July 2005 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

Support for Housing must be based on radical agenda

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Fra McCann has dismissed today's announcement from direct rule Regional Development Minister Shaun Woodward on government policy to address affordability as 'too little too late' and called for a radical agenda to address housing need. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP guest speaker at opening of Irish language school

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will be the guest speaker at the official opening of Naíscoil Naomh Éanna at Saint Enda's GAC, Glengormley. Read more

Sinn Féin anger at jailing of people trying to protect natural Irish resources

Sinn Féin economy spokesperson, Foyle MLA Mitchel McLaughlin has called for the immediate release of five men arrested because they were trying to halt the laying of a potentially dangerous gas line through their lands. Read more

Ulster University Fiasco highlights need for openness and transparency

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Michael Ferguson commenting on the publication of the report into University of Ulster vice chancellor Professor Gerry McKenna has said that the entire episode highlights the need for genuine openness, transparency and accountability in the operation of all third level institutions. Read more

Dungannon Mayor condemns attack on East Europeans

Sinn Féin Mayor of Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough, Cllr Francie Molloy MLA has condemned the racist attack on said that he wants to meet with the victims of a petrol bomb attack in the town and with representatives of the ethnic community to discuss the ongoing racist attacks. Read more

Ferris reiterates call for release of Rossport 5

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources Martin Ferris TD, has reiterated Sinn Féin's demand that the five men being held in prison on foot of their protest against the Corrib gas pipeline be immediately released. Read more

Vicious attack on Catholic man in Serpentine Road

Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Kathy Stanton has expressed concern after a Catholic man, Martin McNally was left seriously injured after he was viciously assaulted on the Serpentine Road last night. Read more

Sinn Féin calls for early recall of the Dáil to debate UN reform

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has demanded, on behalf of Sinn Féin, an early recall of the Dáil in advance of the September UN Summit. Read more

Gerry Adams to visit the Rossport 5 in Cloverhill prison on Saturday morning

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP will be visiting Micheál Ó Seighin, Vincent McGrath, Philip McGrath, Willie Corduff and Brendan Philbin in Cloverhill Prison on Saturday morning, 2nd July, at 10.30am. Read more

Fears over loyalist feud ending in attacks on Catholics

East Belfast Sinn Féin Representative Deborah Devenny said that nationalists in the area were deeply concerned that the latest internal loyalist feud killing would eventually lead to attacks on their community. Read more

British EU Presidency huge concern for farmers, environmentalists and those seeking Europe of equals

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today said that many people will be worried by the British Presidency of the EU, and in particular farmers across Ireland. Read more

Achaini á eagrú ag Sinn Féin do Chúigear Rossport

D'iarr an Comhairleoir Daniel Callanan ó Shinn Féin ar Shell inniu, gach cuid dá chás cúirte i gcoinne fheirmeoiri Mhuigh Eo a chur ar ceal go dti go dtaispeántar teastais slándála agus torthai d'fhiosrúchán neamhspleách ar cheisteanna sláinte maidir le piopai Shell. Read more

Crowe calls on Taoiseach to reign in Transport Minister over comments in the Dáil

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport, Seán Crowe TD, has called on the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern to reign in the Minister for Transport Martin Cullen over comments he made in the Dáil today. Read more

Gerry Adams joins protest at Cloverhill Prison calling for the release of the Rosspost 5

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP and Mayo County Councillor Gerry Murray speaking outside of Cloverhill Prison this morning called for the immediate release of the Rossport 5. Read more

Waiting list plans - a disaster waiting to happen

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson John O'Dowd MLA has described the plans announced this morning by direct rule Health Minster Shaun Woodward as a disaster waiting to happen. Read more

Sinn Féin TDs lobby Norwegian Embassy on behalf of Rossport 5

The five Sinn Féin TDs this morning handed a letter to the Norwegain Ambassor, His Excellency Mr Truls Hanevold, requesting the Norwegian Government instruct its state company Statoil to use its influence with its partner in the Corrib Gas development, Shell, to have the injunctions against the Mayo protestors lifted. Read more

DUP claims on PEACE funding must be publicly challenged - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún and Belfast Councillor Caral Ni Chuilin have today said that 'claims of anti-unionist bias in the allocation of PEACE funding are without foundation and must to be challenged publicly.' Read more

Hermon challenged over Sinn Féin Assembly demands

Sinn Féín MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew has hit out at the UUP MP Silvia Hermon after she demanded that the British government remove the salaries from the 24 elected Sinn Féin Assembly members. Read more

Sinn Féin take boycott Shell campaign to Dublin City Council

Sinn Féin on Dublin City Council will tonight call on other parties to support an emergency motion demanding that the Council terminate its contract with Shell Oil with immediate effect. Read more

Ferris slams cuts in price for sugar beet

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD has slammed the cut in the price being paid to farmers for sugar beet. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP plans to raise case of 'Rossport 5' in European Parliament

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún plans to raise the case of the 'Rossport 5' in the European Parliament this evening. Read more

