December 2009 Archives (Latest News)
December 1, 2009
Carol singers at Leinster House demand restoration of Christmas Bonus
Sinn Féin spokesperson on social and family affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD today joined campaigners for the restoration of the Christmas bonus who gathered at the gates of Leinster House to raise their voices to demand the reversal of what is in effect a cut in the income of those… Read more
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane outlines management arrangements for Education sector before ESA
Transitional Governance and Management Arrangements for the Education Sector in the period before the Education and Skills Authority is established Read more
Sinn Féin to raise Portadown loyalist protest concerns with PSNI
Sinn Féin MLA John O’ Dowd and Portadown Sinn Féin Councillor Brian McKeown are to meet senior PSNI officers in Portadown to discuss community concerns as to how the loyalist demonstration in Portadown town centre was handled by the PSNI. Read more
Martina Anderson MLA to visit controversial Dungavel detention centre
Sinn Féin MLA and Policing Board Member Martina Anderson is to visit the controversial Dungavel Holding Centre in Scotland tomorrow (Wednesday), in order to view the conditions in which asylum seekers are held there. Read more
Many homes were built in areas with flooding history – Ferris
Speaking in the Dáil today Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD called for adequate funding to be made available for areas affected by flooding throughout the country. Deputy Ferris said planning authorities had given permission for housing developments in areas with a history of flooding. Read more
Government lying on budget options – Doherty
Speaking in the Seanad today Sinn Féin Senator has accused the Government of lying to people when it says there is no alternative to the budget of cuts which it is set to announce next week. Read more
Ó Snodaigh calls for enquiry in every Diocese
Speaking in the Dáil this evening on the Report of the Commission of Investigation into the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh called for an enquiry in every county in the state as he believes that child abuse Catholic Church was not confined to Dublin. Read more
Gerry McHugh fast becoming a figure of political ridicule – Ní Chuilín
Sinn Féin Assembly Chief Whip Caral Ní Chuilin has described Gerry McHugh as fast becoming a figure of political ridicule following his latest political summersault and his announcement that he has now joined Fianna Fail. Read more
Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney responds to Peter Robinson
Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney said: Read more
Belfast Trust must take on board concerns in mental health ward merger
Sinn Féin MLA and deputy chair of the Health Committee Michelle O’Neill has expressed concern at the decision by the Belfast Health Trust to treat vulnerable men and women with mental health problems together in Knockbracken Read more
Beware of Spanish Lottery Scam – Cllr Peter Anderson
Sinn Féin Councillor Peter Anderson has advised people to be aware of a scam notifying people of windfall winnings in the ‘El Gordo Spanish Lottery’. Read more
Anderson welcomes plans for £100million expansion at the Foyleside Shopping Centre Derry
Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has welcomed the news of the £100million expansion plans at the Foyleside Shopping Centre Derry. Read more
December 2, 2009
Anderson Hosts Disability Conference
Sinn Féin Equality and Human rights spokesperson Martina Anderson is encouraging people to attend a major conference on disability which she is hosting in the city on Friday. Read more
Now is the time to review senior civil servants pay - McCann
Sinn Féin MLA and Chair of the Committee for Finance & Personnel Jennifer McCann has called for a review of Senior Civil Service pay levels following confirmation that they earn more than Ministers. Read more
“Proposed Independent Statutory Body should apply to Senior Civil Servants pay also” Mitchel McLaughlin MLA
Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA has said that the remit of the proposed new Independent Statutory Body to examine MLA salaries should be extended to include senior civil servants. Read more
Lisburn Sinn Féin elected representatives recieve death threats
Lisburn Sinn Fein councillor and Lagan Valley MLA Paul Butler has reacted strongly to death threats made to himself, councillor Angela Nelson and other Sinn Fein councillors in Lisburn. Read more
Conor Murphy, Regional Development Minister visits Disability Action
Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy, today visited Disability Action to see first hand the transport schemes they operate. Read more
Education Minister opens new units in Armagh
Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has opened the Autistic Spectrum Disorder Learning Support Centre and Irish Medium Nursery School in Armagh. Read more
Maskey welcomes support for Sinn Féin Council motion to tackle Holyland problems
South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA and Laganbank councillor Alex Maskey has welcomed the fact that a Sinn Féin motion, aimed at tackling the problems in the Holyland area, was passed unopposed at last night’s Belfast City Council meeting. Read more
Call for regulation of ‘Cash for Gold’ shops
Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on Minister Dermot Ahern to bring forward legislation to regulate shops that are offering cash for gold this Christmas. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said these shops are taking advantage of the economic circumstances of the least well off and is leading to… Read more
Cut in child benefit will force more women out of work – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Social and Family Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, speaking in the Dáil this evening on a motion on the proposed cut in the Child Benefit Payment said if the cut goes ahead it will result in more women being forced to leave the workforce and will cause… Read more
Donegal CDPs must be retained – Doherty
Speaking at a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Sports, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs today, Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has appealed to the government to cease plans to rationalise Community Development Programmes (CDPs) into a single body. Senator Doherty said this, along with the cessation… Read more
December 3, 2009
Dublin City Council passes Sinn Féin motion to ensure housing estates are named in Irish
Dublin City Council last night passed a motion, proposed by Sinn Féin Councillor Críona Ní Dhálaigh, which ensures that all new housing estates will be named in Irish and will reflect local history and folklore. Read more
Glacann Comhairle Bhaile Átha Cliath le rún Sinn Féin le cinntiú go mbeidh ainmneacha Gaeilge ar eastáit tithíochta nua
Glacadh le rún ag Comhairle Bhalie Átha Cliath aréir, molta ag Comhairloeir Sinn Féin Críona Ní Dhálaigh, ag cinntiú go mbeidh ainmneacha Gaeilge ar eastáit tithíochta nua agus go mbaineann na hainmneacha le stair and béaloideas áitiúil. Read more
Ferris highlights Corrib failure in debate on Foreshore Bill
The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources Martin Ferris TD has highlighted the failure to consult the local community in a debate on new legislation governing the granting of Foreshore Licenses. The Kerry North TD also referred to the need to take into consideration the economic as well as the… Read more
Over €1.1 million spent per year on prefabs in Donegal schools – Doherty
Donegal Senator Pearse Doherty has described the fact that schools in Co. Donegal are spending upwards of €1.1 million per year on the rental of prefabs as “a shocking indictment of a Minister who would rather throw money down the drain than do something proactive with it”. Read more
Where is the Fianna Fáil backbench revolt on social welfare cuts? – Morgan
Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Arthur Morgan has described Fianna Fáil backbenchers as “a shower of hypocrites” over their so-called revolt on the proposed deal with public service unions. Read more
Sinn Féin to take Christmas Bonus campaign to Ministers’ offices
Speaking ahead of a state wide day of action as part of his party’s campaign to restore the Christmas bonus, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social and Family Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the party was using the final days before the budget to increase pressure on the government to restore… Read more
December 4, 2009
Government should consider suspending diplomatic relations with Israel – Ó Snodaigh
Commenting on the refusal of the Israeli Government to allow the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs to visit Gaza in occupied Palestine, as revealed in a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs meeting yesterday, Sinn Féin’s Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the Government should consider suspending diplomatic relations with… Read more
Labour Party pre-budget submission “anti-worker” – Morgan
Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has described the Labour Party’s pre-budget submission as “anti-worker” and criticised the party for subscribing to the Fianna Fáil analysis of the economy. Read more
Government must tackle high earners in public sector – Morgan
Responding to the collapse of the public sector pay talks this evening Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has the Government needs to tackle the high earners in the public sector and cross the board pay cuts are not the way forward. Read more
‘Ireland needs leadership based on republican values’ —Adams
