerry Adams criticized and challenged the PPS handling of the Harry Holland murder case and the role of the PPS and its predecessor the DPP in the administration of justice in the north. Read more

Gildernew issues Brucellosis alert

The Veterinary Service in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) is investigating a case in which it believes a brucellosis reactor animal was moved illegally from a farm and another animal substituted. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome home repossession protocol for courts

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on Housing Fra McCann has welcomed the new protocol for courts dealing with home repossessions and said it is the best way forward for the courts in the absence of any Mortgage Relief Scheme for DSD. Read more

Gildernew visits Tastefest

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has opened the 4th Kennedy Centre Tastefest by addressing a group of local business and community leaders as part of the annual Féile an Phobail in West Belfast. Read more

McCartney calls on 32CSM to reconsider protest plans

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has appealed to the organisers of the 32CSM protest planned for Free Derry Corner tomorrow to rethink thier plans. Read more

Unemployment increase a direct result of Government inaction – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has described the live register figures released today, which showed a jump in unemployment of 10,500, as a direct result of months of Government inaction on the jobs front. Read more

Threats to Ardoyne building workers 'despicable' - McClenaghan

Sinn Féin Councillor Margaret McClenaghan has hit out at a gang claiming to be from the Continuity IRA who ordered workmen off a building site in Ardoyne this afternoon. Read more

de Brún meets with Energy Saving Trust

Speaking after meeting with Noel Williams, head of the Energy Saving Trust, Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has said that energy efficiency and sustainable transport must be priorities in the time ahead. Read more

Gildernew meets Cappagh Village Regeneration Group

Sinn Féin Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has met with representatives from the Cappagh Village Regeneration Group to discuss village regeneration initiatives. Read more

Sinn Féin activist meeting to take place in Navan tomorrow

Speaking today in advance of tomorrows party meeting in Navan, Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald said: Read more

Sinn Féin slam £50K bonus for quango chief

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has criticised a five-figure bonus paid to head of the Strategic Investment Board (SIB) David Gavaghan Read more

PSNI must act of intimidatory flags in Antrim

Sinn Fein councillor, Anne Marie Logue, has demanded the PSNI take action to remove the Union flag erected outside of St Comgall's Catholic Church. Read more

Second road death in Armagh

Sinn Féin Road Safety spokesperson Cathal Boylan has expressed the shock felt by the wider community as a second person has died in a road traffic accident within the last 24hrs in the Crossmore area of County Armagh. Read more

Leonard supports University crèche campaign

Sinn Féin Coleraine Councillor Billy Leonard says he “wholeheartedly supports” the campaign by students and staff at the University of Ulster to save their crèche facilities. Read more

Sinn Féin MLA to meet Utility Regulator to discuss Electricity Interconnector concerns

Cathal Boylan, Sinn Féin Vice Chair of the Assembly’s Environment Committee will meet with the Utility Regulator, Iain Osborne, on Wednesday 12th August to discuss NIE’s controversial proposal to erect a 400kv overhead power line through large areas of Armagh and Tyrone, part of a joint project with Eirgrid, its… Read more

Sinn Féin raise concerns over latest health cuts

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has expressed deep concern over recent proposals from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust for new staffing arrangements for Day Care Centres and Residential homes. Read more

Every School A Good School – The way forward for Special Educational Needs and Inclusion

Sinn Féin Education Minster, Caitríona Ruane, has launched a 12 week consultation on the Department of Education’s Review of Special Educational Needs and Inclusion. Read more

£2.3 million initial call for Rural Development Grant in Limavady

Sinn Féin Councillor Paddy Butcher has announced that applications in the Limavady area for grant assistance under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) has already topped £2.3million. Read more

New Finance Committee Chair welcomes decision not to pay senior civil service bonuses

Sinn Fein MLA and New Chair of the Committee for Finance & Personnel Jennifer McCann has welcomed todays decision by the Minister not to pay bonuses to senior civil servants. Read more

Sinn Féin to campaign for second NO to Lisbon Treaty

Speaking following a meeting of the Sinn Féin Ard Comhairle today the party’s Vice President Mary Lou McDonald confirmed that the party will launch a vigorous campaign for a second no vote on the Lisbon Treaty. Read more

Sinn Féin to launch major campaign against Government cuts

Speaking following today's meeting of Sinn Féin activists in Navan, party president Gerry Adams said: Read more