Sinn Féin Westminster reception

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP and Martin McGuinness MP will travel to London tomorrow, Tuesday 5th July, to hold a Sinn Féin Reception at Westminster. Read more

Anger at Ardoyne Parade decision

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly today branded the Parades Commission decision to force an Orange Parade through three nationalist areas, including the Ardoyne area on the evening of July 12th as 'deeply flawed and without logic'. Read more

Springfield Road decision bizarre

West Belfast Sinn Féin Councillor Tom Hartley today said that the Parades Commission had made a mistake in allowing an Orange Order march to proceed through Workman's and along the Springfield Road on the Twelfth morning. Read more

No other decision could have been made on Drumcree parade

Sinn Féin Assembly member for Upper Bann John O'Dowd has said that the Parades Commission could have come to no other decision than to re-route this weekends Drumcree Orange march away from the Garvaghy Road. Read more

Lone Housing applicants set to lose out as SF Motion defeated

Sinn Féin Councillor Tony Smithers expressed his disappointment after other parties on Dublin City Council refused to back a Sinn Féin emergency motion that would have amended what he described as a "shameful" inequality in the Council's housing allocation system. Read more

Sinn Féin lobby on Ardoyne Parade in London

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Kathy Stanton will raise with British MPs tonight in London the issue of the Parades Commission decision to force an Orange Order parade through three nationalist areas including Ardoyne on the twelfth morning. Read more

Sinn Féin will challenge the decisions on Orange Order marches in North and West Belfast

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP today said that the decision of the Parades Commission to force three Orange Order parades through areas where they are not welcome is the wrong decision and has created a very difficult and dangerous situation in Belfast. Read more

EU funding must continue on an all-Ireland basis - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has this afternoon delivered a speech in the European Parliament on Structural funding. Ms de Brún said that 'Structural Funding is reshaping the economic infrastructure of Ireland as a European Region'. Read more

Homes attacked in Short Strand

East Belfast Sinn Féin Representative Deborah Devenny today blamed loyalists for attacking a number of homes in the Short Strand area over the weekend. Read more

Threats to West of Bann hospital services could led to loss of lives

Two Sinn Féin MPs, have described the threats to hospitals services West of the Bann as an abdication of responsibility to provide fair and equal access to services for people in Fermanagh and Tyrone and warned that the threat hanging over Tyrone County and the Erne Hospital as 'life threatening'. Read more

G8 Summit must make Environment a priority

Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson, North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan speaking as the G8 summit gets underway has said that 'It is imperative that the G8 leaders take responsible, effective and sustainable decisions in relations to our environment at the Edinburgh summit'. Read more

Sinn Féin TDs meeting in Monaghan

The Sinn Féin Dáil team are holding a two day meeting in the Sliabh Beagh Community Hotel in Knockatallon, County Monaghan today and tomorrow. Read more

Irish Government must act in relation to continued detention of Rossport 5

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP is to contact the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to voice his deep concern at the continued detention in Cloverhill Prison of Micheál Ó Seighin, Vincent McGrath, Philip McGrath, Willie Corduff and Brendan Philbin. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP challenges world leaders on global poverty

Sinn Féin MEP for the Six Counties Bairbre de Brún has today challenged world leaders to 'make a real difference by assisting the developing world in their fight against poverty.' Read more

European Commission and multinationals must respect decision on Software Patents

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today welcomed a resounding vote in the European Parliament to scrap a software patent directive and said that today's decision makes clear that the 'European Parliament is not prepared to collude in a process whereby small businesses are… Read more

Adams states Sinn Féin opposition to North Belfast Parades

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams was today joined by party colleagues Gerry Kelly, Martin McGuinness and Cathy Stanton for a press conference in Belfast to discuss the Parades Commission decision to force two Orange Parades through nationalist areas of North Belfast on July 12th. Read more

Kelly urges action by Parades Commission after Ardoyne compromise is offered

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly has urged the Parades Commission to act decisively after the Ardoyne Dialogue Group offered a generous compromise to resolve the serious difficulties which now exist over the July 12th Orange parade through nationalist areas in North Belfast. Read more

MEPs raise issue of parades at EU Parliament

Sinn Féin MEP's Bairbre de Brún and Mary Lou McDonald have raised the issue of Orange Order parades with the GUE/NGL group at the EU Parliament. Read more

Adams offers sympathy and solidarity to people of London

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has condemned the bomb attacks in London this morning. Mr. Adams has sent a message of sympathy and solidarity to the British Prime Minister Tony Blair and to the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone. Read more

Sinn Fein condemns Department of Education Nomination Process to Education Boards

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson has said that the current policy of the Department of Education to nominate or rubberstamp an un-elected majority of members to Education and Library Boards is unacceptable. Read more

Sinn Féin discuss schools merger with CCMS

"The educational needs of our children must be paramount", said Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan after he led a Sinn Féin delegation to the CCMS to discuss the planned merger of St Comgalls, St MacNissi's and St Aloysius. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome progress on Nitrates grant levels

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has welcomed the announcement that Grant aid under the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme, will increase to 60%, following European Commission approval. Read more