Speaking at a party function in Newtownmountkennedy, County Wiclow this evening, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said that the Government’s solution to the economic crisis, which is based on cutting public services and social welfare, would further depress the Irish economy. He said that now more than ever Ireland… Read more
December 7, 2009
Gerry Kelly to mark 25 years of McBride Principles in New York
Sinn Féin junior Minister, Gerry Kelly MLA, is today travelling to New York to take part in a major celebration of 25 years of the Mac Bride Principles of Fair Employment. Gerry Kelly will speak at the event, organized by the Irish Echo, which is being hosted by the Speaker… Read more
North should set legally binding emissions targets
Sinn Féin Spokesperson Daithí McKay MLA has called on the Environment Minister and the Executive to make Climate Change a priority by setting legally binding targets to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% on 1990 levels by 2050. Mr McKay was speaking after the Environment Committee completed its enquiry into Climate… Read more
Murphy announces award of contracts for the A5 Western Transport Corridor
Transport Minister, Conor Murphy, today announced that contractors have been appointed for the A5 Western Transport Corridor (A5WTC) dual carriageway between Derry and Aughnacloy. Read more
Executive must address high levels of young people ‘Not In Education, Employment or Training’ (NEET) - Ramsey
Sinn Féin MLA and chair of the Committee for Employment and learning at the Assembly has welcomed the passing of the motion seeking to highlight the need to address the problem of young people who are ‘Not In Education, Employment or Training’ (NEET) and has urged the Executive to develop… Read more
Competition winner to deliver special Christmas appeal to Government
The winner of an art competition, Curtis Tysom, 12, who designed the image for the campaign to restore the Christmas Bonus payment will tomorrow deliver a giant Christmas card to Government buildings which is signed on behalf of a number of Councils throughout the state, all of which have passed… Read more
December 8, 2009
Community-based Projects inspire us all – Ruane
Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has paid tribute to community-based programmes that can inspire and empower young people. Read more
Ó Snodaigh makes final appeal for restoration of Christmas Bonus payment
Sinn Féin Social and Family Affairs spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has made a final appeal to the Government to restore the Christmas Social Welfare payment. Read more
Sue Ramsey takes part in debate on Foster Care
Sinn Féin spokesperson on young people, Sue Ramsey MLA has today taken part in an Assembly debate on foster carers. Read more
Deputy First Minister launches ethnic newsletter
The deputy First Minister has launched Strabane Ethnic Community Association’s (SECA) first annual newsletter, which details some of the achievements that SECA has enjoyed over the past few years. Read more
Gildernew achieves Assembly agreement to Diseases of Animals Bill
Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has been given the final approval of the Assembly to important new legislation on disease control measures. Read more
Gas find illustrates need for revenue changes – Ferris
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources Martin Ferris TD has claimed that the announcement by the British exploration group Serica, that its survey of the Conan gas field has revealed a potential reserve of up to one billion cubic feet of natural gas, underlines the need for radical changes to… Read more
Dublin Docklands Development Authority fiasco another unsettling example of politicking and chronyism - Ó Snodaigh
Speaking in the Dáil this evening Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) is yet another unsettling and frustrating example of the pattern of politicking and chronyism we constantly have to witness in this state. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the DDDA became entangled in… Read more
December 9, 2009
Caithfear dul i mbun chomhairle le Grúpaí Gaeilge ar an Athbhreithniú
Thosaigh Foras na Gaeilge athbhreithniú seachtrach ar 19 eagrais Gaeilge bunmhaoinithe san earnáil dheonach in Aibreán 2008. Ina dhiaidh sin, ar chruinniú in Eanáir 2009, leag an CATT (NSMC) síos mar eochair- phrióireacht de chuid an airí go gcríochnófaí an t-athbhreithniú seo go luath sa bhliain 2009. Bhí sé meáite… Read more
Irish Language Groups must be consulted on review
In April 2008 the Board of Foras na Gaeilge commenced an external review of 19 core-funded Irish language voluntary organisations. Subsequently at its meeting in January 2009, the NSMC set as a key ministerial priority the completion of this review early in 2009 with a view to achieving significant benefits… Read more
