May 2010 Archives (Latest News)

Anderson concerned that elements in InvestNI and University of Ulster working against Derry's interest

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has said that she is increasingly concerned that there are elements within Invest NI and the University of Ulster actively working against the interests of Derry. Read more

Website sales of headshop substances must be tackled now – Ó Snodaigh

Boosted by the success of certain ethically minded landlords who obtained injunctions preventing their tenants from using their retail units as head shops, Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has decided to tackle the mother of all landlords – the internet. Read more

Proposal to re-deploy Planning Staff ill-conceived-Doherty

Tyrone MLA Pat Doherty has described proposals by Environment Minister Edwin Poots to redeploy 269 posts within the Planning Service as an ill-conceived move. Read more

Confusion over Polling cards clarified

Sinn Féin Councillor Phil Flanagan has said that people do not need a polling card to vote in the forthcoming Westminster Election which will take place next Thursday 6th May. Read more

Blanket denial of proxy/postal applications west of the Bann

Fermanagh Sinn Féin Councillor Thomas O'Reilly has expressed deep concern about he claims to be the blanket denial of postal and proxy vote applications by the Electoral Office in areas West of the Bann. Read more

McCartney appeals for a stop to illegal dumping at Springtown Road

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has appealed for an end to illegal dumping in the Springtown Road area of Derry . He made his call after being contacted by a number of residents concerned about the environmental impact and public health implications it was having there Read more

Ó Snodaigh pushes for Headshop Bill to be fast tracked

Speaking early this morning in response to the government’s intention to create a Bill designed to tackle Head shops, Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Justice Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD welcomed the move saying now that steps are finally being taken towards the introduction of legislation by government it ‘must be fast… Read more

Morgan calls for suspension of state contracts to auditing firms under investigation

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has called on Minister Brian Lenihan to suspend all state contracts to auditing firms currently under investigation. In recent weeks, Deputy Morgan and his colleagues have brought the matter of Ernst & Young, as well as KPMG’s involvement in the signing off of… Read more

Sinn Féin challenges Government to hold Donegal South-West by-election - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD is this afternoon (Wednesday) moving the writ for the Donegal South-West by-election which he challenged the Government to hold in the coming weeks. Read more

SDLP turn down huge job creation opportunity in Belfast City Council

Sinn Féin Upper Falls Councillor and Belfast City Council Development Committee member, Caoimhín Mac Giolla Mhín has slammed the decision by the SDLP to defer Belfast City Council support for an investment and economic conference in Belfast in June. Read more

Beaumont bed closures scandalous - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described as 'scandalous' the news that 52 beds at Beaumont Hospital are to be closed in the next two weeks. Read more

Pensions debacle will cause people to turn their backs on politics – Doherty

Speaking at a Seanad debate on pensions, Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has said that the recent debacle over TDs and ministerial pensions will result in people turning their backs on politics. Read more

Shameless Fianna Fáil/Green Government relies on Ceann Comhairle to block by-election– Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the tied vote in the Dáil this evening (Wednesday) on the Sinn Féin motion to move the writ for the Donegal South-West by-election, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, who moved the motion, said that the government relied on the casting vote of the Ceann Comhairle to… Read more

Pensions issue is tip of the iceberg - Ó Caoláin

Speaking during this evening’s Private Members Business, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD supported legislation to end payments of pensions to representatives sitting in the Houses of the Oireachtas. Highlighting the pensions of some former and sitting members, Ó Caoláin pointed that Minister Brian Lenihan appointed as public… Read more

O’ Dowd Welcomes Commitment from Foster to meet any New Owners of First Trust

Sinn Féin MLA John O’ Dowd has welcomed a commitment from the DETI Minister Arlene Foster to meet any new owners of First Trust bank to discuss existing staffs job security and continued investment by the bank. Read more

Adams contacts other leaders on united stand against cuts

Speaking in Stormont this afternoon Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP, MLA revealed that he has written to the other party leaders seeking a meeting to discuss an agreed strategy against any proposed cuts by the British Government. Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls for Ahern to speed up on head shop crack down

Speaking this morning Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Justice Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD warned the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern that head shop legislation must be fast- tracked to avoid an increase in dangerous incidents during summer holidays. Welcoming the fact that a new Criminal Justice Bill is being brought to… Read more

SF to table motion of no confidence in Wicklow County Council Manager following his arrest

Sinn Féin Councillors John Brady and John Snell have announced that they are to table a motion of no-confidence in Wicklow County Manager Eddie Sheehy. They are seeking to have this motion tabled at an emergency meeting which is hoped to take place in the coming days. Following the arrest… Read more

Taoiseach confirms to Ó Caoláin that FÁS-funded centre tried to recruit for British Army

In a letter to Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, the Taoiseach Brian Cowen has confirmed that a FÁS-funded Jobs Club in Limerick sent letters to 10 young jobseekers informing them of positions in the Royal Irish Regiment of the British Army and promoted these ‘jobs’ in the Club.… Read more

