November 2005 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

de Brún to hold talks with Finucane family

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will hold discussions in Belfast tomorrow afternoon with family of murdered Human Rights lawyer Pat Finucane. Read more

Serious concerns over Parades Commission appointments

Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey has criticised the process of appointments to the Parades Commission and said that it is essential that any new Parades Commission is fully representative of the Community. Read more

Sinn Féin urge changes to rules governing disability adaptations

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Fra McCann has called on the minister of social development to take an urgent look at the service provided by the occupational therapists who oversee the system where people get work carried out to their homes because of illness or disability Read more

Sinn Féin make case for Girdwood and Crumlin Road Development

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly and local council colleague Carál ní Chuilín this morning discussed the future development of the Girdwood Barracks and Crumlin Road Prison sites with the British Direct Rule Minister David Hansen. Read more

Public meeting to be held on Irish reunification

A public meeting is to take place in the Welcome Inn Hotel, Castlebar, Co. Mayo on Friday 4th November at 8pm to discuss issues surrounding the practicality and eventuality of Irish unity. Read more

Sinn Féin will challenge Ministers on Budget proposals

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has made clear Sinn Féin's determination "to forthrightly challenge the British government proposed budget for the north". Read more

Adams raises concerns over Shankill

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP for West Belfast this morning spoke to NIO Minister David Hanson. Mr. Adams raised with the British Minister his concern at the absence of a coherent regeneration strategy for deprivation in urban areas. Read more

Doolan calls on Transport Minister to urgently meet with Dublin City Council

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Daithí Doolan has called on Minister for Transport Martin Cullen to urgently meet with Dublin City Council in relation to 'Transport 21' which was launched in Dublin Castle yesterday. Read more

Sinn Féin urge people to Register before November 18th

Sinn Féin National Director of Elections Pat Doherty MP has said that it is crucial that everybody fills out and returns their electoral registration form before the cut off point of November 18th. Read more

Rooker told to introduce plastic bag tax

Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson, North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan has told British direct rule minister Jeff Rooker to stop making excusing and get on with introducing a plastic bag tax in the north. Read more

Sinn Féin meet Water Service Chief

Sinn Féin Regional Development Spokesperson, Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney will lead a party delegation to meet with the Water Service Chief, today, Tuesday 2nd November at 11am Northland House, Frederick Street, to outline Sinn Féin's concerns in relation to the ongoing 'reform' and proposed introduction of the water charges due… Read more

Sinn Féin share concerns about weak worker protection

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has said that Safety at work the drafting of the new corporate manslaughter bill fails to allow for directors or senior managers to be held individually responsible for health and safety breaches. Read more

Workers in poultry industry urged to take up free flu vaccine

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has urged all those working in the poultry industry to ensure that they receive the free flu vaccine, which will be provided for them by the Health Service Executive. Read more

Dáil to debate motion on Irish reunification - Gerry Adams & Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin available to talk to media at 3pm, Leinster House

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and the Party's leader in the Dáil, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD will be available to talk to the media outside the main gates of Leinster House at 3pm today in advance of the debate on Irish reunification talking place in the Dáil this evening. Read more

Rabbitte leads Labour away from politics of James Connolly

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has said failure to pursue Irish unity "will condemn the north eastern counties of this country to another prolonged period of crisis." Speaking on the Sinn Féin Private Members Motion in the Dáil this evening he said, "Republicans do not believe that political normality can… Read more

Sinn Féin demand mainstreaming of funding for women's organisations

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Women and Older People, Newry Armagh MLA Pat O'Rawe has said that while the additional £750,000 for women's organisations is welcome it is time that government began to mainstream funding for these groups that play an important role in delivering services on the ground and tackling… Read more

Unionists slammed over bi-lingual road signs

Requests for Irish and English bi-lingual road signs in three roads in the Glenullin area outside Garvagh Co Derry have been put on hold while Coleraine Borough Council seeks legal advice. Read more

Sinn Féin urge for 'one small step' initiatives to advance the delivery of Health

Sinn Féin health spokesperson, Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd, has called for the phasing out prescription charges in the North. Read more

Sinn Féin demand shake-up of Job Skills programme

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Michael Ferguson has said that a Public Accounts Committee on 'Job Skills' due to be released tomorrow is expected to be extremely critical of the programme. Read more

