March 2010 Archives (Latest News)

SF demand full disclosure of Stalker/Sampson to Inquest families

Speaking after a meeting this morning with the PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott, Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey called for the full disclosure of the Stalker/Sampson reports to the legal representatives of a number of people killed during RUC Shoot to Kill operations in North Armagh in the 1980s… Read more

Ruane welcomes Commission review on post-primary education

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has reiterated her party’s outright opposition to any form of selection. In welcoming the consultation launched today by the Commission on Catholic Education on post-primary education she also noted the questions raised by the First Minister Peter Robinson around high stakes testing of 11 year olds.… Read more

Refusal of credit to SMEs increases to a crippling 55% - Morgan

Speaking today after the release of the latest ISME Bank Watch survey which showed that 55 per cent of businesses were refused funding in the three months to the end of February, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employment Arthur Morgan said: Read more

Morgan says Nationalisation is inevitable

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan, has responded angrily to the announcement from AIB today that it raising its mortgage interest rates is inevitable. Morgan said the taxpayer was sick of being forced to help banking businesses that are clearly incapable of running themselves and then being doubly punished by… Read more

SINN FÉIN CHALLENGES SDLP ON CITY HALL EQUALITY VOTE

Sinn Féin criticised other political parties, and in particular the SDLP, after a decision to re-introduce a number of British military plaques in the East Entrance of Belfast City Hall at the Council's monthly meeting last night. Read more

Fógraíonn an tAire Oideachais aonad nua naíscoile Gaeilge ag Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh, Béal Feirste

D'fhaomh an tAire Oideachais, Caitríona Ruane, bunú aonad naíscoile Gaeilge ag Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh, Béal Feirste. Read more

Education Minister announces new Irish-medium nursery unit at Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh, Belfast

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has approved the establishment of an Irish-medium nursery unit at Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh, Belfast. Read more

Ruane helps human rights education to Lift Off

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has announced funding for Amnesty International to deliver human rights education in primary schools across the north. Read more

Fra McCann “Footpaths and roads must be maintained to highest standard”

Fra McCann Sinn Fein MLA for West Belfast has called for stronger legislation to deal with Government departments and Utility companies who are destroying our streets and roads. Read more

Government job creation strategy nowhere near adequate – Morgan

Speaking today after the launch of ‘Horizon 2020’, the new IDA strategy for the period to 2020, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment Arthur Morgan said the Government’s target of creating 105,000 jobs by 2014 is clearly nowhere near adequate. Read more

Exchequer figures show Government’s approach is failing – Morgan

Speaking today after the release of the Exchequer figures for the period ended February 2010, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Arthur Morgan said the figures are clear confirmation that the Government’s approach to the economic crisis is wrong. Read more

Ferris raises Green Isle strike in Dail

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Workers Rights, Martin Ferris TD, succeeded in having the ongoing strike and hunger strike at Green Isle Foods in Naas debated in the Dail this afternoon. Read more

SDLP's crocodile tears for west Belfast

West Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann has accused SDLP Cllr Tim Attwood and his party of “failing to provide one single positive idea for tackling disadvantage in west Belfast”. Read more

Ó Snodaigh proposes alternative solution to Government's inadequate proposals for head shops

Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD welcomed the belated government move to ban a number of substances currently on sale in headshops but said the move is still inadequate. Deputy Ó Snodaigh presented today a comprehensive set of proposals which he claims are a real solution to the problem of head shops… Read more

Minister sets abysmal ‘target’ of 105,000 jobs by 2014 while 432,400 on current Live Register- Morgan

Speaking today after the release of the latest CSO Live Register figures for February, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment Arthur Morgan has hit out at the Government and the Tánaiste. Read more

Protest to greet Minister Harney’s visit to Crumlin Children’s Hospital

Sinn Féin Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has announced that his party will hold a protest at Crumlin Children’s Hospital tomorrow when Health Minister Mary Harney arrives to open the new Accident and Emergency Department at the Hospital. Read more

Maskey launches “A new vision for the Holyland and University areas”

Sinn Féin south Belfast MLA Alex Maskey this morning launched Sinn Féin’s document “A Community in Crisis? A new vision for the Holyland and University areas.” Read more

Mandatory pensions will amount to further pay cuts for low paid workers – Ó Snodaigh

Reacting to the publication of the Government’s National Pension’s Framework by Minister Mary Hanafin today Sinn Féin Social and Family Affairs spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the introduction of mandatory pensions would amount to a further pay cut for low paid workers and would undermine the public pension system. Read more

"Adams welcomes release of Task Force funding for An Chultúrlann"

West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has welcomed the decision by the Executive to release £1/2m investment in An Chultúrlann, a flagship for An Ceathrú Gaeltachta, the Gaeltacht Quarter. The west Belfast MP revealed that with the help of the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, half a million pounds has now… Read more

Maskey: “Paul Goggins comments a retrograde step”

Sinn Féin Policing and Justice Spokesperson Alex Maskey MLA has once again challenged the British Government to commit fully to the process of moving policing and the criminal justice system here in the north forward. Read more