Kelly comments on Thomas Devlin case sentencing

Speaking today after the killers of North Belfast teenager Thomas Devlin were sentenced to 30 years and 22 years in gaol, Executive Minister and North Belfast M.L.A. Gerry Kelly said, Read more

Harney's Head Shop products ban welcome but not enough – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin TD and Spokesperson for Justice Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed news that Minister Harney has today banned many products sold in Head Shops ahead of the June date originally given for the ban to come into effect. Read more

Ombudsman for Children Report raises serious concerns – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health & Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described the report of the Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan, on the implementation of the Children First guidelines as a cause for serious concern. Read more

Adams comments after Brown resignation

Commenting this evening after the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown resigned, bringing an end to 13 years of Labour rule in Britain, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: Read more

McGuinness calls for common approach to face new British Government

Speaking this evening as speculation grows that a Tory/Lib Dem coalition is to be formed, deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said that developing a common approach across the Executive to any proposed British Government cuts would be a priority issue in the days ahead. Read more

McLaughlin concern at DUP confused thinking on corporation tax

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has welcomed the Assembly debate on Corporation Tax but expressed concern at the thinking of some DUP Members. Read more

Martina Anderson MLA urges action on fuel prices

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has welcomed news from her party colleague MLA and Chair of the Finance and Personnel committee in the Assembly Jennifer McCann that she intends to call for a meeting with the major fuel suppliers for the North of Ireland in order to ascertain what… Read more

McLaughlin welcomes advance towards all-Ireland energy prices

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has welcomed proposals by Energy Regulators North and South to harmonise energy prices through the introduction of an all-Ireland retail energy market. Read more

McLaughlin condemns Templemore Sports complex alert

Sinn Féin Councillor and member of the local DPP Elisha McLaughlin commenting following a device being left at the Templemore Sports complex Read more

Unelected ‘Eurocracy’ Cannot Police National Budgets - Morgan

Speaking today after the European Commission proposed a peer review for national budgets, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Arthur Morgan has hit out at the prospect of an unelected “eurocracy” policing national Budgets. Read more

News that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is to privatise all waste collection described as scandalous

Reacting to news emanating from Dun Laoghaire town hall in the last hour that the Council is to privatise the bin service, a local Sinn Féin spokesperson described the news as “scandalous” and accused the management of Dún Laoghaire County Council of being complicit in the downgrading of services in… Read more

O’Neill slams closure of A&E in Mid Ulster and Whiteabbey

Sinn Féin MLA for Mid Ulster Michelle O’Neill and the party spokesperson on Health has slammed the decision by the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey to close the A&E in Mid Ulster and Whiteabbey hospitals. Read more

McGuinness –Mid Ulster should not lose A&E services

Sinn Féin MP for Mid Ulster Martin McGuinness MLA has stated that the Mid Ulster Hospital should not lose its A&E services Read more

MV Rachel Corrie – a call on international community to lift Gaza siege – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking earlier today after the official re-naming of the Irish cargo ship bound for the under siege city of Gaza from Dundalk harbour, Sinn Féin Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD called for all Irish citizens’ support for the venture, which will aim to bring cement and other much… Read more

McGuinness speaks with new British Prime Minister

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness this evening spoke with the new British Prime Minister David Cameron, after the appointment of Owen Patterson as the British Secretary of State. Read more

Ferris Supports Change to Fishing Legislation

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries, Martin Ferris TD, has called for changes to be made to the existing legislation which imposes criminal penalties on fishermen found to be in breach of regulations. The Kerry North TD was speaking during a debate on a private members bill proposing to replace… Read more

Minister must intervene so that Gaza - bound ship can begin humanitarian aid voyage – Ó Snodaigh

Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD and Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs is calling on the Minister for Transport to intercede immediately with a situation where the Port Authority and Customs and Excise in Dundalk port are preventing a ship laden with humanitarian aid destined for Gaza from leaving because it… Read more

British government must not attack Agriculture in EU budget talks

Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brun has stressed that the new British government needs to move away from the present stance of seeking cuts in the EU agriculture budget in order to boost other sectors of the economy. Read more

British government must not attack Agriculture in EU budget talks

Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brun has stressed that the new British government needs to move away from the present stance of seeking cuts in the EU agriculture budget in order to boost other sectors of the economy. Read more

Gildernew serves up positive message for agri-food industry at Balmoral breakfast

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has said the Agri-Food industry remains the backbone of our economy and continues to grow against very difficult odds. Read more

Fall in number of those on unemployment related benefits just a mere drop in the ocean- Anderson

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson commenting on the news from the Department of Trade and Investment that figures for April 2010 show the first decrease for 27 months in the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits said: Read more

Education Minister congratulates Full Service Community Network

The Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane, has congratulated the Full Service Community Network (FSCN) for the success of their first year. Read more

Pro-Lisbon Fine Gael exposes own hypocrisy on sovereign fiscal powers - Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has lashed out at Fine Gael for their response to the recent announcements at the curtailment of sovereign fiscal powers by the EU. Morgan said Fine Gael had pushed the electorate into Lisbon along with the government and had to accept responsibility now for… Read more

Kelly expresses shock at Whiteabbey A&E closure announcement.