All-Ireland only way to achieve balanced infrastructure development

Sinn Féin General Secretary Mitchel McLaughlin accused British direct rule ministers of failing to take forward projects to develop infrastructure on an all-Ireland basis. Read more

Irish unity debate opens in Leinster House

Sinn Féin Dáil Group Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin will this evening open the debate on the party's Private Members motion calling on all parties in Leinster House to "prepare politically, economically, socially and culturally for Irish unification, identifying steps and measures, including a Green Paper, which can assist a successful… Read more

1916 goals as relevant today as they were in Easter week 1916

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said, "Sinn Fein's vision for the future united Ireland has its foundations in the 1916 Proclamation and the 1919 Democratic Programme which enshrine our core values." Speaking on the Sinn Féin Private Members Motion on Irish… Read more

Ó Caoláin opens debate on Irish reunification and calls on all parties to work together towards unity

Speaking during this evening Private Members Business motion on Irish Reunification put forward by Sinn Féin's five TD, the Party's leader in Leinster House, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin said, "Irish unity must be more than an aspiration and an objective, however sincerely held. We must work together towards Irish unity." Read more

Bairbre de Brún pledges renewed support for Finucane family

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has said that she is committed to assisting the family of Pat Finucane "both at home and at a European level in order to establish an independent international inquiry into the solicitor's death". Read more

Restrictions on Gerry Adams visa to US would be misguided

An Irish Times report this morning quotes US State Department sources saying that the US Administration is planning to place a restriction on Gerry Adams visa and ban him from speaking at fundraising events in the United States. Read more

PSNI operation driven by RUC old guard agenda

Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew has said that the ongoing PSNI operation against republicans in the Dungannon area will further undermine the confidence of the nationalist community in the ability of the PSNI to deliver impartial and accountable policing. Read more

Unionists have nothing to fear from a united Ireland - Crowe

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has has said, "Only on the basis of real and meaningful engagement can we make progress on peace, and reconciliation and resolve our differences." Speaking on the Sinn Féin Private Members Motion on Irish Unity this morning he said, "Unionists have absolutely nothing to fear… Read more

DUP challenged over loyalist links

Lagan Valley Sinn Féin Representative Cllr. Paul Butler has said that the revelations today on the Talkback show by leading Stoneyford loyalist Mark Harbinson that he has been involved in election work for the DUP raises once again very serious questions for that party regarding their relationship with unionist paramilitaries. Read more

Failure to tackle pay inequality is a failure of policy and political will

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Women and Older People, Newry Armagh MLA Pat O'Rawe has said that the publication of new data on pay inequalities by the Department of Social Development (Individual Incomes Series, NI 2003/04), that show that women only receive 65% of the income of men in the Six… Read more

Regional and Rural Development must be adequately funded

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has called for community organisations to have a greater say in designing and implementing Rural and Regional development programmes. Read more

Unionist politicians oppose School Bus service - again

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson has said that the decision taken by Unionist Politicians on the Southern Education and Library Board not to reinstate the School Bus service is an appalling lack of understanding of the needs of rural communities. Read more

Sinn Féin anger at proposed an Foras budget

Sinn Féin Irish Language spokesperson, East Derry MLA Francie Brolly has said that the proposed budget for the Irish Language all-Ireland implementation body Foras na Gaeilge will inevitably lead to a de facto cut in the organisation's spending power. Read more

Government amendment to Irish Reunification motion 'absurd' says Morgan

Concluding the Sinn Féin Private Members Business motion debate on Irish reunification in the Dáil today Sinn Féin TD for Louth, Arthur Morgan described the Government amendment to the motion as "absurd" saying it would effectively make the whole peace process "dependent on the response of rejectionist unionism." Read more

Gerry Adams expresses solidarity with Irish Ferries workers and calls for licensing regime for ferries

Today in a letter to be read out at the rally in support of the workers at Irish Ferris outside the Dáil, the Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams, expressed his solidarity with their cause. Read more

All-Ireland only way to achieve balanced infrastructure development

Sinn Féin General Secretary Mitchel McLaughlin accused British direct rule ministers of failing to take forward projects to develop infrastructure on an all-Ireland basis. Read more