Ó Caoláin demands publication of 20 HSE reports on deaths of children in State care

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described as "shocking" the admission this morning by a senior HSE official that there are 20 reports on the deaths of children in State care awaiting publication. The Sinn Féin Dáil leader called for their publication without further delay. Read more

Adams welcomes Executive investment in Gaeltacht Quarter

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams was in the Chultúrlann on the Falls Road to meet with groups and organisations based in the pioneering cultural centre. Mr Adams was joined by Junior Minister Gerry Kelly and Cllr Caoimhín Mac Giolla Mhín. Read more

Criminal Procedures Bill ‘cheap and lazy’ – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking on the Criminal Procedures Bill 2009 in the Dáil today Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh described the legislation as “cheap and lazy” and said it will do nothing more for victims. Read more

McCartney welcomes Ford's meeting with Bloody Sunday families. But Durkan also has questions to answer.

Sinn Féin Spokesperson, Raymond McCartney MLA (Foyle) said that he welcomes the fact that David Ford as responded positively to Sinn Féin's call for him to meet with the Bloody Sunday families to explain his comments on the Saville Inquiry. Read more

No jobs for the young as the old forced to work longer

Sinn Fein spokesperson on Special and Family Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh has hit out at the Government’s pensions framework announced yesterday saying the plan to increase the qualification age for the pension in four years time would exasperate the problem of youth unemployment and emigration as older workers would be… Read more

Forensic evidence will not reduce crime – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, on the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2010, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said forensic evidence may assist in the detection and prosecution of some offences but it will not reduce crime. Read more

Reports on deaths of children in state care must be published – Ó Caoláin

Speaking in the Dáil today on the statements on the Death of Children in State Care since 2000, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, Sinn Fein Dáil leader & spokesperson on Health & Children said: Read more

Anderson in talks to deliver huge 3000 job investment potential

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has revealed a £600 million investment with potential to create 3,000 jobs is being planned for Derry. Read more

Jobs crisis to dominate at Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

Speaking before the opening session of the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Dublin this afternoon, Senator Pearse Doherty said that the issue of jobs would dominate at the weekend conference. Read more

Ard Fheis OPENING SPEECH – Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald's opening address to the Ard Fheis Read more

Gerry Kelly opening the International Solidarity and European Affairs section

Gerry Kelly MLA opening the International Solidarity and European Affairs section Read more

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre De Brún speaking to motion 2 on Palestine

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre De Brún speaking to motion 2 on Palestine. Read more

Former Canadian Attorney General addresses Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

Remarks by Warren Allmand P.C., O.C, Q.C, (Former Attorney General, Canada) at the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis in Dublin, March 5, 2010 Read more

Martin McGuinness moves motion on Hillsborough Agreement at Ard Fheis

Martin McGuinness moves motion on Hillsborough Agreement at Ard Fheis Read more

Senator Pearse Doherty on Sinn Féin job creation proposals

Senator Pearse Doherty on Sinn Féin job creation proposals. Read more

Nothing is impossible in struggle - Kelly

Address to the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis by Gerry Kelly MLA. Read more

Time to build all island economy

Address to Sinn Féin Ard Fheis by Martina Anderson MLA Read more

Sinn Fein committed to universal health system

Address to the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis by Michelle O'Neill, MLA Read more

Unemployed deserve better - Doherty

Address by Senator Pearse Doherty to the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis. Read more

Fianna Fail the 'Del Boy' of economics - Cllr Matt Carthy

Comments made by Sinn Féin councillor Matt Carthy to the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis. Read more

Choose jobs, choose Sinn Féin - Kathryn Reilly

Comments by delegate Kathryn Reilly to Sinn Féin Ard Fheis. Read more

NAMA bailout product of rotten system - Seán Crowe

Comments by Councillor Sean Crowe to Sinn Féin Ard Fheis. Read more

Our public services under attack as never before - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghin O Caolain addressing the Ard Fheis on cuts to public services. Read more

Slash and burn targets vulnerable - Cllr John Brady

Wicklow County Councillor John Brady addresses the Ard Fheis on cuts. Read more

Billions for banks, nothing for Limerick - Cllr Maurice Quinlivan

Address by Sinn Fein councillor Maurice Quinlivan to Ard Fheis. Read more

Sinn Féin tackling rural poverty - Minister Michelle Gildernew

Sinn Féin tackling rural poverty - Minister Michelle Gildernew This past year, as usual has been a very challenging time for our rural communities and farmers. However their fortitude and determination has seen our agricultural industries hold off the worst of the global economic downturn. I want to commend… Read more

Sinn Féin delivering on justice - Maskey

Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey addressing the issue of Justice and Policing at this years Ard Fheis. Read more

Irish politics is bankrupt - Toireasa Ferris

Kerry Sinn Féin Councillor Toireasa Ferris addressing the Ard Fheis. Read more

Current government 'a coalition of the confused and the clueless' - McDonald

Comments to the Ard Fheis by Sinn Féin Vice-President Mary Lou McDonald. Read more

Martin McGuinness Address to Ard Fheis 2010 – Saturday.