Speaking today following the shock announcement of the down grading of Whiteabbey A&E and relocation of cardiac services North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly said. Read more

Maskey concerned about car crime in West Belfast

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast Paul Maskey has spoken of his concerns and the concerns of the wider community that the PSNI intend to disband the unit which was established to deal with high levels of car crime in West Belfast. Read more

Gildernew responds to allegations that Quinn Insurance was too cheap‏

Speaking today, Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew, has reacted angrily to revelations by the Irish Financial Regulator that he was only able to reopen Quinn's motor insurance lines in Britain and the north once administrators put the price of cover up. Read more

Government has no moral conscience – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social and Family Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said this Government has no moral conscience after Minister Eamon Ó Cúiv today refused to rule out a cut in the old age pension. Read more

Cuts in community and voluntary sector equal up to 5,000 job losses – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dail this morning Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Social and Family Affairs called on the government to reverse their disproportionate cuts of 18-20 per cent made to the community and voluntary sector which will result in the loss of 5,000 jobs by end of this year. Read more

LAB/SF DAIL MOTION SEEKS ENDORSEMENT FOR WORDING OF CHILDREN’S AMENDMENT

The Dail will next week debate a joint Labour Party/ Sinn Fein seeking the endorsement of the House for the wording of the proposed constitutional amendment on the rights of children and calling on the government to bring forward the necessary Constitutional Amendment Bill and set a date in this… Read more

Cowen comments a pathetic defence of record

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Arthur Morgan has said Brian Cowen’s under rated acceptance of responsibility for the economic and banking crisis is an attempt to hide the true extent of his and his party’s failings. Read more

Sinn Féin delegation in Maghaberry

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has revealed that a Sinn Féin delegation, including Caral Ní Chuilin MLA; John O Dowd MLA; Paul Maskey MLA; and Raymond McCartney MLA is visiting Maghaberry today. Read more

Sinn Féin delegation in Maghaberry

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has revealed that a Sinn Féin delegation, including Caral Ní Chuilin MLA; John O Dowd MLA; Paul Maskey MLA; and Raymond McCartney MLA is visiting Maghaberry today. Read more

Invest NI pay lip service to Social Economy initiatives

Sinn Féin MLA and chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee Jennifer McCann has expressed concern and disappointment that Invest NI have refused to fund a loan financing company which helps Social Economy Enterprises, Read more

Government has failed the people — Adams

Speaking in Dublin today where he attended a meeting of the party’s Ard Comhairle, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said that the government has failed the people and that what was needed was a radical republican political agenda, based on citizens rights. Read more

40,000 letters from National Cervical Screening Programme returned due to wrong addresses – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has revealed that at least 40,000 letters from the National Cervical Screening Programme to women entitled to a free smear test have been returned unopened because they are wrongly addressed or that the women have moved. That means at least 40,000 women never received… Read more

Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Town calls for restoration of funding to Justice for the Forgotten

The Cathaoirleach of Monaghan Town Council, Cllr. Seán Conlon, speaking at the 36th anniversary commemoration of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, has called on the Irish Government to restore funding to Justice for the Forgotten, which it ended last year. Cllr. Conlon (Sinn Féin) was speaking at the wreath-laying ceremony… Read more

Legislation to protect whistleblowers urgently required – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has called on the Government to bring forward legislation to protect whistleblowers who report illegal and unacceptable practices in the workplace. Deputy Morgan said the enactment of such legislation is vital to ensure that many of the corruption and malpractices that led to the… Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes Dan Boyle’s commitment on pensions

Sinn Féin Social and Family Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed a commitment from Green Party Senator Dan Boyle that his party will not stand over a cut in the old age pension. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the Green Party should stand over this promise even if it means… Read more

Pfizer job losses another crippling blow to Irish labour market

Speaking today after the announcement by pharmaceutical firm Pfizer that it is to cut 785 jobs at its Irish operations, Sinn Féin Spokesperson the Enterprise, Trade and Employment Arthur Morgan said the absence of a concrete job creation package is crippling our economic recovery. Read more

Sinn Féin meets PSNI on Anti-Social Crime in west Belfast

Sinn Féin west Belfast MP Gerry Adams and a delegation, including Fra McCann MLA, Councillor Marie Cush and representatives from the west Belfast Community Safety Forum, this morning met senior PSNI officers in Parliament Buildings, including Alastair Finlay, ACC Belfast region of the PSNI; Mark Hamilton, PSNI chief Supt for… Read more

EU must ensure adequate climate finance for developing countries

Bairbre de Brún MEP has called on the EU to ensure adequate climate finance for developing countries following a report that the ‘early start’ funding in the Copenhagen Accord could fall short of what was promised at that time. Read more