Kelly Urges Irish Government Intervention Over Parade

Speaking after meeting the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern in Belfast Gerry Kelly said: " I took the opportunity at today's meeting to impress upon the Minister the very difficult situation which has been created by the decision of the Parades Commission to force two Orange Parades through three… Read more

Sinn Féin steps up campaign in support of Rossport 5

Sinn Féin is stepping up its campaign in support of the Rossport 5 with protests taking place at Shell and Statoil garages across the 26 Counties between 5-7pm this evening (Friday 8th). Protests are planned in Dublin, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Galway, Leitrim, Waterford, Laois, Kilkenny, Kildare and Westmeath. Read more

British Parachute Regiment manouvres in North Louth

A British Army Puma helicopter landed in the Rassan area of North Louth at 8.40 pm on Thursday night last, 7th July 2005. Two heavily armed PSNI officers and 8 British paratroopers were dropped off in a field next to the Dundalk/Derry road 3/4 miles south of the border. The… Read more

Sinn Féin Mayors and Chairs to open Books of Condolence

In councils throughout the Six Counties where there are Sinn Fein First Citizens or Deputy First Citizens Books of Condolences for the people of London will be opened. Read more

Weekend Attacks and Shootings Significantly Raise North Belfast Tensions

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly has said that weekend attacks by loyalists on a Catholic home on the Crumlin Road followed by a series of shootings which has left one man dead and another critically injured has heightened significantly tensions in the area in advance of… Read more

Orange Order need to start preparing for the future

Commenting after the annual Drumcree Parade passed off peacefully yesterday Sinn Féin Assembly member for Upper Bann John O'Dowd said that 'the Orange Order had to start preparing for a future without trying to force unwanted parades through nationalist areas'. Read more

Fundamental change still required to transform justice system - Kelly

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly, spokesperson on Policing and Justice, said that the fundamental change required to implement the Good Friday Agreement "has not yet penetrated the hardcore of the criminal justice system". Read more

Adams appeals for calm in advance of Parades

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has appealed for calm in advance of tomorrows contentious Orange parades on the Springfield Road and in Ardoyne. Read more

Sinn Féin MEPs sign written declaration on rheumatic diseases

Sinn Féin MEPs Bairbre de Brún and Mary Lou McDonald have signed an EU written declaration on rheumatic diseases today calling on the EU Commission and Council to make research and action on rheumatic diseases a priority. Read more

Sinn Féin respond to anti catholic slogans daubed on Harryville Chapel

Sinn Féin MLA in North Antrim Philip McGuigan and Sinn Féin councillor for Ballymena Monica Digney have condemned the sectarian graffiti daubed on Harryville chapel late last night. Read more

Rabbitte completely out of touch with peace process

Sinn Féin Dáil Group Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described this afternoon's comments from Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte as 'bizarre' and 'totally out of touch'. Read more

Riot clad PSNI trying to force an Orange March through Dunloy in breach of Parades Commission decision

A tense situation is developing in the nationalist village of Dunloy in County Antrim this morning. Riot-clad PSNI personnel are attempting to force an Orange march through part of the village, contrary to a determination issued by the Parades Commission. Read more

Ferris: Shell's duplicity proven once again

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources Martin Ferris TD, has cited this morning's announcement by Shell that it will not be contesting a class action taken in relation to its falsification of reserves as further proof of the company's duplicity, and an added reason to oppose the company's involvement in… Read more

Orange Hangers-on raising tensions in Carrickhill

Sinn Féin North Belfast Councillor Caral Ní Chuilín has said that the PSNI are facilitating Orange Order 'supporters' in the Carrickhill area who are raising tensions in the area. Read more

PSNI FACILITATE BREACH OF PARADES COMMISSION RULING IN LURGAN FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW

Sinn Féin MLA John O Dowd has called on the Police Ombudsmans office to send observers to Lurgan to monitor the PSNIs handling of Loyal order parades after the Orange Order were allowed to march through a contentious area of Lurgan this morning, in complete defiance of a Parades Commission… Read more

DEMPSEY MUST SUSPEND NEW ROUND OF GAS AND OIL LICENCES

Sinn Fein County Councillor Gerry Murray has called on the Minster for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Noel Dempsey to suspend the current round of Applications for Frontier Exploration Licenses and to immediately carry out a review of the terms and conditions of all such licenses. Read more

Ó Caoláin says "warnings not enough" on debt problems

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has said today's annual report by the Central Bank and yesterday's ESRI report indicate the increasing problem of indebtedness for many people and that "growing numbers of people are leaving themselves very vulnerable to even the slightest rise in interest rates". Read more

Carrickmacross Town Council supports Eddie Fullerton inquiry demand

At last evenings (Monday) meeting of Carrickmacross Town Council a motion in the name of the three Sinn Féin members, calling for an independent inquiry into the murder of Councillor Eddie Fullerton in 1991 was passed: Read more

Woodward meeting "robust but thorough"-Doherty

Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has described a meeting the six West Tyrone MLAs held with NIO Health Minister Shaun Woodward at Stormont yesterday as "robust but thorough." Read more