Poleglass MLA to welcome Taoiseach

Sinn Féin MLA Michael Ferguson has welcomed the visit of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to Poleglass. The local MLA will be there to meet with him and intends to speak to him about the regeneration of the area and the deficit of resources in the area Read more

Irish Ferries dispute "reflective of bargain basement Europe ethos" - Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today said that the treatment of Irish Ferries workers is "indicative of the bargain basement approach to workers' rights throughout the EU". Read more

Patients must be told they have MRSA - Ó Caoláin

Commenting on today's HSE report on hospital hygiene, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD said, "This is a very grave report which starkly highlights the gross inadequacies in hospital hygiene throughout this State. A comprehensive response is essential. Issues which must be addressed include the… Read more

Taoiseach must insist on full British co-operation with Seamus Ludlow hearings - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin has said the Taoiseach must insist on full co-operation from the British government and its agencies in the forthcoming Oireachtas Committee hearings on the murder of Séamus Ludlow. Read more

Gerry Adams to deliver keynote address at Céad Bliain celebration dinner in Dublin

This weekend more than a thousand republicans will gather in Dublin to celebrate 100 years of Sinn Féin. Read more

Human rights abusers must be weeded out

Sinn Féin Policing and Justice spokesperson, North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has said that disclosures today by ex CID officer Jonty Brown underline that 'a key threat to the new beginning to policing is the political cartel of Special Branch members'. Read more

Government must intervene to end hunger strike at Leinster House

Sinn Fein T.D Sean Crowe today urged the Government to reconsider their position on not including the Morning Star Mother and Baby Home as an institution for consideration by the redress board. Read more

Irish Ferries Ad stunt odd for company claiming to be in financial difficulty

Sinn Fein spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment Arthur Morgan T.D. today hit out at Irish Ferries for placing a full page add in the national papers to "defend the indefensible". Read more

Adams - We will see a united Ireland in our lifetime

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP addressing more than 1,000 supporters at a major event in the City West Hotel in Dublin to mark the 100th anniversary of the party said: "We will see a united Ireland in our lifetime". Read more

Doolan-Authority must not be an expensive talking shop

Sinn Féin's Dublin Spokesperson on the Environment Councillor Daithí Doolan, today welcomed, "the appointment of Prof Margaret O'Mahony as Chair of the new transport authority for the Greater Dublin area." Read more

DUP must accept responsibility for continuing Direct Rule

Speaking as Assembly members are preparing to meet with the British Direct Rule Administration to discuss the draft budget Sinn Féin General Secretary Mitchel McLaughlin said that the DUP had to decide whether or not they were going to seize the opportunities presented by recent IRA initiatives and replace the… Read more

Bairbre de Brún travels to Britain to participate in rural and regional development conference

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today travelled to Newcastle upon Tyne, England as part of the European Parliament Regional Development committee delegation to discuss the EU's Regional and Rural Development programmes for 2007-2013. Read more

Action needed on hospitals hygiene report

The Report of the first ever Hospitals Hygiene Audit was published by the Health Service Executive last week and is highly critical of overall standards of hygiene in Irish hospitals. Results in individual hospitals vary widely and there is a lack of consistency across the services, leading the HSE to… Read more

Ó Caoláin calls for end to two-tier health system in Irish Medical News article

In an article in the latest edition of the Irish Medical News Sinn Féin leader in the Dáil and spokesperson on Health and Children, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin repeated his call for the ending of the two-tier healthcare system saying it is "characterised by inequality which contributes to inefficiency." Read more

Gerry Adams response to US visa decision

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams commenting this evening on the decision to deny him a fundraising visa to visit the US said: "This is an effort by elements within the US Administration to get Sinn Féin to change our position on policing, something which can only be done by Sinn… Read more

Sinn Féin Reaction To Budget Briefing from British Ministers

Speaking after this afternoon's briefing on the draft budget by the Direct Rule Ministers, Sinn Féin General Secretary Mitchel McLaughlin said that the exercise was inadequate if providing proper accountability was the purpose. Read more

Onus rests with British Government to secure PEACE III funding - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today said that PEACE III funding can be secured for the period between 2007 and 2013, but that 'the British Government must commit itself to make the formal request to the EU.' Read more