Ferris Supports ‘Free-to air’ Rugby

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Sport, Martin Ferris TD, has come out in support of the proposal by Minister Eamonn Ryan to designate Six Nations and Heineken Cup fixtures as free to air. Read more

Jobs for the unemployed now – Doherty

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has tonight addressed the crowd gathered at the Right to Work rally at Leinster House. In his address Senator Doherty called on those gathered to demand their right to work and insist on jobs for the unemployed now. Read more

Children’s rights a life and death issue – Government must hold referendum – Ó Caoláin

Speaking in the Dáil debate on the joint Labour Party/Sinn Féin motion calling for a constitutional amendment on children’s rights, Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin called on the Government to hold the referendum in 2010. Read more

Joint All-Party Statement – Oireachtas Patient Focus Support Group

We, the undersigned Dáil Deputies and Senators of all parties representing the constituencies of Cavan-Monaghan, of Louth, of Meath East and West and Dublin North, record our great disappointment that, despite our repeated representations and appeals at all levels, a cohort of some 35 cases remain unacknowledged and outside the… Read more

Euro Area Loan Bill not designed to help the people of Greece – Morgan

Speaking today at the second stage of the Euro Area Loan Facility Bill 2010, which makes provisions for Ireland’s contribution to the bilateral loans to Greece, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Arthur Morgan said the real purpose of the Bill is to bail out Europe’s banks rather than to fund… Read more

Potential of Long Kesh site must be realised – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MLA for Upper Bann and the party’s Assembly Group Leader John O’Dowd has raised concerns as to the continual opposition of Unionists to develop the full potential of the Long Kesh Site. Read more

Health Minister snubs Pink Ladies – Anderson

Sinn Féin Human Rights Spokesperson, Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has accused Health Minister Michael McGimpsey of snubbing Breast Cancer campaign group, ‘The Pink Ladies’ after he turned down a request to meet them. Read more

EU threat to impose further cutbacks must raise alarm bells for Irish people – Morgan

Speaking today in reaction to the EU Economics Commissioner Olli Rehn’s warning that he may seek further cutbacks from the Government this year as the European authorities take new steps to clamp down on a massive rise in public debt in the euro zone, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Arthur… Read more

Ferris calls for Waterford bye-election to be held

The Sinn Féin North Kerry TD Martin Ferris has supported calls for the Waterford bye election to be held. He was speaking during a Dáil debate on the failure of the Government to move the writ for the bye-election this morning. Read more

EU Missing Children Hotline must become operational – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on the Government to provide funding for the EU’s Missing Children Hotline to become operational. Read more

Adams welcomes PSNI decision on Auto-crime Unit

Sinn Féin west Belfast MP Gerry Adams has welcomed this mornings news that the PSNI has reversed its decision of last week to scrap the auto-crime unit in west Belfast. Read more

Murphy opens £160 million Belfast Sewers Project

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy today officially opened a major stormwater pumping station at Duncrue Street in Belfast, marking the completion of NI Water’s £160million Belfast Sewers Project. Read more

Protest to reinforce concerns on Mid Ulster A&E

Sinn Féin MLA for Mid Ulster and deputy chair of the health Committee Michelle O’Neill will lead a protest of all of those concerned by the immediate closures of the Mid Ulster and Whiteabbey A&E units at Mid Ulster Hospital tomorrow at 11am. Read more

Banks needs total management overhaul – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan, responding to the Bank of Ireland shareholder meeting’s call today for a new CEO said that Irish banks need a complete management overhaul and all those involved in the traditional golden circle must be removed from their positions. Deputy Morgan also expressed disappointment at… Read more

Government has ‘sorry record’ on children’s rights – Ferris

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris, speaking during this evening’s PMB said this government has a sorry record on protecting the rights of children. He said child poverty was on the rise as a result of the government’s savage budgets and that educational disadvantage was now a part of government policy. Read more

Gerry Adams leads Sinn Féin delegation to meeting with Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams today led a party delegation to a briefing with a delegation of Cuban officials including Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. Read more

Euro Loan Bill another act of solidarity with bond holders – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil this evening on the Euro Loan Area Facility Bill, Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh said his party will be the only party to vote against the Bill as it is another act of solidarity with bond holders from this Government rather than a gesture to… Read more

Referendum crucial to vindicating children’s rights – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking to a Joint Sinn Féin-Labour motion on children’s rights in the Dáil, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South Central Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said that a referendum is crucial to vindicating children’s rights; that it would ensure that this government, future governments and we as a society take our… Read more

Ireland’s drop in competitiveness highlights failure of Fianna Fáil’s policy of cuts – Morgan

Speaking today after the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook saw Ireland’s rankings in terms of economic competitiveness slip from 19th to 21st place, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment Arthur Morgan the results confirm that Fianna Fáil’s policies of cuts are failing and called for an economic stimulus package… Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes extension of privilege to Oireachtas Committee witnesses