Doherty - Sinn fein demand that Demsey suspend new round of gas and oil licenses for the Donegal Basin

Sinn Féin's elected representatives in Donegal to protest in support of the Rossport 5 and demand that Demsey suspend new round of gas and oil licenses for the Donegal Basin Read more

Dublin City Manager treats public with contempt

Sinn Féin Councillor Christy Burke has accused Dublin City Management of treating the people of the city with contempt after trees at the top of O'Connell Street were removed in the dead of night. Read more

Ardoyne situation created by Orange demands to dominate

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly was today joined at a press conference in Belfast by party colleagues Alex Maskey, Cathy Stanton and Carol ni Cuilan to review the aftermath of the Parades Commission decision to force a Orange Parade through three nationalist areas of North Belfast. Read more

Revelation about true cost of flawed electricity privatisation demands action

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Foyle MLA Mitchel McLaughlin has said that the revelation from the Energy regulator Douglas McIldoon that the flawed electricity privatisation brokered by previous direct rule ministers will result in an additional cost of £1 billion demands a prompt response and a plan of action from Angela… Read more

Proposed ESB price increases unjustified and unacceptable

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has said it is completely unacceptable for the ESB to talk about increasing charges by up to 10% to household customers while at the same time announcing after tax profits of €267 million. Read more

Swedish MEP condemns imprisonment of Rossport 5

Environment policy co-ordinator of the GUE/NGL EU parliamentary group, MEP Jonas Sjöstedt, has condemned in the strongest possible terms the decision to imprison five farmers from Rossport in County Mayo, Ireland and called on the Norwegian Government to instruct Statoil, a Norwegian state owned company, to freeze the project until… Read more

Kelly Anger Over Plastic Bullet Figures

Sinn Féin Policing spokesperson Gerry Kelly has criticised the PSNI after it was revealed that 22 plastic bullets were fired in Ardoyne on Tuesday night. Mr Kelly also criticised the SDLP representative Alex Attwood for praising the PSNI action. Read more

Government should give greater priority to indigenous industries - Morgan

Sinn Féin Trade and Employment spokesperson and Louth TD Arthur Morgan has called on the Government to give greater priority through the employment agencies for indigenous industries after it was revealed that 250 workers are to be let go at the Quantum Technology Firm in Dundalk. Read more

Empey Challenged Over Cluan Place Remarks

East Belfast Sinn Féin Representative Deborah Devenny has challenged UUP leader Reg Empey to tell the full story about the events at the interface between the Short Strand and Cluan Place yesterday. Read more

Protest in support of Rossport 5 to take place in Gorey on Friday

Following the return to Cloverhill prison today of the 5 Mayo smallholders jailed for attempting to halt the Shell and Statoil oil companies from laying a potentially dangerous pipeline across their lands, Wexford Sinn Féin are set to continue their series of protests with a white line picket in Gorey tomorrow afternoon (Friday)… Read more

Crowe urges speedy repayment of nursing home charges

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Social and Family Affairs Seán Crowe TD has urged the Government to prioritise legislation required for the repayment of illegal nursing home charges when the Dáil returns in September. Read more

Reilly calls for M3 to include bridges to provide for reopening of Dublin - Navan rail line

Meath Sinn Féin Councillor Joe Reilly has called for bridges to be included during the construction of the controversial M3 to provide for the reopening of the Dublin to Navan rail line. Read more

Doherty calls on British Secretary of State to respond to economic aid package calls after Adria job losses

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP, Pat Doherty reacting to today's announcement of another 185 job losses at Adria in Strabane said, "The staggered manner in which jobs have been shed from Adria over recent times betrays the financial hardship and uncertainty that has been wrought on so many families in… Read more

Invest NI Annual Report highlight investment imbalance

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Foyle MLA Mitchel McLaughlin has said that the Annual Invest NI Report highlights a serious imbalance in investment West of the Bann and in Border areas. Read more

Fianna Fáil health manifesto shredded by PDs - Harney's private hospitals will reinforce two-tier system - Morgan

Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan has described as "a fraud" the plan by the Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney to fund private hospitals on public hospital sites. Read more

Campaign to free Rossport Five arrives in Minister Dempsey's home town

The campaign to Free the Rossport Five came to the home town of the Minister for the Marine And Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey last night. Read more

Irish Ferries flies flag of convenience

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Workers Rights Arthur Morgan TD has called on the Minister for Trade and Employment Micheál Martin to clarify the Governments position after last nights Prime Time programme revealed that Irish Ferries have registered a ship in the Bahamas and now seem to believe that neither Irish… Read more

Campaign to free Rossport Five arrives in Minister Dempsey's home town

The campaign to Free the Rossport Five came to the home town of the Minister for the Marine And Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey last night. Caitlín Uí Sheighin, wife of jailed Rossport man Micháel Ó Sheighin spoke of her hope that her husband and the other prisoners would be released… Read more

Adams - Time for Orange Order to talk

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams speaking in Dublin this afternoon said "It isn't tenable that with each contentious parade, society is brought to the brink. This problem cannot be parked until next year. It needs to be dealt with now. It's time for those within the Loyal Orders, and those… Read more