Ferris supports farmers protest against Mandelson

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture and Food, Martin Ferris TD, has stated that he fully supports the demands of farmers who are protesting in Dublin today against EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson's proposals to offer cuts in farm supports as part of negotiations at the World Trade Organisation. Read more

Concern at impact of groceries order abolition on disadvantaged

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment Arthur Morgan T.D. has expressed concerns regarding suggestions that the Government will today agree to abolish the groceries order. Read more

The Equality Agenda must underpin spending of EU money - Bairbre de Brún

Speaking today at the EU British Presidency conference on regional and rural development in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún stressed the need to ensure that the drive for competitiveness does not endanger social inclusion. Read more

Armagh shooting unjustifiable

Sinn Féin MP for Newry & Armagh Conor Murphy today said that people in the area were shocked at the brutal killing of a man outside Keady last night. Read more

Doolan-Be Nice or get Barred

Sinn Féin's Dublin Spokesperson on the Environment & Dublin South East Representative, Councillor Daithí Doolan, has today welcomed, "the launch of the Play Nice Campaign in Dublin's Temple Bar." Read more

Martin McGuinness speech to Magill launch in Dublin

Speaking at the launch of this years publication from the Magill Summer School, 'Managing Ireland's Future 2005 - 2030' at the Merrion Hotel, Dublin this evening, Martin McGuinness said, Read more

Stranded periwinkle-pickers case raised in the Dáil

Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, today sought to have the business of the Dáil adjourned so that the case of the 13 eastern European periwinkle-pickers, stranded on an island off Skerries last night by an unscrupulous employer could be discussed. Read more

Crowe challenges Minister for Education over abuse claims

Sinn Fein spokesperson on Education, Sean Crowe, speaking in the Dail, today challenged Education Minister Mary Hanafin to respond to allegations by the One in Four group concerning the access abusing clerics had to vulnerable children in certain schools. Read more

Ferris ejected from Dáil chamber for raising problems at Kerry General Hospital with Taoiseach

North Kerry Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris was ejected from the Dáil chamber this evening after he tried to raise the problems that are being faced by patients and staff at Kerry General Hospital with the Taoiseach. Read more

Kildare concrete company accused of following Irish Ferries in attacking workers rights, pay and conditions

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Employment, Arthur Morgan TD, has strongly criticised the owners and management of Doyle Concrete from Rathangan in County Kildare for their attempts to force their current workforce out so that they can employ cheaper labour. Read more

Direct Rule Education Minister challenged over loss of over 500 non-teaching staff

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson has challenged Direct Rule Education Minister Angela Smith to justify the loss of over 500 non-teaching staff in the last two years at a cost of over £6m. Read more

New Rural Development Programme must be ready to roll by 2007

Sinn Féin Agricultural and Rural Development spokesperson Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has met the new head of Rural Policy in DARD, Pauline Keegan. Read more

Sinn Féin express concerns at future of Regional Interpreting Services

Sinn Féin has expressed serious concerns to the Department of Health over plans to privatise or 'outsource' the Regional Interpreting Services programme. Read more

Sinn Féin Conference to discuss access to Breast Cancer Treatment

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MLA Gereldine Dougan has organised a Stormont conference on Thursday, 17th November, in the Long Gallery to discus the denial of access to treatment for women diagnosed with Breast Cancer with the cancer drug Herceptin. Read more

DUP accused of failing disabled community

Sinn Féin Loughgiel councillor Anita Cavlan has accused the DUP of failing the disabled community after DUP councillors refused to back a motion calling on the council to adopt the Barcelona Declaration, which has already been adopted by the Irish and British Governments and also over 400 councils on the… Read more

Sinn Féin calls for movement on Mobile roaming charges

Sinn Féin economy spokesperson, Foyle MLA Mitchel McLaughlin has called on British direct rule Enterprise Minister, Angela Smith and Irish Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey to indicate when they will make a statement on the results of the consultation announced in early September into all-Ireland Mobile Phone charges. Read more

Harney hiding behind HSE on Letterkenny Hospital beds crisis

1137 appointments at Letterkenny General Hospital had to be cancelled in the first half of 2005 due to the ongoing beds shortage at the Hospital. Read more

Ó Caoláin urges extension of paid maternity leave

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin has urged the extension of paid maternity leave from 18 to 26 weeks and for the issue of childcare and early childhood education to be the responsibility of a single Government Department. Read more