Martin McGuinness Address to Ard Fheis 2010 – Saturday. Read more

Address to Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2010 by ANC National Chair Baleka Mbete

Address to Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2010 by ANC National Chair Baleka Mbete Read more

Address by Kattalin Madariaga of Abertzale Left to the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

Address by Kattalin Madariaga of Abertzale Left to the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis. Read more

Aengus Ó Snodaigh Ard Fheis speech on social welfare and pensions

The hypocrisy of this government knows no bounds. This week they announced moves to make ordinary working people wait until they are 68 years old before they can retrieve their meager state pension. Read more

Watch coverage of the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis online.

Watch coverage of the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis online by following links within our main site and to our flickr and Youtube sites. Read more

Watch Gerry Adams Presidential Address to the Sinn Féin 2010 Ard Fheis on Youtube

Watch Gerry Adams Presidential Address to the Sinn Féin 2010 Ard Fheis on Youtube. Read more

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams' Speech to the 2010 Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

A half a million citizens unemployed. Social welfare payments cut. Wages cut. Health and Education in crisis. Families facing eviction. Mass emigration back again. Parts of the country under water. In other parts the drinking water is unsafe. Billions of taxpayers money gifted to a dysfunctional, toxic banking system. Read more

de Brún report on pets helps combat rabies

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will speak in Strasbourg today on a report she authored on the non-commercial movement of pets. This legislative text is the first modified regulation coming to the plenary, falling under the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty Read more

Foireann Tionóil Shinn Féin le ‘Rith’ ag Cnoc an Anfa

Beidh foireann Sinn Féin sa Tionól, Airí, CTR agus foireann tacaíochta ina measc ag marcáil tús "Rith 2010" ag Cnoc an Anfa amárach. Read more

Sinn Féin Assembly Team to go ‘On the Run’ at Stormont

Sinn Féin’s team in the Assembly, including Ministers, MLA’s and party support staff will join thousands of citizens across Ireland in marking the beginning of “Rith 2010”. Read more

O’ Dowd attends High Court Shoot to Kill Hearing.

After attending the ongoing legal wrangle in the High Court today between the PSNI and the Coroner over access to the Stalker Sampson Report in regards six men shot dead by the RUC in North Armagh in 1982 Sinn Féin Assembly member for Upper Bann John O'Dowd said: Read more

International Women’s Day marked at the Assembly

Speaking following an event to celebrate International Women's Day at the Assembly today, Sinn Fein MLA Jennifer McCann praised the contribution women have made in their communities throughout the world. Read more

More nonsense from UUP - Kelly

Responding to claims by the UUP that Martin McGuinness ‘threw them out’ of a meeting in his office today, Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly said: Read more

Ó Caoláin expresses sympathy with Cullen on his ill health

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has expressed sympathy with Martin Cullen on his resignation due to ill health. Deputy Ó Caoláin said Minister Cullen’s further resignation as a Dáil Deputy was a shock that will no doubt have an effect on the stability of the Government. Read more

AIB staff should be supported in standing up against top managers’ pay - Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD, responding to AIBs annual report which showed the bailed-out bank paid its top managers €3.6 million last year, called on unions and ordinary staff at the bank to join Sinn Féin in the fight against these wages at the top. Read more

€150 million seized by CAB since its establishment

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has revealed that approximately €150million has been seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau since its establishment in 1996. Read more

MEPs from delegation to Gaza meet with President Buzek

Six MEPs who participated recently in the largest delegation of European parliamentarians to visit Gaza met this morning in the name of that delegation with Jerzy Buzek, President of the European Parliament, accompanied by Mazen Kahel and Arafat Shoukri, Chair of the European Campaign to End the siege of Gaza,… Read more

de Brún report – Protecting Our Pets

A report authored by Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún was voted on and passed through the European Parliament in Strasbourg today. Read more

Ellis calls for urgent intervention to resolve taxi dispute

Cllr Dessie Ellis has called on the Minister for the Environment Noel Dempsey to intervene as a matter of urgency to resolve the dispute which has led to a sit in by members of the Irish Taxi Council at the Office of the Commission for Taxi regulation in Fitzwilliam square. Read more

Long term traffic solution needed for Park Avenue

Sinn Féin Councillor for the Northlands Maeve McLaughlin has said a long term solution is needed to solve traffic problems along the Park Avenue area of Rosemount Read more

Sinn Féin meets DRD Road service over Temple Road Access

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney and Councillor for the Rural Ward Paul Fleming have held a meeting with DRD Road Service to discuss access to the Temple Road area from the dual carriageway between Gransha and Maydown roundabouts Read more

‘Health Minister to present abuse inquiry options’ - Anderson

The Executive will soon be presented with an options paper exploring the possibility of establishing an inquiry into historical child abuse here. Read more

Anderson slams Minister over cancer payment snub

Sinn Féin Human Rights Spokesperson, Martina Anderson MLA, (Foyle) has slammed the Social Security Minister Margaret Ritchie for refusing to lobby for winter fuel payments to be extended to cancer patients. Read more

Statement from Sinn Fein MLA Paul Butler on his meeting today with the ACC Finlay, PSNI.