Sinn Féin will vigorously oppose compulsory ID Cards

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has said the party will "vigorously oppose the imposition of British identity cards in the Six Counties and state identity cards in the 26 Counties." She said the Irish Government "should be demanding that these cards are not introduced… Read more

Castlebar Town Council backs Fullerton motion

Castlebar Town Council backed a motion submitted by Sinn Féin councillor Noel Campbell calling on the Irish government to initiate steps for a full,independent inquiry in to the murder of Cllr. Eddie Fullerton. Read more

Sinn Féin slams North Belfast sectarian blast bomb attack

Sinn Fein Councillor for North Belfast Margaret McClenaghan has slammed a blast bomb attack on a home in Mountainview. The attack resulted in the owner of the house having to be taken to hospital and windows and car damaged. It was later followed by a sustained attack of bricks, golf… Read more

Nationalist man lucky to be alive following vicious assault by loyalist bandsmen in Castlederg

Sinn Féin Councillor Charlie Mc Hugh, has described as "vicious" an attack on two local nationalist women and a local nationalist man by a group of up to ten loyalist bandsmen in Castlederg in the early hours of this morning (Sunday). Read more

PSNI accused to stoking tension

Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has accused the PSNI of deliberately stoking tensions in North Belfast after a series of house raids and arrests of young people, one as young as 15, in the Carrickhill area. Read more

Heath will always be remembered for his role in the Bloody Sunday Massacre - Mitchel Mc Laughlin MLA

Sinn Féin General Secretary, Mitchel Mc Laughlin MLA has said that Ted Heath will always be remembered as the British Prime Minister who oversaw the events that led to the massacre of innocent civilians on the streets of Derry. Read more

Sinn Féin slams petrol bomb attack on Brookfield Mill

Sinn Fein Councillor for North Belfast Margaret McClenaghan has slammed the petrol bomb attack on Brookfield Mill. The attack which occured at 11:30pm on Sunday night follows a day of sustained attacks against nationalist homes on Alliance Avenue. Read more

Council analysis of Invest NI record shows up greater imbalance

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Foyle MLA Mitchel McLaughlin has said that a Council-by-Council analysis of the distribution of investment by Invest NI shows an even greater level of imbalance than a Westminster constituency breakdown and totally undermines the defence of its record offered by Invest NI. Read more

Sinn Fein set to continue Peace III campaign

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún is continuing the campaign for a Peace III programme with a series of meetings throughout the Six Counties. Today Ms de Brún is speaking at a PEACE III seminar hosted by Bogside & Brandywell Initiative in Derry. Read more

Approval of three new Irish medium schools evidence of increasing use of language

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Michael Ferguson has welcomed the announcement that the Department of Education has approved three new Irish medium primary schools that will be eligible for recurrent and capital funding as grant-maintained schools from September 2005. Read more

Short Strand area comes under attack at weekend

Sinn Fein Assembly member Michael Ferguson today visited homes attacked over the weekend in the Clandeboye Gardens area of the Short Strand. Read more

Sinn Fein to press Woodward on West of the Bann Hospital services

Sinn Fein Health Spokesperson, Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd will lead a party delegation, including Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew to meet British direct rule Health Minster Shaun Woodward today, Monday 18th July, at 6.15pm in Stormont Castle to press him for firm commitments and a clear timetable to… Read more

Adams - Equality Commission Must Deliver

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has said that "the litmus test for the North's Equality Commission remains, "whether the Commission now demonstrates the will and the courage to fulfil the objectives set out for it in the Good Friday Agreement." Read more

Legal challenge ends overcharging on rural homes

Sinn Féin Councillor Joe Reilly has urged all those who purchased their home under the Rural Cottage Scheme to immediately contact their local authority as they may have been overcharged substantially on the purchase of their home. Read more

Anger at attacks on nationalist homes in Newtownabbey

Sinn Féin Newtownabbey councillor Breige Meehan has expressed outrage at the attacks on nationalist homes and vehicles in Newtownabbey last night. Three homes were attacked and a works van belonging to a recently deceased man was destroyed. Read more

Fullerton family's campaign for justice gathering momentum- Mac Lochlainn

Sinn Féin Donegal County Councillor, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has welcomed news that three more councils in recent days have passed a motion calling for a full independent public inquiry chaired by a person of international repute in to the assassination of Sinn Féin Donegal County Councillor, Eddie Fullerton in 1991. Read more

Genuine Dialogue and Engagement essential for Racial Equality Strategy

Sinn Fein Spokesperson on anti-racism, South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has said that genuine dialogue and engagement is essential if the Racial Equality Strategy announced today by British direct rule Minster Jeff Rooker is to be a success. Read more

Education Rights of Ethnic Children

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson met with Patrick Yu Director of NICEM this morning because of the crisis in regards to the Educational provision that Ethnic Children will not be receiving on September 1st as Boards cuts the funding for Teachers and 18 Teachers lost their jobs. Read more