Children First must be fully resourced - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has urged the Government to fully resource the Children First National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children. Speaking in the Dáil during statements on the Ferns report today he made a number of recommendations that he said… Read more

Use of children's schoolyard by drug dealers represents new low for parasites

Dún Laoghaire Sinn Féin representative Michael Nolan has welcomed the news today that the Gardaí have seized a quantity of cocaine with a street value of €200,000 from a Dun Laoghaire schoolyard. Mr. Nolan condemned the use of a schoolyard for such purposes. Read more

Sinn Féin to meet with Irish Ferries chief

Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald will tomorrow raise the Irish Ferries dispute with the company's Chief Executive Eamonn Rothwell. She will be accompanied by Arthur Morgan TD and Wexford Councillor John Dwyer. Read more

de Brún to raise fisheries concerns with European Commissioner following meeting with joint Oireachtas Committee

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has pledged to raise concerns over the 'Sea fisheries and maritime jurisdiction bill' at national and EU level and to raise them personally with the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Joe Borg. Read more

Sinn Féin briefs MPs as Irish and British governments bring forward measures to resolve the issue of OTRs

Sinn Féin MP for Newry & Armagh Conor Murphy is in Westminster today briefing MPs from various parties as the Irish and British governments bring forward measures to resolve the issue of On The Runs Read more

Ó Snodaigh expresses concern at photographs of US Troops pictured in Shannon Airport

Speaking this evening after learning that An Phoblacht will tomorrow publish photographs of US personnel in full military uniforms in the main lounge of Shannon Airport, Sinn Féin spokesperson on International Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the Government has "rendered meaningless this states claims to military neutrality." Read more

Road Safety Authority badly needed

Sinn Féin Transport spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has called on the Government to establish a Road Safety Authority. Speaking during the private members debate on Road Safety this evening Deputy Crowe said, "In order to ensure international best practice on our roads in all areas we need a single agency… Read more

Government must provide Garda vetting services for volunteers working with children - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Human Rights spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said the Government's ongoing failure to extend "essential" Garda Síochana vetting services to cover volunteers who work with children is "unacceptable". Read more

Schools should be drug free zones - Crowe

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Seán Crowe TD today called for the introduction of a specific offence around the dealing or storing of drugs in designated areas such as schools or youth clubs, where young people are being targeted and that schools should be drug free zones. Read more

Government must end inactivity on cocaine crisis - Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dail today about the seizure of cocaine worth around €200,000 in Loughlinstown, South County Dublin, Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh demanded an emergency debate on "the government's ongoing failure to recognise and address this states growing cocaine crisis despite increasing seizures, such as that in… Read more

Charges against Shannon 5 must be dropped

Sinn Féin International Affairs and Defence spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said, "Irish taxes are subsidising the overflights of the US military on their way to and from Iraq to the tune of over 10 million euro over the last 5 years." Speaking at a press conference in support… Read more

Threatening posters appear in Ahoghill overnight

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Antrim Philip McGuigan this morning said he was 'outraged and angry' after posters appeared overnight in Ahoghill warning local people not to wear GAA jerseys in the town. Read more

No more equivocation on Suicide Prevention - Gerry Adams

As work on the long awaited Regional Task Force Report on suicide prevention nears completion, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has said that there can be no more equivocation on suicide prevention. Read more

Sinn Féin confident of progress on review of housing allocation

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Fra McCann has said that he is confident on progress on a review of the Housing Executive's allocation system that will lead to a fairer allocation of points, particularly for young homeless people and end the misery of prolonged stay in temporary accommodation. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald calls for resolution of Irish Ferries dispute

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has this morning urged 'all parties in the Irish Ferries dispute to re-engage to help resolve the long running conflict'. Read more

Mitchel McLaughlin expresses concern about the future of Education Action Zones

Sinn Féin MLA, Mitchel McLaughlin said that it appeared that the proposed Education Action Zones announced in a blaze of publicity by the British Direct Rule Education Minister has now been stealthily withdrawn as part of the Education cuts. Read more

Maskey attacks Durkan over Collusion comments

Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey has reacted angrily to comments made the SDLP leader Mark Durkan accusing republicans of being involved in collusion with the British government in covering up the past. Read more