Shock at Kilkeel job losses

South Down Sinn Féin Assembly Member Willie Clarke has expressed shock at the announcement on Friday of the loss of over 80 jobs in the Aircraft factory in Kilkeel. Read more

Agreement on transfer of Policing and Justice power ‘in place’

Sinn Féin Policing Board member Alex Maskey has said that agreement on the process to deliver policing and justice powers into the hands of locally elected politicians is in place. Read more

Ó Snodaigh challenges Hanafin to live on Social Welfare for a month

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has challenged the Minister for Social and Family Affairs Mary Hanafin to live on social welfare for a month after the Minister today confirmed that welfare rates will be cut in the upcoming budget. Read more

Death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver - founder of the Special Olympics

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has expressed his condolences to the Kennedy family on the death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver the founder of the Special Olympics. Read more

Hunger Strikers’ memory desecrated

Over the weekend, anti-republican elements in Lurgan and the central area of Craigavon sullied the memory of the hunger-strikers by ripping apart boards containing their images and the image of the Irish national flag. Read more

Ba chóir go n-aisghairfí Acht 1737 Riar na Córa

Tá Feisire Eorpach de chuid Sinn Féin, Bairbre de Brún, ag éileamh go n-aisghairfí Acht 1737 Riar na Córa a chuireann cosc ar úsáid na Gaeilge sna cúirteanna. Read more

Anti Irish law must be repealed

Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brún has called for the repeal of an anti-Irish law the 1737 Administration of Justice Act ahead of a conference organised on this theme by Irish language organisation POBAL this weekend. Read more

Final preparations for National Hunger Strike Rally as Tyrone Committee go online

Tyrone republicans were busy this week in their final preparations for the National Hunger Strike rally which will be held on the county this coming Sunday. Read more

Loyalist Mob enter Banbridge residential area to remove Tri-colours

Banbridge Sinn Féin Councillor Dessie Ward has said that there frightening similarities between the incident in the Peggy's Loaning area of the town where a loyalist mob came last night to remove two tri-colours to the to the incident in Coleraine earlier in the summer where loyalists went into an… Read more

Serious concerns over housing maintenance and replacement budget raised

Fra McCann MLA, Sinn Féin’s housing spokesperson at the Assembly has called on the Social Development Minister to state how the additional £20million allocated from the June monitoring round to ensure maintenance and replacement contracts went ahead has been allocated and spent. Read more

Jobless stats prove need for Derry intervention

The latest unemployment statistics reaffirm the need for pro-active economic interventions in the north-West, Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has insisted. Read more

Those responsible for shootings in Derry must stop.

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney commenting on a number of shooting incidents in the Creggan area overnight. Read more

Ferris opposes cuts in rural bus routes

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Rural Development Martin Ferris TD has voiced his strong opposition to proposals by Bus Éireann to drastically reduce the number of routes and buses servicing rural communities. Read more

Latest dole increases show failure of government

Dublin South Central Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said the latest unemployment figures for Dublin South Central are devastating. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the figures show an absolute failure of the Government to get to grips with the economic recession. Read more

McDonald congratulates Leaving Cert students

Sinn Féin Vice-President Mary Lou McDonald has congratulated all the Leaving Certificate students who received their results today. However, Ms. McDonald criticised the Government’s decision to re-introduce third level fees saying with one in five students not applying for third level education it is clear that the Government’s decision is… Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls for support for Carroll’s workers

Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on workers and tradesmen to boycott Carroll’s Joinery in solidarity with workers there who are being laid off with no offer of redundancy despite many years of loyal service to the company. Deputy Ó Snodaigh accused the company of using the… Read more

Commission decision to allow 40 loyalist bands march through Rasharkin is crazy

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that the Parades Commission decision to allow over 40 loyalist bands to march through Rasharkin next week is “crazy and irresponsible”. Read more

O’ Dowd to meet Assistant Chief Constable Dave Jones

Sinn Féin MLA John O’ Dowd is to meet Assistant Chief Constable Dave Jones Rural Region to discuss a number of poling issues relevant to the Banbridge and Lurgan areas today. Read more

SF leader calls for fundamental rethink following Carlton Site planning rejection

Sinn Féin leader on Dublin City Council Larry O’Toole has described An Bord Pleanála’s decision ask the developers on the Carlton Site on O’Connell Street to go back to the drawing board as a “very welcome development.” Read more