Library service for hospitals cut

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson has spoken on the Radio today expressing his outrage at the denial of Library Services to the sick and disabled in Hospitals. This is he said indicative of the British Government's approach to Education Provision across the north and across all departments. Read more

Sinn Féin delegation meet Invest NI Chief Executive

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún and Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA have led a delegation to meet with the Chief Executive of Invest NI Leslie Morrison in Belfast today. Read more

EU Peace fund ballpark figure of 200 million Euro

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún speaking at a seminar on EU PEACE funding hosted by Training for Women Network at the PlayBoard Offices in Belfast in Belfast today has said that the ballpark figure being talked about at present for EU peace funding for 2007-2013 is 200 million Euro. Read more

Sinn Fein call for mainstreaming of Rural Advice Bureaus

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has called for government to bring forward proposals for the mainstreaming of Rural Advice Bureaus to support rural communities and particularly the farming community after a report from the Health and Safety Executive highlighted the impact of stress… Read more

28 half the service will go at the end august from north and west

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson has described the loss of 28 Education and Library Board Youth Workers as merely the tip of the iceberg. The Belfast Sinn Fein Education and Library Board Team met with Stephen Hughes in Belfast City Hall today to discuss the how the Education budget… Read more

DUP need to stop peddling the 'big lie'

Sinn Féin General Secretary, Foyle MLA Mitchel McLaughlin has accused Gregory Campbell of peddling lies about the nature of disadvantage, discrimination and unemployment in the Six Counties. Read more

Iraq war crime charges require investigation of British Army activities in North

Sinn Féin spokesperson on demilitarisation, Newry Armagh MLA Davy Hyland has said that confirmation that three British Army soldiers charged with war crimes for activities in Iraq were members of the Royal Lancashire Regiment that served in South Armagh in 2001 require an investigation into the behaviour of the British… Read more

DUP Challenged Over Attitude To Nationalists In Ballymena

Responding to attacks by the DUP to plans to hold an anti-internment march in the nationalist end of Ballymena next month, North Antrim Sinn Féin Assembly member Philip McGuigan said: Read more

FINE GAEL'S COMEDY OF ERRORS

Sinn Fein County Councillor Gerry Murray has called on the Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny to the give the people of Mayo a clear and rational explanation for the bizarre set of events that took place in the Council Chamber on Monday night. In a statement Councillor Murray said that… Read more

Falling Beef prices require open and honest debate

Sinn Fein Agriculture spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michel Gildernew has said that falling beef prices require concerted action. Read more

McGuinness puts case for investment in Lough Neagh Eel stocks

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MP Martin McGuinness has met David Hanson, the British direct rule Minster responsible for inland fishing, to put the case for direct aid to support the sustainable development of Elver Eel stocks in Lough Neagh. Read more

Loss of experienced Youth Workers unforgivable

The Belfast Education and Library Board has responded to criticisms from Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson about the potential loss of half of the City's Educational Youth Provision. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP to meet Irish EU Affairs Minister to press for PEACE III funding

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will lead a party delegation to meet Irish EU Affairs Minster Noel Tracey tomorrow, Friday 22nd July, at 3pm in the offices of the Irish Secretariat in Belfast to press the case for an EU PEACE III programme for the period 2007 - 2013. Read more

Education Protest at BELB Headquarters Today

Sinn Fein Education & Library Board Members will hold a protest outside the Belfast Headquarters tomorrow to coincide with the first Board meeting of the year following the election of the new Board. The Sinn Fein team will be joined by Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson and parents from two schools… Read more

McDowell deal with US alarming and sinister

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has described as 'alarming' news that the Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell has signed an agreement with the US that allows for the detention and interrogation of people in Ireland by US secret service agents and that also allows agencies like the CIA access to… Read more

Memo revelations further evidence of the 'Ryanair-isation' of State airline

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Employment and Workers Rights, Arthur Morgan TD has said that it is unacceptable for any company, let alone a semi-state company, to use the harassment tactics outlined in the leaked memo to bring about 'voluntary redundancies'. Deputy Morgan said the leaked memo was further evidence of… Read more

Sinn Féin demand designation of North West as an 'area of exceptional need' to assist economic development

Sinn Fein Economy Spokesperson, Foyle MLA Mitchel McLaughlin writing in Today's Derry News has argued for a long-term strategic response to the economic development of the North West and the designation of the region as an area of exceptional need to enable special initiatives to encourage investment, promote and create… Read more

Dodds Challenged Over Attitude To DUP Members Released Under GFA

North Antrim Sinn Féin Assembly member Philip McGuigan has accused the DUP MP Nigel Dodds of operating 'breathtaking double standards' in his approach to the prisoner release programme under the Good Friday Agreement. Read more

Reilly welcomes appointment of new interim Board for Meath Arts Centre

Sinn Féin Councillor Joe Reilly has welcomed the correspondence from the Secretary fo the Meath Arts Centre Company Ltd stating that a new interim Board for the Meath Arts Centre Project is to be appointed which will include an elected member from each electoral area in the county. Read more