Hands off social welfare and low earners – Sinn Féin
Speaking ahead of the budget debate today Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said his party will not support a budget that includes cuts to social welfare rates and the pay levels of low and middle income earners. Read more
Gerry Kelly condemns bomb threat at family home
Gerry Kelly has said that those responsible for a bomb threat at his family home this morning will in no way detract him from his work as a public representative. Read more
Boylan condemns ATM robbery attempt
Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has condemned last nights attempted robbery of an ATM machine at a bank in Keady. Read more
Questions over Omagh Fire Tragedy Demands full Public Inquiry
Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has called for a full Public Inquiry into the failure of statutory agencies to recognise the danger signs that should have been apparent prior to the Omagh Fire tragedy. Read more
Morgan – young people, low paid and working families targeted in unfair budget
Sinn Féin Economic spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD responding to today’s budget from Fianna Fáil and the Greens said: Read more
De Brún to take part in high level discussions at Copenhagen Conference
Sinn Féin MEP for the Six Counties Bairbre de Brún will be part of a European Parliament delegation to the United Nations conference on climate change at Copenhagen. Ms de Brún will participate in the event between Monday 14th and Saturday the 19th December. Read more
Targeting of young people in budget beyond contempt – Doherty
Speaking from Leinster House this evening Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has said the attitude of the government towards young people is “utterly disgraceful and will lead to a generation of emigration”. Read more
Budget designed to drive wages down – Ferris
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Workers Rights Martin Ferris TD has slammed the cuts to pay of workers on low and average incomes. Ferris said that the move was just the start of a concerted attempt to drive down wages in the public and private sector. Read more
Lenihan punishes the least well off for the sins of the very wealthy – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin TD and Social and family affairs spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has slammed the Finance Minster Brian Lenihan for cutting social welfare and deliberately targeting those on Jobs Seekers Allowance in the budget. Ó Snodaigh described as nonsense the claim that the government was protecting the vulnerable. Read more
Savage budget from an economically illiterate Government – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described today’s budget as a savage budget from an economically illiterate Government. Read more
December 10, 2009
Sinn Féin welcomes Milltown babies accord
Discussions hosted by Sinn Féin over recent months concluded this week between relatives of the Milltown Babies, the Ulster Wildlife Trust and the Down and Connor Diocese. Read more
No Reprieve for 11+ petition submitted at Stormont
Sinn Féin Education spokesperson John O’ Dowd MLA has congratulated all those involved in signing and the collecting of a petition of over 10.000 names delivered this week to the Assembly Education committee opposing any return to the failed 11plus. Read more
Anderson welcomes Magee announcement
Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has welcomed today’s announcement that the University of Ulster has signed an option agreement with Foyle and Londonderry College to secure 30 acres of land for the expansion of Magee Read more
Sinn Féin welcomes Milltown babies accord
Discussions hosted by Sinn Féin over recent months concluded this week between relatives of the Milltown Babies, the Ulster Wildlife Trust and the Down and Connor Diocese. Read more
Lagan Valley selects Paul Butler MLA as Westminster candidiate
Lisburn Council Office was the venue on Tuesday evening, 8 December, as Sinn Fein activists met to select their party’s candidate for the Lagan Valley constituency at the next Westminster election. Read more
Budget was cobbled together by economic illiterates – Ó Caoláin
Speaking in the Dáíl today on Budget 2010 Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the budget was cobbled together by economic illiterates. He described Brian Lenihan’s speech as “one of the greatest examples of self delusion we have ever had to listen to.” Read more
Budget will drive young workers out of country – Ferris
The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Workers’ Rights Martin Ferris has claimed that the impact of the cuts to Jobseekers Allowance and the lack of support for retraining and employment creation will drive tens of thousands of young workers to emigrate. Read more
Morgan criticises reduction of funds for community employment
Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has criticised the cutting of funding for the community employment and jobs initiative schemes in the budget. Read more
Ógra – Government see young people as expendable
Ógra Shinn Féin today reacted with disgust to the Budget, in particular singling out the cuts in Jobseekers Benefit for scathing criticism. In announcing its intention to take the streets forcefully, National Organiser Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire stated that this budget indicated a complete and utter lack of interest in Young… Read more
Social Welfare Bill a despicable piece of legislation – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Social and Family Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has described the Social Welfare Bill as a despicable piece of legislation. Speaking in the Dáil this evening Deputy Ó Snodaigh called on young people to stand up to the Government and fight back. Read more
December 11, 2009
Sinn Féin welcome review of Knockbracken ward merge
Sinn Féin MLA and deputy chair of the Health Committee Michelle O’Neill has welcomed the decision by the Belfast Health Trust to review their decision to treat vulnerable men and women with mental health problems together in a single ward in Knockbracken Read more
Government TDs must face consequences of their support for social welfare cuts – Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Social and Family Affairs spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh today led a protest at Leinster House which aimed to highlight which TDs are set to vote in favour of cuts to dole payments later this evening. Read more
Budget will be devastating for poorer communities – McDonald
Speaking at a press conference this morning organised by the United Alliance Against Cuts (UAAC) Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald said the consequences of this budget for poorer communities will be absolutely devastating. Ms McDonald said the Government has lost the plot and must be replaced. Read more
Ó Snodaigh welcomes reprieve for Crumlin swimming pool
Local Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed today’s announcement that the Council will continue to find Crumlin swimming pool into the New Year. But he warned that the community and the Council must work together to ensure its long-term survival. Read more
Over 3,000 young people in Ballyfermot and inner city hit hard by banker’s budget
Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has condemned the scandalous decision of the Fianna Fáil and Green coalition to inflict cuts of between €50 and €100 on young people currently out of work. Read more
McDonald welcomes extended funding for Seán McDermott Street Swimming Pool
Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald has welcomed today’s allocation of €200,000 from Dublin City Council to keep three swimming pools open for at least six months. The swimming pools were to be closed before Christmas. Read more
December 12, 2009
F word is the least Gogarty has to apologise for after cutting social welfare - Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin Social Affairs spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said the row over Paul Gogarty's use of the F word in the Dáil has distracted from the real issue - Deputy Gogarty's support and that of the Green Party and Fianna Fáil TDs for savage cuts to social welfare. Read more
December 14, 2009
Gildernew comments on Millie Martin case
Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew has today sent her deepest condolences to the family of baby Millie Martin who died as a result of horrific injuries inflicted upon her. Read more
Middletown Autism Centre moving ahead – Ruane
Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has said that an updated plan for future development of the Middletown Autism Centre will go ahead as soon as possible. Read more
December 15, 2009
De Brún at Copenhagen: “Ambition and clarity now crucial on emissions cuts and financing”
Approaching the start of the high level segment of the Copenhagen climate talks, Irish GUE/NGL MEP for the Six Counties Bairbre de Brún has stressed the importance of getting ambitious and clear figures both on emissions reductions and financing. Read more
NIE formally launch planning application for North/South interconnector
Sinn Féin MLA for Newry/Armagh Cathal Boylan has said that the people of Armagh and Tyrone will be deeply disappointed to hear that NIE have formally submitted a planning application for the North/South interconnector. Mr Boylan who is also his party’s spokesperson on planning said that the community will continue… Read more
Fine Gael must withdraw call to close down Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs – Doherty
Donegal Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has called on Fine Gael’s Olivia Mitchell to withdraw her weekend comments in relation to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Read more