"I asked for today's meeting to seek a ban by the PSNI of a planned march by the 'Pride of the Village Flurte' band through the village of Stoneyford on St Patrick's Day. This band has never before paraded on St Patrick's Day but they have paraded many times on… Read more

Crowe welcomes ESB initiative to take on 400 apprentices

Dublin South West Sinn Féin Councillor Seán Crowe has welcomed ESB’s initiative to take on 400 apprentices to finish their training and called on the government to encourage other public and private companies to make similar moves. Read more

Ó Caoláin welcomes Assembly vote on policing and justice transfer

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has welcomed the vote in the Northern Assembly for the transfer of policing and justice powers from Britain to the Six Counties. Read more

Tallaght Hospital x-ray scandal

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called for a Dáil debate on the Tallaght Hospital x-ray scandal. Read more

New EU Foreign Policy Chief snubs our Minister as Israel embarks on further illegal settlements in Palestine

Sinn Féin International Affairs spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on the Government to end its consent for the continuation of the preferential trade agreement with Israel after the Israeli Government announced it’s intention to build a further 1,600 illegal settlement houses in Palestine. Read more

Problems at Tallaght Hospital highlighted two years ago

Dublin South West Sinn Féin Councillor Seán Crowe has said he warned of serious problems and shortages of resources at Tallaght Hospital two years ago but no action was taken by Health Minister Mary Harney. He said Minister Harney should resign or be removed from office by the Taoiseach. Read more

SDLP ‘celebrities’ will not win Fermanagh South Tyrone

Commenting on the decision of Fearghal McKinney to stand for the SDLP in Fermanagh and South Tyrone in the next Westminster election, Sinn Féin MP for the area Michelle Gildernew said: Read more

Ombudsman report on Wheelock death raises serious questions – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said the findings of the Garda Ombudsman Commission's report into the death in custody of young Dublin man Terence Wheelock raises serious questions about Garda procedures and detention arrangements. Read more

Concerns as former Tallaght Hospital patients struggle to get through to helpline

Dublin South West Sinn Féin Councillor Seán Crowe has expressed concern that the helpline set up for former Tallaght Hospital patients who are concerned about their health following yesterday’s revelations about unexamined x-rays. Read more

Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD ag glacadh páirt i Rith 2010 inniu

"Tacaigh le Rith 2010 i mBaile Átha Cliath" Read more

Ferris calls for payment of REPS money

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD, raised in the Dáil today the issue of the failure to pay farmers in Kerry payments due under the REPS IV scheme. Read more

Board of NAMA receive huge salary increases as ordinary workers get paycuts – Morgan

Speaking today in the Dáil after it was revealed that the salaries of members of the NAMA board were revised upwards after the paycuts announced in Budget 2010, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Arthur Morgan has asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Finance to justify the 70% increase in the… Read more

Fears for the future at Tyrone Crystal – Gildernew

Sinn Féin Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has expressed her solidarity with staff at the Tyrone Crystal plant in Dungannon and has committed herself to doing all that she can to support workers at this uncertain time. Read more

30,000 GP letters “even more serious than x-rays” – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson and Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has described as “astounding” the fact that an estimated 30,000 GP referral letters were left unopened or did not reach the consultants for whom they were intended at Tallaght. Deputy Ó Caoláin called for the recall of Health… Read more

Gerry Adams warned of another threat to his life

Sinn Féin west Belfast MP Gerry Adams has revealed today that he has received a further warning from the PSNI that there is a threat to his life. Read more

Holyland area needs strategic approach – Maskey

Sinn Féin MLA for south Belfast Alex Maskey has said that “CCTV in the Holyland will only solve the symptoms of the problems faced by that community but cant resolve the core issues faced by the community”. Read more

Ó Caoláin urges Referendum on Children's Rights

Sinn Féin Health and Children Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has welcomed the third and final report of the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children. Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Deputy Ó Caoláin called on the Government to table legislation to hold a referendum on the issue of… Read more

Revoke pay increases for NAMA Board – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has called on the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan to revoke the increases in pay for the members of the Board of NAMA which were revealed yesterday. Deputy Morgan described the massive pay increases as an insult to ordinary public sector workers who are… Read more

NI Water Chairman and a number of Board members dismissed

Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, today announced that he has dismissed the Chairman and a number of non-executive directors of the Board of NI Water (NIW). Read more

McCartney welcomes decisive action on NIW governance failings

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the regional development committee Raymond McCartney has today welcomed the move by the Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy MP MLA in relation to the dismissal of several board members of NI Water. Read more