Time for Irish government to stand up to oil companies

Sinn Féin is participating in a Day of Action tomorrow, Friday 22nd July, calling for Justice for the Rossport 5 and for the full renegotiation of the backroom deal between Ray Burke and the oil companies. Read more

Doherty calls on GAA fans to join Saturdays rally in support of Rossport 5

Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has called on Tyrone and Armagh GAA fans who are travelling to Dublin on Saturday to support the march and rally in support of the Rossport 5. Read more

What Kind of Europe in Thirty Years Time

Address by Sinn Féin Councillor Pearse Doherty to the Magill Summer School on the future direction of the European Union Read more

Donations legislation needs to be changed to prevent Parties from hiding significant donations

Responding to the latest annual report from the Standards in Public Office Commission, Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan said the legislation covering donations needed to be changed to give an accurate reflection of what is raised by political parties. Read more

Harney must act on mental health

Sinn Féin Social Affairs spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has said that the Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney must act to reform and resource mental health services. Read more

Free Sean Kelly Campaign Reaches Prison Service

Sinn Féin Assembly member Cathy Stanton today joined republicans protesting at the office of the Prison Service in Belfast. The protest was the latest in a series of protests demanding an end to internment and the release of Sean Kelly. Read more

Government support essential to PEACE III campaign

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún speaking after leading a party delegation including Mitchel McLaughlin MLA and Arthur Morgan TD to meet the Irish EU Affairs Minister Noel Treacy in Belfast today has said that both the British and Irish governments have a central role in pressing the case for… Read more

McGuinness - it's time for action - it's time for everyone to move forward

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness speaking at the Magill summer school tonight said: Read more

Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness in Dublin for launch of 'Sinn Féin - a century of struggle'

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness will be in Dublin today, Monday 25th July, for the launch of 'Sinn Féin - A century of struggle'. Read more

Where do the other parties stand on Corrib Gas issue? - Dwyer

Following confirmation over the weekend that government inspectors have found that Shell has been acting without proper permissions in carrying out unauthorised work on the Corrib Gas Pipeline, Wexford Sinn Féin Councillor John Dwyer had said that the High Court must now release the 5 Mayo smallholders when they appear… Read more

Tolerance of Unionist violence challenged

South Belfast Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey has said that the reaction of both the PSNI and the unionist political establishment to ongoing unionist paramilitary feuding and the sight of hundreds of UVF members mingling with the PSNI and British Army after forcing members of a rival gang from… Read more

Sinn Féin call for publication of audit reports showing growth of all-Ireland agenda

Sinn Féin General Secretary, Foyle MLA Mitchel McLaughlin has accused the British government of withholding two audit reports produced by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) that reflect the growth in all-Ireland activity and called for their immediate publication. Read more

Loyalist death threats made against Sinn Féin representative

Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast Kathy Stanton as this afternoon described as 'sinister' loyalist death threats made against leading republican Martin Meehan. Read more

Decision to keep Rossport 5 in jail until October is totally unacceptable - Ferris

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Marine and Natural Resources Martin Ferris TD has slated today's court decision, to keep the five men from Rossport, Co. Mayo in jail. Read more

Evidence of GM cross-fertilisation leading to creation of new superweed

Sinn Féin Environment spokesperson, North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan has said that scientific evidence that cross fertilisation between genetically modified oilseed rape with a distantly related plant, charlock, has created a highly resistant superweed should lead to a radical rethink on the issue of GM crops and foodstuff by the… Read more

DUP opposition to Equality Commission driven by sectarianism

Responding to the news that the DUP MP Gregory Campbell is to raise concerns about the make up of the Equality Commission in the British House of Commons, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Equality and Human Rights, South Down MLA Caitríona Ruane accused the DUP of peddling myths about the nature… Read more

European Commission must accept that GM crops are unwanted in Ireland - Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today challenged the European Commission to accept that genetically modified crops are 'unwanted in Ireland' and not the way forward for Irish agriculture'. Read more

Adams welcomes confirmation of plans for Suicide Taskforce

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, MP for West Belfast has welcomed the confirmation from the Department for Health that the Minister Shaun Woodward has given approval for the development of a Regional Strategy for the Prevention of Suicide in the north of Ireland. Read more

DUP have helped create environment for North Antrim attacks

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Antrim Philip McGuigan has accused unionist paramilitaries of carrying out a series of attacks last night in Ballymena, Martinstown and Rasharkin, but accused the DUP of helping to create the environment for those responsible to flourish. Read more

Kelly attacks PSNI over Garnerville collusion

Sinn Féin spokesperson on policing issues Gerry Kelly today accused the PSNI of engaging in very public collusion with the UVF in the Garnerville estate in East Belfast over the past few days. Read more

Expansion of all-Ireland Health Agenda could drive down cost differential

Sinn Féin health spokesperson John O'Dowd MLA commenting on the publication of the HPSS Schedule of Reference Costs showing the average, highest and lowest unit costs for each relevant service or grouping and a database showing the average unit cost of individual services for each Trust has said that cutting… Read more