Doherty calls on Ó Domhnaill and Keaveney to oppose Social Welfare Bill
Speaking as the Seanad debate the cuts to Social Welfare payments today Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has called on fellow Donegal Senators Brian Ó Domhnaill and Cecilia Keaveney to oppose the bill. Read more
Big business lobby led to public sector pay cuts – Ferris
Speaking in the Dáil this evening Sinn Féin Workers Rights Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD said a well orchestrated campaign by business interests influenced the Government’s decision to cut public sector pay at the lower levels. Deputy Ferris said Fianna Fáil’s history with big business in this state means that the… Read more
Fine Gael playing political football with Social Welfare – Ó Snodaigh
Speaking in the Dáil this evening on a private members motion on Social Welfare cuts Sinn Féin spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh accused Fine Gael of playing political football with the issue of social welfare. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said Fine Gael also proposed social welfare cuts in its pre-budget proposals. Read more
December 16, 2009
Report highlights continued failings of Prison Service
Sinn Féin Policing and Justice Spokesperson Alex Maskey MLA has slammed the findings of yet another report highlighting delays in the implementation of numerous recommendations within Maghaberry Prison since the death of prisoner Colin Bell. Read more
Morgan calls on Government backbenchers to vote against Bill to cut public sector pay
Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has called on government backbenchers to vote against the Finance Emergency Measures Bill and reverse the decision to implement cuts on public sector workers across all grades. Read more
Eirgrid attempting to wrong-foot communities – Ó Caoláin
Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said that today’s (Wednesday) planning application by Eirgrid to erect its proposed pylons and power lines across Counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan is an attempt to wrong-foot communities over the Christmas and New Year period using legislation that effectively… Read more
Join Sinn Féin growing Social Network Community
Join Sinn Féin's growing online community. Follow the link below to your favourite network, Facebook, bebo, twitter, mySpace, YouTube or Flickr. Read more
Education Minister visits Rathlin primary school
Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has said St Mary’s Primary School on Rathlin Island has a unique place in education. Read more
Tough talks in Brussels result in 9% cut in prawn quota
Michelle Gildernew, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development said she was disappointed with the outcome of the December Fisheries Council in Brussels. Read more
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane visits Rathlin primary school
Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has said St Mary’s Primary School on Rathlin Island has a unique place in education. Read more
Tough talks in Brussels result in cut in prawn quota being reduced to 9%
Michelle Gildernew, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development said she was disappointed with the outcome of the December Fisheries Council in Brussels. Read more
Response to Transfer Proposals
After several months of highly publicised discussions between political parties no firm proposals have been offered by those involved. They entered these discussions on the promise that they would sort out selection, however all they have managed to offer the public is a list of maybes and what if’s. Read more
December 17, 2009
Mc Laughlin -Alarmed at Fuel poverty figures
Sinn Féin Economy spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has said he is concerned at figures contained in The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) Annual Update on Fuel Poverty and Health 2009 which has warned that levels of fuel poverty are expected to increase in the North as… Read more
Chief Constable responds to questions on 'Cash for Gold Shops'-Anderson
Sinn Féin Policing Board Member, Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has renewed her call for the regulation of 'Cash for Gold Shops' amid fears these shops and web sites are taking advantage of the dire economic circumstances that people find themselves in at this time and particularly in the run-in to… Read more
Sinn Féin respond to joint statement from Irish and British governments
Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has responded to the statement by the two governments into the current stage of the peace process by saying: Read more
McLaughlin attends launch of ‘Children with Disabilities Strategic Alliance’, Manifesto at Parliament Buildings.