Conor Murphy MP MLA addresses Irish Diaspora in Canada

Conor Murphy MP, MLA has travelled to Canada to attend the centenary events marking the unveiling of the celtic cross at Grosse ile, placed there to mark the graves of over 5,500 thousand Irish immigrants who perished after fleeing Ireland during the great hunger. Read more

Fears of more home care privatisation

Fears are growing that more of the home care service in the Causeway area will be privatised as a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review being carried out by the Northern Trust. Read more

Call on Parades Commission to review Rasharkin decision‏

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has called on the Parades Commission to review their decision to allow the Ballymaconnolly parade to go ahead without restrictions. Read more

Events to commemorate Hunger Strikers begin in Dungannon tonight

A weekend of events to commemorate the Hunger Strikers will begin with a torchlight procession in Dungannon tonight (Friday 14th August) where local Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew will be the main speaker. Read more

Minister welcomes resolution of Traffic Attendants dispute

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy MP, MLA has welcomed news of a resolution to the traffic attendant’s dispute. Read more

Rural white paper stakeholder sub-groups update Gildernew

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has met with the chairpersons of the Rural White Paper stakeholder sub-groups. Read more

Sinn Féin launches No to Lisbon Campaign

Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald today launched her party’s No to Lisbon Campaign in Dublin. Speaking at the campaign launch Ms. McDonald said the electorate is being asked to vote once again on the very same treaty that they rejected last year. She accused the Government of wasting… Read more

Wanted: Education and Skills Authority board members

The Department of Education has launched a public competition to recruit members to the Board of the new Education and Skills Authority (ESA). Read more

Fisheries Ministers meet in Portavogie

Fisheries Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA and Defra Fisheries Minister Huw Irranca-Davies met the local fishing industry in Portavogie recently to discuss concerns and priorities ahead of this December’s vital Fisheries Council in Brussels. Read more

Lisbon Treaty bad for Irish and EU Economy – Ó Caoláin

Speaking today at the launch of his party’s No to Lisbon campaign Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said that the Lisbon Treaty is bad for both the Irish and the European Economy. Read more

McCartney Welcomes Deal on Traffic Attendants Dispute

Sinn Féin spokesman for Regional Development Raymond McCartney MLA today welcomed news that a resolution has been agreed between NIPSA and NSL to the traffic attendant’s dispute. Read more

Unionist elements attempt to raise tension for political gain

Sinn Féin have claimed that that the orchestrated protests by unionists in the Huntley area on Tuesday and Thursday of this week were a deliberate attempt to create sectarian tensions as a platform for building a political profile. Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes Ballyfermot drug seizure

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson and Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed the seizure of a significant amount of drugs in Ballyfermot which included cocaine, heroine and crack cocaine. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the emergence of crack cocaine in the Dublin drug scene is a major concern that… Read more

The Burning of Bombay Street – 40 years on – March and Rally

Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann is urging the community to come out onto the streets on 16th August, to remember the 40th anniversary of the pogroms of 1969 when the Falls and Clonard areas were attacked and burnt by unionist mobs supported by the RUC and ‘B’ Specials. Read more

THE CLONARD POGROM 1969 - A Personal account by Sinn Fein's Sean Murray

My abiding memory of the events in West Belfast on Thursday night the 14th of August, 1969 was of standing in the grounds of Clonard Monastery, watching in sheer disbelief as nationalist homes in neighbouring Cupar Street, Norfolk Street, David Street and Conway Street were burning. Read more

Gildernew addresses 1981 Hunger Strike Anniversary vigil in Dungannon

To mark the beginning of the events surrounding the 28th anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Stike Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh South Tyrone, Michelle Gildernew MLA addressed a gathering at the Black Flag protest and candle lit vigil in Dungannon tonight. Below is her speech. Read more

Businesses targeted in Garvagh

Sinn Féin councillor Billy Leonard has been notified of a number of Catholic owned businesses in Garvagh Co. Derry which have had windows broken in overnight attacks. Read more

O’Loan attempt to lecture Rasharkin residents ‘insulting’

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that the Declan O’Loan has absolutely no right to tell residents in Rasharkin that they should not protest at a 41-band loyalist parade through the village next Friday night. Read more