PPS must now act in Hamill case – O’Dowd

Sinn Féin MLA John O’ Dowd has said the recommendation in the Interim report of the Robert Hamill inquiry for the Public Prosecution Service to reconsider a decision not to prosecute a retired RUC officer must be acted on without further delay by the PPS. Read more

Fianna Fáil/Green Government could learn from actions of Minister Conor Murphy

Responding to the news that Sinn Féin's Minister for Regional Development in the Northern Executive Conor Murphy has sacked a number of members of Northern Ireland Water Board, including the chairperson, for mismanagement, North Kerry TD Martin Ferris has suggested that the Fianna Fáil/Green government could learn a thing or… Read more

SDLP vote against GAA community development in North Belfast

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has slammed the decision by the SDLP, at Belfast City Council tonight to vote against the proposed GAA community development in North Belfast at the Cricky Pitch on the Clintonville Road. The much needed development would have seen changing facilities built at the site… Read more

McCartney: Minister Right to examine future of NI Water

Sinn Fein Regional Development Spokesperson Raymond McCartney MLA has welcomed the decision by colleague Conor Murphy, Minister for Regional Development to examine all options, including the option of bringing NI Water back under Central Government control. Read more

Ó Donnghaile welcomes DOE announcement on Airport Inquiry

Sinn Féin’s east Belfast Representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has welcomed today’s news that the Environment Minister is to ask the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) to hold a public inquiry to consider the application from Belfast City Airport (GBBCA) to extend its runway. Read more

McKay responds to Poots comments on NSMC meetings

Responding to comments from DUP Environment Minister Edwin Poots in the Assembly chamber today that he is considering stopping face-to-face meetings with his fellow ministers in the North South Ministerial Council, Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay said; Read more

Appeal from Alex Maskey MLA south Belfast

A chairde, Throughout the world, major cities come to a standstill on the 17th March each year to celebrate St Patricks Day. The Irish Diaspora, in places as far away as Moscow and Beijing, organise events to mark our national day. From the largest cities to the smallest villages in… Read more

Major problems with dampness and mould in council homes – Crowe

Dublin South West Sinn Féin Councillor Seán Crowe has called on residents in dwellings that are suffering from damp and fungus growths to report the problem to the council. Read more

Doherty reiterates call for full cross border public inquiry into Omagh bomb

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has re-iterated his call for a full cross border public inquiry into the Omagh bomb. Read more

Adams meets Hillary Clinton

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams last night met the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington. Read more

Gerry Adams: "Naomh Gall ABÚ!"

Sinn Féin President and west Belfast MP Gerry Adams has sent his warmest congratulations to the players, backroom staff and supporters of St Galls GAA Club, on their momentous win in the All-Ireland Club Finals at Croke Park today. Read more

Adams on Capitol Hill

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams is in Washington for St. Patrick’s Day on the fifth day of a six day visit to the USA. Read more

Sinn Féin to launch proposals to tackle youth unemployment

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty will launch his party’s proposals for creating jobs for the young unemployed at a press conference in Buswell’s Hotel on Friday. The party is to embark on a major campaign to put pressure on the Government to tackle the problem of youth unemployment. Read more

Doherty launches comprehensive set of proposals to tackle youth unemployment

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty today launched a set of proposals aimed at tackling the problem of youth unemployment. Senator Doherty said, if implemented, Sinn Féin’s proposals would get 50,000 people under the age of twenty-five off the dole immediately and create many more jobs in the years ahead. The… Read more

Ó Snodaigh exposes new threat to Irish neutrality

Sinn Féin Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh today accused the new EU Foreign Policy Chief of excluding Ireland from policy formulation. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said a meeting of seven EU Foreign Ministers took place in Finland to develop the EU’s approach to Palestine and other Foreign policy issues to… Read more

Call for additional Gardaí in Tallaght after series of knife attacks

Tallaght Central Councillor, Sean Crowe has called for additional Garda resources to be deployed in the Jobstown area in Tallaght following three consecutive days of knife attacks near the Mary Mercier Health Centre. Read more

Ó Caoláin advises holiday travellers to get passports in order now

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has advised those who are planning to travel abroad on summer holidays to ensure now that their passports are in order. This warning comes at a time of growing industrial action in the public service, including the Passport Office. Read more

Protest at Tallaght Hospital this Saturday 20th March @ 1pm

Sinn Féin members and supporters will hold a lunchtime protest at Tallaght Hospital this Saturday 20th March at 1pm. The protestors will be calling on Minister for Health Mary Harney to resign over the x-rays scandal at Tallaght Hospital. Read more

Tallaght Fianna Fáil TDs must state whether they have confidence in Harney - Crowe

Tallaght Central Sinn Féin Councillor Seán Crowe today attended a protest at Tallaght Hospital where protesters called for Mary Harney to resign over the x-rays scandal at Tallaght Hospital. Read more

Home Help Cuts to feature prominently at Strabane Public meeting

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill believes that concerns surrounding increasing cuts to home help provision will feature prominently at a public meeting she has arranged for Strabane next week at which representatives of Patient and Client Council (PCC) will be present to listen to, and to take… Read more