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed the new provision to extend Parliamentary privilege to witnesses appearing at Oireachtas Committees. Speaking today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the move will enhance the potential of Oireachtas Committees to investigate issues of public importance. Read more

Savage health cutbacks undermining nursing and midwifery and hurting patients – Ó Caoláin

Speaking on the Nurses and Midwives Bill in the Dáil today (Thursday) Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD slammed the savage health cuts of the Fianna Fáil/Green Coalition. Read more

Maskey raises Kennedy case at Policing Board

Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey today raised the case of Kevin Kennedy at a meeting in the Policing Board. Mr Kennedy was forced to resign from a position in the Board in 2004 after the PSNI refused him security clearance on the basis that his brother was a member… Read more

Report will identify with pro-selection view of Parties

Sinn Féin MLA and education spokesperson John O’Dowd has stated that today’s report presented to the four political parties who established their own group on academic selection will contain few surprises given that this group were given their terms of reference by parties all in favour of a return to… Read more

Ó Snodaigh to host public meeting on changes to Ballyfermot Bus services

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South Central Aengus Ó Snodaigh will host a public meeting in the Ballyfermot Civic Centre this evening at 7pm on the consequences of changes to bus services in the area. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes North Belfast housing announcement and congratulates residents work

Sinn Féin MLA for north Belfast and member of the DSD spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín has welcomed the announcement that the Long Streets, Parkside and Victoria Gardens areas of North Belfast is to receive a £38million pound redevelopment and has paid particular attention to the residents who have campaigned tirelessly… Read more

‘Additional funds for sex abuse councelling secured’ - Anderson

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has a welcomed a decision to provide additional funding to local sexual abuse councelling and support group, the Nexus Institute. Read more

Potential of Long Kesh site must be realised – McCartney

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has raised concerns as to the continual opposition of Unionists to develop the full potential of the Long Kesh Site. Read more

McCartney details Sinn Féin delegation visit and ‘serious concerns’ about Maghaberry situation

Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney was part of a Sinn Féin delegation which entered Maghaberry Gaol last Friday. The delegation included Mr McCartney, Carál Ní Chuilín MLA, Paul Maskey MLA and John O’Dowd MLA. The Sinn Féin team was accompanied by Michael Culbert of Coiste na nIarchimí. Read more

Calls for Northern Trust to allay X-Ray department fears at Mid Ulster

Sinn Féin MLA for Mid Ulster and Health Spokesperson Michelle O’Neill has called on the Northern Trust to come out publicly in order to allay fears over any early closure of the x-ray unit at the Mid Ulster hospital following concerns raised by staff at the hospital. Read more

£1.3million announced for pre-school places

The Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane has announced additional funding of up to £1.3million to fund pre-school places across the north of Ireland. Read more

McDonald demands answers over missing DDDA files

Sinn Féin representative for Dublin Central Mary Lou McDonald has demanded immediate answers to the revelation that records of meetings of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority have apparently gone missing. The files relate to decisions made in relation to the Irish Glass Bottle site which will potentially amount to a… Read more

HSE nursing homes must be improved not closed – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has accused the Health Service Executive of falsely using a HIQA Report to close Loughloe Nursing Home in Athlone as part of its public healthcare cutbacks, even though the report does not recommend closure. Read more

Dublin Bus must consult with its customer base

Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on Dublin Bus to engage in a comprehensive consultation process with its customers about plans to take 90 buses off the road. He said plans to cut bus services should not go ahead without consultation with customers. Read more

Full disclosure from HSE on children’s deaths essential – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said that the claim by the HSE that they are still unaware of the full extent of children’s deaths in their care over the past five years is “astonishing”. Read more

Ferris: Councils must pursue developers for unpaid levies

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Local Government Martin Ferris TD has demanded that local authorities pursue property developers who owe more than €420 million in unpaid levies. Read more

McKay challenges Orange Order cultural myth

Responding to weekend calls from the Orange Order leader Robert Saulters for a single unionist party, Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Antrim Daithí McKay today said that time and again the Orange Order let the mask slip and he called on the Order to end the pretence of them… Read more

Gildernew introduces new dog control bill in the Assembly

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA today introduced the Dogs (Amendment) Bill to the Assembly. Read more

SF comment on SDLP call for single nationalist party

Commenting on a statement from SDLP MLA Declan O’Loan calling for a single nationalist party in the six counties, Sinn Féin Assembly member John O’Dowd said: Read more

Proposal for school transport fees a mockery to the notion of free education – Doherty

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty has said a proposal to charge a €500 annual fee for school transport makes a mockery of the notion of free education in Ireland. Read more

Doherty warns Lifford March that this may only be the beginning

Senator Pearse Doherty has commended the Lifford community for turning up in their thousands at Sunday’s Rally to Save Lifford Hospital. Speaking in front of a crowd of up to 3,500 people Senator Doherty stated that if we want our hospital to stay open then we must be prepared to… Read more