West Belfast Remembers Pogroms of August 1969

Hundreds of members of the West Belfast community gathered today, Sunday 16th August, for a march and rally to mark the 40th anniversary of the pogroms of August 1969. Read more

National Hunger Strike Commemoration 2009

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA speaking at the National Hunger Strike Commemoration in Galbally, Co. Tyrone today said that Sinn Féin are not in the business of electoral politics for the sake of it but to bring about real change for the better in the lives of citizens. Read more

Disappointment expressed at Pól Brennan decision

Commenting on the news that Long Kesh escapee Pól Brennan has lost his final appeal against deportation from the US, Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly said: Read more

Fáilte curtha roimh tuairisc an Chigireacht Oideachais agus Oiliúna – Ó Brollaigh

Cuir BTR Shinn Féin, agus iar-mhúinteoir, Proinsias Ó Brollaigh fáilte roimh tuairisc foilsithe as an Chigireacht Oideachais agus Oiliúna ag léiriú an bua leis an scéim teangacha i scoileanna anseo sa Tuaisceart. Read more

Report from the Education and Training Inspectorate on Language Programme welcomed – Brolly

Sinn Féin MLA and former teacher Francie Brolly has welcomed the report form the Education and Training Inspectorate highlighting the benefits of the Primary Languages Scheme and that it has proved a tremendous success within schools here in the North. Read more

Bray tragedy highlights flaw in ambulance services – Brady

Bray Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady has said the tragic deaths of two men after a stabbing incident in Bray yesterday exposed a serious flaw in the local ambulance services. Councillor Brady said frontline HSE staff have expressed concern that only one ambulance was on duty to cover the area… Read more

Launch of commemorative book to mark the 100th Anniversary of Na Fianna Éireann

Sinn Féin Mayor of Derry Councillor Paul Fleming has joined members of Ógra Shinn Féin at the launch of a commemorative book to mark the 100th Anniversary of Na Fianna Éireann in the Guildhall. Read more

Local community suffers because of bonfires

Sinn Féin Derry City Councillor Patricia Logue bonfire has said that the local community has suffered as a result of the Lecky Road being blocked for three days by a bonfire. Read more

40th Anniversary of Belfast Pogroms

Hundreds of members of the West Belfast community gathered on Sunday 16th August, for a march and rally to mark the 40th anniversary of the pogroms of August 1969. Read more

Newry hate crime condemned - Brady

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry/Armagh, Mickey Brady has condemned those responsible for an attack which took place near Edward Street in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Read more

Pat Cox insults electorate & avoids real debate – McDonald

Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald has accused pro Lisbon campaigner Pat Cox of insulting the electorate and avoiding a real debate on the content of the Lisbon Treaty. Read more

McGuinness congratulates Keystone Group's new European business orders

Deputy First Minister and Mid-Ulster MP Martin McGuinness has congratulated Keystone Group of Cookstown following its success in expanding its market with new orders secured in Romania and the Netherlands. Read more

Gildernew applauds AFBI advances in Brucellosis fight

New DNA science could help trace the spread of Brucellosis and lead to better control and possible eradication, Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has said. Read more

Coleraine intimidation continues – Leonard

Coleraine Sinn Féin councillor Billy Leonard has spoken out at the ongoing intimidation of nationalists and republicans in the town, including witnesses to the murder of Kevin McDaid and injuring of Damian Fleming. Read more

£3.5 million Boost for Fishing Ports now open for applications - Gildernew

Sinn Féin Fisheries Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has confirmed the opening of the Ports, Landing Sites and Shelter’s Measure of the European Fisheries Fund. Read more

Parades Commission stand by decision to allow UVF/UDA participation in Rasharkin parade

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that people in Rasharkin cannot understand why the Parade Commission has turned down the opportunity to review their decision to allow 41 loyalist bands to march through the village on Friday night. Read more

Obama ‘Pathway to Citizenship’ speech gives cause for cautious optimism for undocumented Irish

Sinn Féin Newry Councillor Pat McGinn, who is a campaigner for immigration rights for ‘undocumented’ Irish immigrants living in America, has said that a recent speech given by US President Barrack Obama is cause for cautious optimism. Read more

Anderson fears over rise in student debt

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has voiced serious concerns about the rising number of students going to University who are facing increased levels of debt on graduation. Read more

Centralisation of medical card applications must be stopped – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has demanded the immediate scrapping of the HSE plan to centralise the processing of all medical card applications. Read more