Racists 'not welcome' in North Antrim

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has condemned the petrol bomb attack on a house on the Galgorm Road in Ballymena last night. Read more

O'Dowd welcomes UTU support for end to academic selection

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has stated that the support from the Ulster Teachers Union for the abolition of the Eleven Plus highlights an increasing demand from teachers for the ending of any type of academic selection Read more

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness to launch Easter Lily at Stormont

Sinn Féin MP and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness will tomorrow (Tuesday 23rd) join with the Belfast National Graves Association and the Sinn Féin Assembly Team in launching this years Easter Lily campaign. Read more

Ó Donnghaile commends those involved in new east Belfast mural

Sinn Féin’s east Belfast election candidate Niall Ó Donnghaile has commended all those involved in the new mural unveiled on the lower Newtonards Road this morning entitled ‘No More’. Read more

Morgan condemns Dundalk murder

Sinn Féin TD for Louth Arthur Morgan has strongly condemned the murder of a man in Dundalk last night. Read more

Sinn Féin MLA Welcomes Irish School Funding Boost

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Assembly’s Education committee, Michelle O’Neill has welcomed the decision by Education Minister Caitriona Ruane to fund four Irish Language schools with an investment of £2million in the sector. Read more

Minister signs design contract for the Lisanelly Shared Educational Campus

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, today signed a £3.2million contract with Bovis Lend Lease to begin the design of the proposed Shared Education Campus in Omagh. Read more

Re-shuffle will not create one job for the unemployed – Ó Caoláin

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the cabinet re-shuffle announced by An Taoiseach will not create one job for the unemployed. Deputy Ó Caoláin said described the re-shuffle as a sham and said the Government should “be shuffling out of office with… Read more

Government needs to offer constructive solutions to passport crisis

Sinn Féin Workers’ Rights spokesperson Martin Ferris has called on the government to engage constructively with unions representing workers in the passport office. Ferris said the situation is being ignored by a government content to let the public lay the blame for this crisis at the door of low-paid workers… Read more

Belfast Wheel should stay – Cllr Conor Maskey

Sinn Féin Belfast City Councillor Conor Maskey has criticised the decision to remove the ‘Belfast Wheel’ from its current location adjacent to City Hall. Read more

Ellis calls on Gardaí to step up search for Daniel McAnaspie

Sinn Féin Councillor Dessie Ellis has called on Gardaí in Blanchardstown and Finglas to step up the search for Daniel McAnaspie, the 17 year old youth who has been missing now for over a month. Read more

Ferris rejects calls for wage cuts in tourism

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Workers Rights, Martin Ferris TD, rejected any attempt that might be made to further reduce wage levels for people working in the tourist sector. Read more

Maskey welcomes audit report on Campsie office accomodation

Sinn Féin Chair Person of the Public Accounts Committee Paul Maskey MLA has welcomed the Audit Office reports on the Campsie Office Accommodation and Synergy e-Business Incubator (SeBL). Read more

Sinn Féin MLA’s welcome mandatory register of landlords in the north

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Fra McCann MLA and south Belfast MLA Alex Maskey have both welcomed today’s announcement that the Department for Social Development will introduce a register of private landlords in the north for the first time. Read more

Public service unions should refine strategy – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said that the public service unions need to refine their strategy to ensure maximum pressure on the Fianna Fáil/Green Government and minimum disruption to the public, such as that occurring at the Passport Office. He also questioned what he called inconsistencies… Read more

Education Minister launches toolkits for diversity

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has launched three new diversity toolkits for pre-school, post -primary and special schools. Read more

Employment removed from Ministerial remit as figures show unemployment increased 57.6% in 2009

Speaking today after the release of the Quarterly National Household Survey figures for the fourth quarter of 2009, which showed that unemployment had risen 57.6% in 2009, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Arthur Morgan has hit out at the Government’s response to tackling unemployment. Read more

Ó Snodaigh to produce bill to eliminate head shops as we know them

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has announced that his office is n the final stages of drafting a bill which would eliminate head shops as we know them from our communities. Read more

McGuinness launches GAA Academy at Jordanstown

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA today launched the new GAA Academy at the University of Ulster which will be housed in the £20million Sports Institute Facility in Jordanstown. Read more

Pay increases at Anglo cannot be justified – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has said the proposed pay increases for employees at Anglo Irish Bank cannot be justified and should not go ahead. Deputy Morgan said this revelation is the second of its kind in the last few weeks coming after the revelation that the board of… Read more

Anderson calls for resolute action on head shops

Sinn Féin Policing Board Member, Martina Anderson has called for resolute government government action on so-called 'Head Shops' who are peddling dangerous substances. Read more

Governing Bodies Association are clutching at straws - O'Dowd

Sinn Fein Education spokesperson John O’ Dowd has said the Governing Bodies Association are clutching at straws in their latest attempt to dissuade grammar schools moving away from the outdated process of Academic selection. Read more