Disgust at PSNI providing rational for sectarian attacks

North Antrim Sinn Féin Assembly member Philip McGuigan has accused the head of the PSNI in Ballymena of being little more than a mouth piece for those loyalist gangs who are waging a campaign of violence against local Catholics in the area. Read more

Irish Rail closure of container freight business crazy says Sinn Féin TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport, Seán Crowe has described as a "crazy" the decision of Iarnrod Éireann (Irish Rail) to stop carrying freight containers on the rail system. Read more

Crowe welcomes anti-social behaviour initiative

Sinn Féin Transport spokesperson and Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has welcomed a new initiative by Dublin Bus to tackle anti-social behaviour. Read more

Sinn Féin to challenge Angela Smith over Invest NI record

Sinn Féin Assembly group Chief Whip, North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan, will lead a senior party delegation to meet Angela Smith, the British direct rule Minster responsible for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment tomorrow, Wednesday 27th July at 3pm in Castle Buildings. Read more

Sinn Féin urge greater take-up of Warm Homes Scheme

Sinn Féin anti-poverty spokesperson, North Belfast MLA Kathy Stanton speaking after meeting Bernadette Duffy from the EAGA partnership that manages the Warm Homes Scheme for the Department of Social Development has urged people to avail of the scheme and for those over 60 to take-up on the Warm Homes Plus… Read more

All Ireland Oncology Services essential - Ministers' response 'patchwork' approach

Sinn Féin Derry City Councillor and Local Government Health spokesperson Billy Page speaking after a joint communiqué was signed yesterday by British direct rule Health Minister Sean Woodward and Tanaiste Mary Harney approved 400 million euro for the provision of an all-Ireland network for the provision of oncology services by… Read more

Delay to school bus safety unacceptable says Crowe

Sinn Féin Education and Transport spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has described Minister for Education Mary Hanafin's announcement today that school buses will not be fitted with seat belts until the end of 2006 as "unacceptable". Read more

Jim Allister should not make mischief over PEACE funding

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has said that Jim Allister MEP should not make mischief over EU PEACE funding. Read more

DARD strategic plan must be built on genuine partnership

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has welcomed the publication of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's draft 5 year Strategic Plan but added that it must be developed in genuine partnership with all of the key agricultural and rural stakeholders. Read more

Sinn Féin leadership to hold press conference in Dublin

The Dublin press conference will be led by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams. He will be accompanied by Sinn Féin MEPs, TDs, MPs and MLAs. Read more

IRA Statement

"The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign. Read more

Seize the Moment - Gerry Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP address following the IRA decision to end it's armed campaign Read more

IRA Statement

"The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign. This will take effect from 4pm this afternoon. Read more

Comments by Martin McGuinness speaking on Capitol Hill, Washington in response to the IRA statement.

Speaking on Capitol Hill in Washington DC Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness said "I warmly welcome today's statement and I commend the IRA for this decisive initiative. It contains the potential to unlock the political stalemate that has frozen the Irish peace process and the implementation of the Good… Read more

SDLP U Turn on Education Cuts

At a meeting of the Southern Education & Library Board Meeting Sinn Fein Education Board Member Brendan Lewis proposed that the 2pm Bus Service be immediately reinstated and this was seconded by Cllr Pat Mc Ginn. Read more

Welcome for South Armagh demilitarisation move

Commenting on the announcement that work to remove a spy post in South Armagh is to commence today Sinn Féin MP for Newry & Armagh Conor Murphy said: "It is obviously welcome for those people living under this spy post that it is to be removed." Read more

Sinn Féin seeking full delivery of Good Friday Agreement

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP was today joined by party Assembly group leader John O'Dowd and Assembly members Philip McGuigan and Sue Ramsey at a press conference in Belfast. Mr Adams said that 'Sinn Féin is looking for full delivery of all aspects of the Agreement, including equality, human… Read more

Time for face-to-face talks between DUP and Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness has arrived back in Ireland following his three day trip to the United States where he met with US Envoy Mitchell Reiss, members of Congress, Cardinal Egan, Bill Flynn of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy and many in Irish America who have… Read more

Legal loophole threatens millions in EU PEACE funding

Sinn Féin Dungannon Mayor, Francie Molloy MLA, the current President of NILGA has warned of a total breakdown in the operation of local bodies responsible for distributing EU PEACE funding because of a legal loophole. Read more

Sinn Féin TD to visit Toronto and Montreal

Sinn Féin 's Sean Crowe TD (Member of the Irish Parliament), will visit Toronto and Montreal from Monday, August 1 to Friday, August 5. The purpose of the visit is to brief Canadians on the Irish peace process after the historic IRA statement of July 28. Read more

July 2005 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

July 1, 2005

July 2, 2005

July 4, 2005

July 5, 2005

July 6, 2005

July 7, 2005

July 8, 2005

July 11, 2005

July 12, 2005

July 13, 2005

July 14, 2005

July 15, 2005

July 16, 2005

July 17, 2005

July 18, 2005

July 19, 2005

July 20, 2005

July 21, 2005

July 22, 2005

July 25, 2005