Generation Yes Wrong on EU Militarisation – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Europe Aengus Ó Sondaigh TD has accused Generation Yes of getting it wrong on the defence policy changes in the Lisbon Treaty. Read more

Concerns over temporary loss of call centre jobs

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry and Armagh, Mickey Brady, has expressed his concern after being informed that up to 400 jobs may be lost temporarily from the Teleperformance call centre in Newry. Read more

Ruane congratulates AS and A Level students

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane today congratulated students who have received their A and AS level results. Read more

Anderson calls for comprehensive review of Quangoes

Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) in response to information supplied by the Department of Finance and Personnel on the cost of Quangoes and other publicly funded bodies said: Read more

McDonald calls on Pat Cox to “come clean on potential conflicts of interest”

Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald has today called on Ireland for Europe spokesperson Pat Cox to come clean on “potential conflicts of interest” between his support for the Lisbon Treaty and his business and consultancy interests. Read more

Lisbon Treaty will make recession worse – Morgan

Speaking in response to the announcement by Intel chief Jim O’Hara that his company intends to spend a six-figure sum supporting the Lisbon Treaty, Sinn Féin spokesperson on the economy Arthur Morgan TD has rejected the claims that a second No to Lisbon would damage the economy. The Louth TD… Read more

Cuts based on McCarthy Report will destroy health services – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has challenged Health Minister Mary Harney to put plans for up to €800 million in health service cuts before the Dáil on its resumption in September. He said that if such cuts are proceeded with and are based on… Read more

Ferris claims sugar industry was sacrificed for property speculators

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD has claimed that the current concerns regarding Liam Carroll’s 30% stake in Greencore prove that the sugar industry was sacrificed in the interests of property speculators. Carroll bought the shares with a view to acquiring the substantial land assets belonging to… Read more

Put NAMA to a referendum – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD today confirmed that the party will be voting against NAMA when the Dáil returns in September. He said the issue of NAMA would have such large ramifications for Irish taxpayers now, and future generations, that it should be put to a referendum. Read more

Doherty to launch campaign against education cutbacks

Sinn Féin Education Senator Pearse Doherty will launch a campaign against cutbacks in the education sector next Tuesday. Senator Doherty will be joined by party Vice President Mary Lou McDonald and Louth County Councillor Tomás Sharkey at the launch in Buswells Hotel at 11am next Tuesday 25th August. Read more

Blame for Rasharkin trouble lies with Parades Commission

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has blamed the Parades Commission for allowing a situation to develop in Rasharkin which could have led to massive public disorder. Read more

Up to 10,000 Housing Executive grants cancelled

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Fra McCann has written to the Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie and the Housing Executive asking why up to 10,000 grant applications have been cancelled by the Housing Executive. Read more

Rasharkin Parade Supporters attack Catholic homes and assault resident

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has condemned the behaviour of loyalists at the Ballymaconnolly parade in Rasharkin. Catholic houses were attacked by parade supporters and one Catholic man was assaulted. Read more

McGuinness opens new Sports Complex in Gulladuff

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, MP, MLA today participated in the opening of a new sports complex in Gulladuff in Co Derry. Read more

Hope for Newry connection to Project Kelvin – Murphy

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh, Conor Murphy has said that a meeting with senior executives from Hibernia, the group contracted to roll out Project Kelvin, was extremely positive. Read more

Doherty to launch campaign against education cutbacks

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty will launch a campaign against cutbacks in the education sector tomorrow, Tuesday 25th August. Senator Doherty will be joined by party Vice President Mary Lou McDonald and Louth County Councillor Tomás Sharkey at the launch in Buswells Hotel at 11am tomorrow. Read more

Doherty launches campaign to fight education cutbacks

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty today launched a campaign against Government cutbacks in education spending. Speaking at the launch of the campaign entitled ‘Leave our Schools Alone’ Senator Doherty said the education budget should be exempt from Government cutbacks as it is crucial to our long term economic recovery. Read more

Education cuts should not be tolerated – Sharkey

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Leave our Schools Alone’ campaign in Dublin today Sinn Féin Councillor Tomás Sharkey said cuts in our education spending are detrimental to our economic recovery and should not be tolerated. Councillor Sharkey described the Government’s attack on Special Needs children as a shameful disgrace… Read more