Transport Minister visits Brussels

Transport Minister, Conor Murphy, is in Brussels today to address a seminar on sustainable transport. The seminar focuses on the challenges faced by a peripheral region in delivering sustainable transport. Read more

McGuinness launches GAA Academy at Jordanstown

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA today launched the new GAA Academy at the University of Ulster which will be housed in the £20million Sports Institute Facility in Jordanstown. Read more

Governing Bodies Association are clutching at straws - O'Dowd

Sinn Fein Education spokesperson John O’ Dowd has said the Governing Bodies Association are clutching at straws in their latest attempt to dissuade grammar schools moving away from the outdated process of Academic selection. Read more

Budget shows why the north needs greater economic control and tax varying powers – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin’s economic spokesperson Mitchell McLaughlin MLA (south Antrim) has said that any boost to the economy in the north is welcome but that ‘economic policies concocted in Whitehall are designed to benefit Whitehall.’ Read more

Minister Ritchie must now tell us what this landlord registration will entail - McCann

Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Fra McCann MLA has called on the Social Development Minister to elaborate on what exactly the department’s mandatory landlord registration scheme will entail. Read more

Irish government must secure GPO Irish Flag from auction house.

Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff has stated that the Irish government must now move to purchase the Irish tricolour that was captured from the GPO in 1916. The attempted auctioning of this item went ahead but it did not receive the reserve price yesterday at an auction in New York. Read more

Adams and McGuinness meet British Prime Minister in London

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA this afternoon met the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London. Read more

Orange Orders Anti-Catholic Nature Laid Bare

Reacting to a statement from the Orange Order calling for their members to protest against the papal visit to Britain later this year, Sinn Féin Assembly member Daithi McKay today said ‘that the mask had slipped on the Orders claims to be little more than a cultural organisation’. Read more

Irish government must secure GPO Irish Flag from New York auction house.

Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff has stated that the Irish government must now move to purchase the Irish tricolour that was captured from the GPO in 1916. The attempted auctioning of this item went ahead but it did not receive the reserve price yesterday at an auction in New York. Read more

Ruane hails success of multi-million pound sports programme

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has hailed the success of a multi-million pound sports initiative in improving the health and wellbeing of local children. Read more

Adams praises Family of Frank 'bap' McGreevy

West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has commended the family of Frank ‘bap’ McGreevy for their dignity and resolve as the man convicted of murdering him was sentenced in court today. Read more

Business as usual in chaotic health service two days after ‘reshuffle’ – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said the need for a new health policy, a new Health Minister and a new Government has been clearly shown just two days after the Cabinet ‘reshuffle’. Read more

Fine Gael’s anti union and anti worker stance raises serious questions for the Labour Party – Doherty

Reacting to the comments made by Fine Gael Deputy Alan Shatter on the public sector strike action being taken by officials in the Passport Office, where he encouraged the Government to sue the unions, Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has asked the Labour party to confirm their intentions to enter… Read more

Shock at lack of information on mephedone on DHSS and Public Health Agency websites - O'Neill

Sinn Fein MLA and vice chair of the health committee in the Assembly Michelle O’Neill has spoken of her surprise that both the Department of Health’s website and that of the Public Health Agency’s have no information on them regarding mephedrone. This is in comparison to a Google search revealing… Read more

Anyone found guilty of planning corruption must face full rigours of the law - McDonald

Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald has said anyone found to be guilty of corrupt planning decisions as a result of the publication to the reports on the Dublin Docklands Development Authority must be made to face the full rigours of the law. Read more

Ó Snodaigh exposes Tánaiste's duplicity on drugs strategy

Sinn Féin's Aengus Ó Snodaigh has exposed government duplicity and accused the Taoiseach of "playing a deadly game of chess with the National Drugs Strategy". Read more

Parker hits out at Finaghy robbery

Balmoral Sinn Féin representative Vincent Parker has hit out at those responsible for last night’s robbery at the home of a woman in her 70’s at Northlands Park in Finaghy. Read more

First newborn at Downe Hospital a very welcome sign of the times - Ruane

Sinn Féin MLA for South Down Caitriona Ruane has stated that the birth of the first baby at the new purpose built midwifery unit at Downe Hospital in Downpatrick is a sign of the times and that it will be the first of many happy moment in the unit. Read more

First newborn at Downe Hospital a very welcome sign of the times - Ruane

Sinn Féin MLA for South Down Caitriona Ruane has stated that the birth of the first baby at the new purpose built midwifery unit at Downe Hospital in Downpatrick is a sign of the times and that it will be the first of many happy moment in the unit. Read more

Gildernew encourages farm diversification uptake

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA addressed members of the Ulster Farmers’ Union at their annual dinner in the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle. Read more

PSNI 'more to do' to gain confidence of community in Rasharkin‏

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that the PSNI has ‘more to do’ to gain the confidence of people living in Rasharkin. Mr McKay was speaking after attending a meeting held by the PSNI in the village which was attended by 30-40 local people. Read more