Ó Snodaigh en route to Gaza

Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh is currently en route to join the Freedom Flotilla bringing much needed humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people of Gaza. He will leave Cyprus by boat tomorrow and will attempt to break the illegal Israeli blockade. Read more

Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour caught out on Lisbon – Doherty

Speaking on the recent decision by the European Union to scrutinise Ireland’s budgetary measures before our own parliament, Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has said that Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Labour Party sold the Lisbon Treaty as a pig in a poke and have now been caught out. Read more

Back to School scheme must be delivered on time – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has learned that people applying for the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance are set to experience major delays this year unless immediate action is taken to speed up the system of processing the increased number of applications. Read more

Gardai can release files on death of child but HSE refusing Minister’s request – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health & Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described the situation regarding the deaths of children in State care as “a crisis of leadership” and has called on the Taoiseach Brian Cowen to intervene directly. Read more

Minister should abandon water tax plans – Ó Snodaigh

Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on Environment Minister John Gormley to abandon plans to punish families by introducing a charge for household water usage after it was revealed today that Councils throughout the State have failed to collect charges from a majority of businesses. Read more

Murphy addresses International Rail Forum in Spain

Sinn Féin Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy, today addressed the 7th International Rail Forum in Spain. Read more

Clarity needed on Royal Exchange development dangers

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the DSD Committee, Fra McCann, has called on the Minister for Social Development to provide urgent clarity in regards to the delays in the advancing the Royal Exchange development in Belfast city centre. Read more

“Health Department efficiency report five months late”. O’Neill

Sinn Féin Spokesperson, Michelle O’Neill MLA (Mid-Ulster), vice-Chair of the Health Committee, has strongly criticized Minister Michael McGimpsey over his five month delay in bringing his proposals on efficiency savings to the Scrutiny Committee. Read more

Time for a tax on speculative currency transactions – Morgan

Reacting today to a new proposal by Internal Markets Commissioner Michel Barnier to put a levy on banks to support the sector in times of weakness, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Arthur Morgan called for the introduction of an international Tobin tax on speculative currency transactions. Read more

McGuinness Proposes Ministerial Paycut

Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness today called on all Ministers in the Executive and those civil servants on the highest paid grades to take a 5% pay cut in the wake of yesterdays statement detailing planned Tory cuts. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes Airtricity entry into North’s Electricity Market

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has welcomed the announcement of Airtricity's entry into the North’s electricity Market. Read more

Gerry Adams expresses concern at future of Regional Women and Children’s Hospital

Speaking in advance of Health Minister’s statement on Cuts Gerry Adams expresses concern at future of Regional Women and Children’s Hospital Read more

Israeli use of Irish passports warrants tough response from Government – Ó Snodaigh

Responding to media speculation that the Government is set to expel an Israeli Diplomat from the country over the use of false Irish passports in the murder of a leading member of Hamas, Sinn Féin Justice and International Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said the expulsion of one faceless… Read more

Grants debacle a shocking indictment of a government that’s turned it’s back on disadvantaged communities – Doherty

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Senator Pearse Doherty has said the fact that some 3,436 student grant applicants are still awaiting decisions by Vocational Educational Committees on their grant application for this current academic year, is a shocking indictment of a government which has turned its back on disadvantaged communities. Read more

Urgent action required at Dolphin House – Ní Dhálaigh

Sinn Féin Councillor Críona Ní Dhálaigh this morning attended and spoke at the meeting of residents at Dolphin House organised to highlight the living conditions in Dublin Corporation flats. Read more

Sinn Féin raise Hannaway case with Justice Minister

Sinn Féin Assembly member Raymond McCartney this afternoon met with the Justice Minister David Ford on the ongoing situation in Maghaberry prison including Liam Hannaway who is currently on hunger strike. Read more

Ferris Supports Bill to Speed Up By Elections

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris TD has supported a Fine Gael private members bill to make it mandatory on the Government to call a by election for any Dáil vacancy within six months of the seat being vacated. He said that this would avoid the current situation where the Government… Read more

Minister O’Cuiv must stand up for victims of domestic violence - McDonald

Speaking today, as new guidelines for dealing with cases of domestic violence were published by the HSE, Sinn Féin vice-president Mary-Lou McDonald has called on Minister O’Cuiv to stand up for women who are being abused and to make appropriate funding available to women’s refuges in order to ensure the… Read more

Delays in Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance Scheme must be addressed immediately – Ó Caoláin

Speaking this evening in the Dáil during the Adjournment debate on the ‘Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance Scheme, Sinn Féín Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said that the delays in the scheme will inevitably hit low income families with children which have already been targeted in previous… Read more

McCartney welcomes end of hunger strike

Sinn Féin Assembly member Raymond McCartney has welcomed the news that Liam Hannaway has decided to end his hunger strike. Mr McCartney met with Justice Minister, David Ford, on Tuesday to discuss Mr Hannaway’s situation and the conditions in which prisoners are currently held in Maghaberry. Read more