McKay welcomes investment in Antrim business

Sinn Fein MLA for north Antrim Daithí McKay has welcomed today’s news that Ballymena company, Wright Group, has been awarded a contract to supply 200 buses to countries in Asia. Read more

Honest and mature debate needed on Lisbon Treaty – Doherty

Sinn Fein senator Pearse Doherty has today called for an “honest and mature debate” on the Lisbon Treaty in the coming weeks. The Donegal representative also called on people to “read the treaty” before they decide which way to vote on October 2nd. Read more

Maskey comments on Hugh Orde’s departure

Commenting as PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde prepared to leave his post Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing Alex Maskey said: Read more

Fáilte roimh Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann ó Thuaidh – Mac Ghiolla Duibh

Chuir Cathaoirleach an Choiste Cultúir, Ealaíona agus Fóillíochta fáilte roimh tuairisc sna meán cumarsáide inniu a rá go bhfuil seans ann go mbeidh Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann lonnaithe ó thuaidh i mbliana. Read more

Fleadh Cheoil should consider coming north – McElduff

Sinn Féin west Tyrone MLA and chair of the Assebly’s Culture, Arts and Leisure committee Barry McElduff has welcomed reports that Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann are considering holding this year’s Fleadh Cheoil in the Six Counties, the first time in the 59 year history of the event. Read more

Ó Snodaigh launches local drugs awareness pamphlet in Crumlin

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson and Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh this evening launched a drugs awareness pamphlet for the Dublin 12 area. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the pamphlet is designed to highlight the dangers of drugs, to make parents aware of the tell tale signs of drug abuse… Read more

All victims deserve truth and deserve respect – Sinn Féin

Commenting after Jeffery Donaldson announced he intended to travel to Libya to lobby on behalf of certain victims groups, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Victims, Francie Molloy said that Mr Donaldson's claims would have more credibility if he looked closer to home and demanded that the British government and the state… Read more

Neutrality issue not settled – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin spokesperson on European Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh has challenged Minister for State Dara Calleary’s claim that the issue of neutrality is “settled”. Read more

Dick Roche not in a position to advise on economy – McDonald

Speaking in response to Minister for Europe Dick Roche’s claim that rejecting Lisbon would be like ‘playing Russian roulette with the economy’, Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald said: Read more

Gerry Adams comments on death of Senator Edward Kennedy

Reacting to the news that Senator Edward Kennedy has passed away after a long battle with illness, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: Read more

Children found playing with needles in Armagh

Armagh Sinn Féin councillor Cathy Rafferty has asked parents to be vigilant after children were seen playing with used needles in a wooded area of the city. Read more

Swine flu guidance issued for schools and parents

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has said all schools have been given guidance on how to manage the outbreak of swine flu. Read more

Debate opened on planning reform

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry/Armagh and his party’s spokesperson on planning, Cathal Boylan has called on local councillors to make their voices heard in relation to proposals for reform of the local planning announced by the Department of Environment. Read more

Gildernew launches innovative butchery partnership

Minister Michelle Gildernew today visited ASDA’s Westwood store in West Belfast to hear first-hand of the new ‘in-store’ butchery partnership which the multiple retailer recently announced with McGee’s Butchers. Read more

Morgan calls for referendum on NAMA

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD today outlined his party’s campaign of opposition to NAMA. Morgan described NAMA as the crime of the century and a government-led free for all for developers and banks. Deputy Morgan said the Government should put NAMA to a referendum as its implementation would… Read more

Do we really want a ‘Ryanair Europe’ – McDonald

Speaking in response to Ryanair Chief Michael O’Leary’s comments today in support of the Lisbon Treaty, Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald has said that “voters need to ask themselves, do we really want a Ryanair Europe?” Read more

Fianna Fáil ignoring the will of people on Lisbon

Sinn Fein Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has today rejected Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin’s claim that that the Lisbon Treaty referendum “represents a new proposal and respects the will of Irish people”. The Cavan-Monaghan TD said the decision to “put exactly the same Treaty to the people again… Read more

Sinn Féin completely committed to Equality and Human Rights

Sinn Féin’s Equality and Human Rights spokesperson Martina Anderson has stated her party’s total commitment to creating a truly inclusive and equal society in Ireland. Read more