Farm Minister meets with new IFA President

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, formally met with new Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) President, John Bryan. Read more

Ballymoney Council ‘wide open to legal challenge’

Ballymoney Sinn Féin Councillor Anita Cavlan has slammed DUP Councillors John Finlay and Frank Campbell for their continuing efforts to deny local communities the right to erect Irish streetsigns and for going against the Council’s own policy. Cllr Cavlan said that some of those affected are now taking legal advice… Read more

‘Businesses to benefit from rates rebate’ - Mitchel McLaughlin ML

Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has urged businesses to ensure that they benefit from the new rates reduction which comes into effect on Thursday (April 1). Read more

Adams dismisses Moloney Book

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP commenting today on claims made in Ed Moloney’s book said: Read more

Maskey comments on HET reports

Commenting on reports that the PSNI Chef Constable Matt Baggott is proposing that the HET should complete its work within three years, Sinn Féin Policing Board member Alex Maskey said that ‘any proposal to wind up the HET needs to be done in a way that reassures those families who… Read more

Government has no authority to implement their banking plan – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has said the Government has no authority to further re-capitalise the banks today. Deputy Morgan said the Government is making a decision today that will impact hugely on generations to come at a time when their support levels are at a record low and… Read more

Incinerator a threat to important BioScience jobs in Antrim – Mitchel McLaughlin

Sinn Féin MLA for South Antrim, Mitchel McLaughlin has voiced disappointment at a report produced by AFBI on the Rose Energy proposal for an incinerator in Glenavy. Read more

Public service deal flawed and raises more questions than answers – Ferris

Commenting on the outcome of the negotiations between public service unions and Government, Sinn Féin Workers’ Rights spokesperson Martin Ferris said the deal was flawed in that pay cuts for lowest paid public service workers were not being reversed. He said the other elements of the deal so far outlined… Read more

Gildernew meets local MEPs

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has met local European Parliament members (MEPs), Bairbre de Brún and Diane Dodds. Read more

Government failing to deal with Headshops - Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil this evening, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD highlighted the Government’s failure to address the dangers posed by the proliferation of Headshops. Read more

Ramifications of Government bank bailout to be felt for generations – Morgan

Speaking in the Dáil this evening on the Government’s banking motion Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said the financial ramifications of the bank bailout will be felt for generations. He said the Government has no authority to implement its plan and that taxpayers have no faith in what… Read more

Government solely focussed on banks while unemployment continues to soar – Morgan

Speaking today after the release of the Live Register figures for March revealed an increase in the number of people signing on, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment Arthur Morgan has criticised the Government's expenditure on the bank recapitalisation given that there has been no job creation plan… Read more

Human Rights Commission highlights serious gaps in basic services for people with disabilities

Speaking in the Dáil today Sinn Féin Social and Family Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh called on the Government to reverse the cuts in funding to the disability sector after a report from the Human Rights Commission revealed serious gaps in the provision of basic services and inadequate physical conditions… Read more

Adams Praise for Visteon Workers

Sinn Féin west Belfast MP Gerry Adams has commended the efforts of Visteon workers in Belfast and their colleagues in Britain for their “determination and courage in taking on Visteon and Ford following the closure of the three Visteon plants last year.” Read more

Sinn Féin to launch programme of Easter Commemorative events and latest edition of Republican Magazine Iris

Sinn Féin TDs Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Aengus Ó Snodaigh will launch the party’s programme of Easter Commemorative events in Buswell’s Hotel tomorrow at 11:30am. Read more

Government acting against the will of the people, no further recapitalisation of the banks – Doherty

Speaking in the Seanad today Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has hit out at the Minister for Finance and the government for acting in direct defiance of the electorate in further recapitalising the banks at a time when ordinary people are on the breadline. Read more

Martina Anderson formally submits Sinn Féin response to Bill of Rights consultation

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Equality and Human Rights Martina Anderson MLA today handed over Sinn Féin’s formal submission to the consulation on a Bill of Rights for the north. Read more

Jobs must be protected as Quinn Insurance goes into administration – Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the appointment of administrators to Quinn Insurance Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: Read more

All-Island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy agreed

The All-Island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy took a major step forward today when it was formally agreed at the Agriculture NSMC Sectoral meeting in Hillsborough. Read more

Peoples Millions - Schools should apply!- O Dowd

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson John O'Dowd has called on schools that are involved in community projects to apply for funding to the People Millions from the Big Lottery Fund. Read more

There must be a full investigation into Lost at Sea scheme – Doherty

Speaking in the Seanad today, Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty supported the Ombudsman’s assessment of the Lost at Sea scheme as ‘deficient and flawed’ and called for a full investigation to be carried out into all aspects of the way in which the scheme operated. Read more

Government’s cuts to SNAs while propping up zombie banks, disgraceful- Ó Caoláin

Speaking this evening in the Dáil, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD called on the Minister not to proceed with further cuts to special needs support and to reinstate support that has already been removed. Read more

March 2010 Archives (Latest News)

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