IMC – waste of public money

Commenting as the latest IMC Report is to be published, Sinn Féin Assembly member John O’Dowd said that the body should be abolished and the money being wasted put into frontline services. Read more

Gerry Kelly in Philippines as part of conflict resolution efforts

Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly is currently in the Philippines meeting with negotiators from the Philippines Government, the MILF and MNLF rebel groups as part of efforts to advance the peace process in that country. Read more

Gildernew achieves Assembly agreement to Forestry Bill

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has secured the final approval of the Assembly to important new legislation on forestry. Read more

Government bailing out private landlords while closing revenue streams for local authorities

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has received a response to a parliamentary question (detailed below) which has revealed that the number of people in receipt of rent supplement is up nearly 15% since this time last year, rising from 83,000 to 95,000 recipients. Read more

Offaly jobs fear highlights need to encourage indigenous enterprise – Morgan

Speaking today in reaction to both the creation of 200 jobs in Galway and the potential loss of 200 jobs in Offaly, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Arthur Morgan said Ireland’s exposure to global economy shocks needs to be reduced and indigenous enterprise should be encouraged. Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes international police operation targeting drug dealers

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed the international police operation that led to thirty-four arrests including a major Irish drug dealer. Read more

McGuinness welcomes Saville announcement

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has today welcomed the news that the Saville Report into the murder of 14 civilians in Derry on Bloody Sunday is to be published on 15th June. Read more

McGuinness address to North South Consultative Conference

Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness today addressed the North South Consultative Conference in Farmleigh in Dublin. Read more

Nelson McCauslands interference with Ulster Museum unacceptable

Sinn Féin MLA, who is also the chair of the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee, Barry McElduff, has slammed the Culture Minister, Nelson McCausland, for writing a letter to the Ulster Museum putting pressure on them to introduce exhibitions marking the Orange Order, Ulster Scots and the religious belief of… Read more

Doherty expresses sympathy on death of Senator Kieran Phelan

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has expressed his condolences on the death of Senator Kieran Phelan this morning. Read more

Ó Donnghaile welcomes official opening of Pottinger’s Quay social housing

Sinn Féin Representative for east Belfast Niall Ó Donnghaile has welcomed today’s official opening of the 27 new Clanmill apartments at Pottinger’s Quay on the Short Strand. Read more

McCartney welcomes end of hunger strike

Sinn Féin Assembly member Raymond McCartney has welcomed the news this evening that Liam Hannaway has decided to end his hunger strike. Mr McCartney met with Justice Minister, David Ford, earlier today to discuss Mr Hannaway’s situation and the conditions in which prisoners are currently held in Maghaberry. Read more

O’Dowd Welcomes Shoot to Kill Judgement

Speaking from the High Court in Belfast where the families of those killed by the RUC Shoot to Kill policy in North Armagh in the 1980s where the PSNI have lost a Judicial Review ensuring that the families legal teams get access to all relevant parts the Stalker/Sampson Reports, Sinn… Read more

Mortgage holders must be assisted through financial crisis – Morgan

Responding to new figures from the Central Bank showing a 13% increase in the number of mortgages in arrears Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan the financial crisis extends beyond the banks and it is essential that ordinary people are given help. Read more

There must be accountability for Dublin Docklands mess – McDonald

Sinn Féin Vice President and representative for Dublin Central Mary Lou McDonald has welcomed news that the Comptroller and Auditor General is to investigate the financial losses at the Dublin Docklands Development Authority. Read more

MP comments after Connor lodges legal papers

Commenting after defeated Tory/unionist candidate Rodney Connor lodged papers in the High Court challenging the Electoral Office conduct in the election, the MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew said: Read more

De Brún asks EU Ministers to make older people's rights a priority

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún today met with Joan Harbison, the Older People's Advocate and Irene Kingston, the AGE Platform Europe representative to discuss issues on ageing and intergenerational solidarity. Read more

Sinn Féin to quiz Health Officials on cuts at Committee

Sinn Féin MLA and vice chair of the Health Committee, Michelle O'Neill has stated that Health Officials will need to provide answers to serious questions in relation to cuts at today's session of the Health Committee. This follows the bringing forward by the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, of his proposals… Read more

PSNI play ‘Ice Cream Van’ music while street drinking allowed to continue.