Leaked PSNI report tells us absolutely nothing new - Maskey

Sinn Féin’s Policing and Justice spokesperson and Policing Board member Alex Maskey MLA, has said that the internal PSNI report, leaked to the local media, only goes to highlight what people have known for some considerable time. Read more

Gildernew meets Blackwater Regional Partnership

Sinn Féin Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA today met with representatives from the Blackwater Regional Partnership regarding the Ulster Canal. Read more

Ferris calls on Farmers to say No to Lisbon

Speaking this morning Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris said “the Lisbon Treaty was a bad deal for rural Ireland in 2008 and it remains a bad deal today”. The Kerry North TD called on ‘Farmers to say No to Lisbon.’ Read more

Ó Donnghaile condemns sectarian attack on youth club minibus

Sinn Féin Representative for east Belfast Niall Ó Donnghaile has condemned those responsible for last night’s sectarian attack on a minibus used by the Doyle Youth Club from the Short Strand. Read more

Minister welcomes GCSE results

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane and Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today congratulated young people on this year’s GCSE results. Read more

Minister appoints Chair Designate to Education and Skills Authority

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has appointed Mr Seán Hogan Chairperson (Designate) of the new Education and Skills Authority (ESA). Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls for dialogue in CocaCola dispute

Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed the settlement in the dispute at Caroll’s Joinery. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the settlement highlights the benefits of dialogue and participation in the Labour Court process. He called on management at CocaCola to engage with its staff as the dispute there… Read more

Outpatients ward at Crumlin forced to close

Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on the Minister for Health to reverse the cutbacks at Crumlin Children’s Hospital after the general outpatients ward was forced to close for two days this week. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the Medical Tower at the hospital which was only opened… Read more

McDonald expresses support for striking dockers

Sinn Féin Vice-President Mary Lou McDonald has expressed her support for striking workers at Dublin’s docklands. Speaking as workers launched a blockade of the port in a flotilla this afternoon Ms. McDonald said the workers hand has been forced by the company management which is refusing to engage with the… Read more

Arson attack destroys school in Castlewellan

Sinn Fein MLA for South Down Willie Clarke has slammed those who were behind an arson attack on the Irish language school in Castlewellan, Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche, on the Circular Road in the early hours of this morning. The arson attack completely destroyed three portacabins that were being used as… Read more

Gildernew committed to poultry sector

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has said that she will be meeting with representatives from the local poultry sector to discuss the challenges facing the industry. Read more

Obstacles of contamination of land at Fort George site can be overcome

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson commenting on the news that it will take £6 million to decontaminate land at the Fort George site in Derry City which is earmarked for major developments to take place in the city over the next few years including Project Kelvin Read more

Residents concern regarding sale of hard drugs in Jonesborough

Sinn Féin councillor Anthony Flynn has been contacted by local residents regarding the sale of hard drugs in the Jonesborough area. Read more

Ó Snodaigh announces details of state wide protests against education cuts

Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has announced details of a day of action against cutbacks in the education sector which will take place tomorrow. The day will include pickets and protests throughout the state and is part of Sinn Féin’s campaign against the education cutbacks. Read more

Education Minister condemns latest arson attack

Sinn Féin Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has condemned an arson attack on an Irish-medium school in Castlewellan. Read more

Maskey congratulates Belfast Mela organisers

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has congratulated the organisers of the Belfast Mela event which is place today. Read more

Europe Matters – Read the Treaty – Doherty

Speaking today Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has urged voters to “read the Lisbon Treaty and make up their own minds before voting on October 2nd.” Read more

Lisbon bad for Developing World – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin spokesperson on European Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has described as “naïve” a Generation Yes claim that the Lisbon Treaty is “crucial in the fight against poverty”. Read more

NAMA Bill may be open to legal challenges – Morgan

Speaking in advance of a meeting of the Dáil Finance Committee today, Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan said he believed the draft legislation was so flawed it could be open to legal challenges. Morgan said his party was fundamentally opposed to NAMA as a solution to the banking crisis… Read more

Minister Martin being economical with the truth - Morgan

Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan has accused Minister for Foreign Affairs of "being economical with the truth so the so called legally binding guarantees." Read more

Gilmore Guilty of U-Turn on Lisbon and Workers Rights - Ferris

Speaking in response to Labour Party Leader Eamon Gilmore's comments on the Lisbon Treaty today, Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has accused the Labour leader of "a massive u-turn on workers rights." Read more

August 2009 Archives (Latest News)

August 3, 2009

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