South Antrim Sinn Féin MLA, Mitchel McLaughlin commenting following the recent launch of the ‘Children with Disabilities Strategic Alliance’, manifesto at Parliament Buildings said: Read more
December 18, 2009
Public will question if the PSNI can and should be investigating themselves – Anderson
Sinn Féin MLA for Foyle and member of the Policing Board’s Human Rights Committee Martina Anderson has questioned the public confidence of the PSNI in investigating themselves. Read more
Dublin City Council Estimates will push thousands of families further into poverty – Councillor Dessie Ellis
Sinn Fein councillor Dessie Ellis has today said that the proposed Dublin City Council estimates, if passed, “will push thousands of families across the city further into poverty.” The Dublin North East councillor has called on the City Manager and the Labour Party to consider a Sinn Féin alternative in… Read more
Kerry court scenes send out dangerous signal – Ó Snodaigh
SINN FÉIN Justice spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said that the scenes in the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee during the week, which have outraged people across the country, underline the need for reform of procedures in the courts service. Read more
Ó’Domhnaill and Keaveney slammed for supporting public sector pay cuts
Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has slammed fellow Donegal Senators Briain Ó’Domhnaill and Cecilia Keaveney for voting in support of the Financial Emergency Measures Bill which will implement cuts of 5% to the lowest paid public sector employees. Read more
Sinn Féin calls for Liam Adams’ arrest
Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald speaking following a UTV Insight programme concerning the sexual abuse of Gerry Adams niece Áine Tyrell said: Read more
Personal Statement From Gerry Adams
Speaking during a UTV Insight programme Gerry Adams made a direct appeal to his brother to hand himself in to the PSNI and do the right thing by his daughter Áine Tyrell. Read more
December 19, 2009
Anderson blasts benefits age discrimination
Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has strongly criticised the Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie for her “defence of a benefits system which blatantly discriminates against young people”. Ms. Anderson was speaking after questioning the Minister on the fact that different rates of key benefits are paid to people under… Read more
December 20, 2009
Poor will pay the price for weak Copenhagen text
Speaking from the Copenhagen climate talks after world leaders failed to produce an agreement that would effectively tackle climate change, Irish GUE/NGL MEP Bairbre de Brun criticised the myopia of the COP-15 outcome and called for reinforced determination from climate justice campaigners. Read more
December 21, 2009
Problems faced over Derry /Donegal benefits access “Mind boggling” –Raymond McCartney MLA
Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has raised concerns over eligibility problems around access to benefits that are being encountered by people who are originally from Derry but who now live in Donegal. Read more
Kelly outraged as Kunjumons are forced to leave
Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast, Gerry Kelly, has spoken of his outrage that the Kunjumon family have finally been forced to leave the New Lodge district. Read more
Sinn Fein MLA Jennifer McCann Memorial Fund Funding Statement
Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann has encouraged conflict victims and victim's relatives who may be eligible for financial assistance from the Memorial Fund to ensure they apply. Read more
Progress on £2.8 million investment in Ballymoney
Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £2.8million in the Ballymoney area this year. Read more
Willie O'Dea apologises in court, withdraws misleading affidavit and pays damages to Sinn Féin Councillor
GOVERNMENT Minister Willie O'Dea has been forced to withdraw defamatory comments that he made against Limerick City Sinn Féin Councillor Maurice Quinlivan in the run up to the local government elections last June. Read more
December 22, 2009
Banking revelations show senior politicians awareness of corruption and failure to act – Ó Snodaigh
Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said last night’s Prime Time investigation into banking practices in Ireland proves that senior Fianna Fáil politicians and members of the elite golden circle were well aware of the corruption within the Irish banking sector well before the beginning of the recession… Read more
Sinn Féin is opposed to Dublin City Council budget for 2010 - O'Toole
The Sinn Féin Group leader on Dublin City Council Larry O'Toole has said that the party is opposed to the Dublin City Council budget for 2010 because it will "impose additional charges on those households least able to afford them". Read more
December 28, 2009
International aid must be allowed to enter Gaza – Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin MLA for Foyle Raymond McCartney has said that the Egyptian Government must allow the international aid convoy, “Viva Palestina Convoy”, to bring humanitarian aid across the border and into Gaza. Read more
December 30, 2009
Hanafin comments will cause panic — Ó Snodaigh
RESPONDING to comments by Minister for Social and Family Affairs Mary Hanafin in relation to possible cuts to the Lone Parents Allowance, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social Welfare Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said the Minister’s comments, coming on the back of social welfare cuts coming into affect next week,… Read more