Sinn Féin Councillor and chairperson of Lisburn DPP, Arder Carson, commenting on the playing of ice-cream van music by a PSNI officer during an incident when teenagers were involved in anti-social behavior has stated: Read more

Privatisation of VHI another step in the wrong direction” – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described the privatisation of VHI as another step in the wrong direction from a Government whose health policy is fundamentally flawed. He accused the Taoiseach of “gross hypocrisy” in saying that we are a society “bound together by solidarity”… Read more

“Americanisation of Irish health system well under way” - Morgan

Speaking today at second stage of the Nurses and Midwives Bill 2010, Sinn Féin TD for Louth Arthur Morgan spoke of his disgust at Government policy on healthcare. Read more

Cllr Austin appeals for support for vigil following tragic death of 12 year old

West Belfast Sinn Féin Councillor Janice Austin is calling for the West Belfast community to come together tomorrow, Friday 28th May, at 7pm, to the top pitches in Falls Park for a vigil in memory of Corry Wisdom who died suddenly on Wednesday evening whilst in the Falls Park. The… Read more

Maskey outraged by closure of Andersonstown Library

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast Paul Maskey has reacted angrily to the announcement that a decision has been taken to close Andersonstown Library and that a number of other libraries throughout the Belfast area are set to close following a decision by Libraires NI today. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes focus on all-Ireland approach to Irish Language

Sinn Féin MLA Caitriona Ruane, has stated following the North South Ministerial Council, which saw the discussion of Irish Language funding that any proposed changes to the way in which funding is administered will be carefully monitored in their delivery but ultimately are designed to facilitate the growth of the… Read more

Continued confusion within Unionism leading to further delay on RPA

Commenting after decision at today’s Executive meeting to put back a decision on the future of the Review of Public Administration (RPA) for two weeks, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson Alex Maskey MLA this evening said; Read more

Irish Parliamentarians offer to bring family's letters and parcels to Captured Israeli soldier Gilat Schalit

The Irish members of a Parliamentary delegation who are going on the flotilla to Gaza this morning (Friday 27th may) have written to the father of the Israeli soldier in captivity Gilat Schalit in response to a letter received by the Free Gaza movement. In that letter Namon Schalit asked… Read more

Invest NI guilty of same negligence as IDB

Sinn Fein MLA and chair of the Finance and Personnel committee at Stormont Jennifer McCann has stated that it is completely unacceptable that Invest NI has written off £15m of debt to companies that were granted public monies. Read more

Sinn Féin nominate Cllr Peadar Tóibín to contest General Election in Meath West

On Thursday last in a packed function room in the Ardboyne Hotel delegates from across Meath came together to select a candidate to contest the next General Election for Sinn Féin. They unanimously chose Cllr Peadar Tóibín. Read more

Full disclosure on children’s deaths is vital – Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the release of figure by the Health Service executive for the number of children who have died in the care of the State, Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD called for full disclosure from the HSE. Read more

Draconian Social Welfare Bill pushing families further into poverty – McDonald

Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald has accused the Government of pushing families further into poverty with its Social Welfare Bill. McDonald said it was hypocritical of the Government to propose cuts to social welfare rates while doing nothing to create jobs and training courses. Read more

Irish Oireachtas members disappointed as Cypriot authorities prevent passage to Free Gaza Flotilla

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh, and the two other Oireachtas members, Chris Andrews TD and Senator Mark Daly, today expressed disappointment at the interference by the Cypriot authorities who prevented the delegation of parliamentarians from leaving the island join the Free Gaza flotilla. Read more

There must be consequences for Israel’s murderous attack on humanitarian aid flotilla – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féi TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh, who had hoped to be on board the Free Gaza Flotilla which was attacked by the Israeli Army overnight leaving at least sixteen people dead, has described the attack as cold and calculated. Read more

Horror at the loss of life on Gaza aid convoy

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has expressed her horror at the loss of life resulting from an Israeli commando attack on a flotilla of boats carrying aid to Gaza, saying nothing could justify the storming of the aid ships. Read more

Adams Calls for new Justice Laws to tackle Violent and Anti-Social Crime

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams will meet the Minister of Justice David Ford tomorrow -Tuesday - to discuss recent developments in west Belfast in the aftermath of the brutal murder of Lenadoon man Seamus Fox murder. Mr Adams will also raise concerns about conditions for prisoners in Maghaberry and current… Read more

Vigil 7pm Market Square, Dundalk for victims of Israeli attack - Morgan

Speaking this morning following Israel's attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla during the night leaving an unconfirmed figure in the region of 20 innocent people dead and others injured, Sinn Féin TD for Louth Arthur Morgan expressed his sympathy to those who have lost their lives on the peaceful humanitarian… Read more

Response to murderous Israeli attack must be firm and resolute — Adams

Speaking this morning about the attack by Israeli military forces on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in which a number of people have been killed, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said that international response must be firm and resolute. Read more

Irish Government should expel Israeli Ambassador — Adams

Sinn Féin leaders are attending demonstrations in Dublin, Belfast and Derry today to protest at the actions of Israel whose forces killed a number of civilians this morning when they attacked one of the ships taking part in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. Read more

Sinn Féin demonstrations in solidarity with victims of Israeli attack on Flotilla

Sinn Féin is carrying out a series of vigils and protests throughout this evening and tomorrow in solidarity with the humanitarian Flotilla which was carrying aid to Gaza and attacked early this morning by Israeli troops. See below times and locations: Read more

May 2010 Archives (Latest News)

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