Irish government should purchase Finger Printing Machine from 1916 Rising

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has written to the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern asking that the government urgently intervene to purchase a finger printing machine used by the British to take the finger prints of the leaders of the 1916 Rising shortly before their execution. Read more

SF calls for paid parental leave

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health and Children, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, has called for the introduction of paid parental leave. Speaking in the Dáil today on the Parental Leave Bill Deputy Ó Caoláin said such an introduction would be a "very positive and progressive step." Read more

Tánaiste must intervene to prevent semi-closure of Crumlin Children's Hospital - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has described as "scandalous" the news that from tomorrow (11 November) the orthopaedic surgical team at Crumlin Children's Hospital will not be taking any further referrals from GPs and will likely cancel outpatient clinics in the… Read more

Anger at SDLP support for reintroduction of Internment

Sinn Féin MP for Newry & Armagh Conor Murphy has said that there is widespread disgust and anger at SDLP support for the British government's latest repressive laws including the power to intern people for up to 28 days. Read more

Once again Independent Newspapers get the story completely wrong

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP has accused the Evening Herald of once again getting the story completely wrong as they printed a totally false headline in this evening's newspaper. Read more

Additional funds needed after Herceptin announcement

Sinn Féin MLA for Mid-Ulster, Geraldine Dougan, has said that while she welcomes Shaun Woodward's announcement today that Herceptin may be made prescribed to women with early stage beast cancer where it is clinically appropriate. Read more

Paisley Jnr's comments ignore reality of intimidation in Ahoghill - Philp McGuigan

Sinn Féin MLA for North Antrim Philip McGuigan has today slammed comments made by Ian Paisley Junior after posters were erected in Ahoghill, Co Antrim stating that GAA jerseys were not welcome in the village. Read more

Gerry Adams addresses Friends of Sinn Féin Dinner in New York

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP spoke by live satellite link up to a packed capacity crowd who were standing and cheering at the Friends of Sinn Féin dinner in New York City last night. Read more

European Commission must address crisis in Irish fisheries - Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún travelled to the fishing village of Kilkeel today where she met with European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Joe Borg, and representatives of the local fishing industry. Read more

Policy towards spouses of Irish citizens a shambles - Ó Caoláin

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD today responded to reports by the Immigrant Council of Ireland that almost one of every five calls to their office is from an Irish national whose spouse cannot enter the country. Read more

Disabled drivers must not be charged for parking

Sinn Féin Equality spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has welcomed plans for a review and public consultation process on the abuse of the disability parking permits system in Dublin City. However, Deputy Ó Snodaigh said, "it is absolutely essential that this process does not result in charges for people with… Read more

Adams speaks to Canadian Prime Minister

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams today concludes a three-day visit to Canada. Mr Adams was in Toronto to speak at Friends of Sinn Féin (Canada) fundraiser on Saturday evening. Read more

Paisley challenged over power sharing

As part of an address this afternoon at the annual Edentubber commemoration in County Louth, Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness challenged the DUP leader Ian Paisley to come clean over his attitude to re-entering the power sharing institutions. Read more

Sinn Féin respond to UDA announcement

Responding to yesterday's announcement by the UDA that they have completed a consultation with their members, Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly said: Read more

Drug crisis at St James's Hospital needs to be tackled on many fronts

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights, Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said the problem of drug dealing at St James's Hospital "needs to be tackled on many fronts." Read more

Scare tactics will not stop Sinn Féin growth

Responding to comments on Sinn Féin from Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Justice Minister Michael McDowell, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin has said these parties are "using scare tactics in the vain hope of stopping Sinn Fein's growth". Read more

Counting the Cost of Direct Rule

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP will launch the Sinn Féin discussion document 'Counting the Cost of Direct Rule' tomorrow, Tuesday 15th November 2005, at 11 am in the Long Gallery at Stormont. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes labour court recommendations on Irish Ferries

Sinn Féin's employment spokesperson Arthur Morgan T.D. speaking this afternoon said that the recommendations of the Labour Court that Irish Ferries should honour its current agreements with unions vindicates the position of the workers at the company. Read more

Mary Harney cannot continue to ignore problems at Kerry General Hospital

North Kerry Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has reiterated his call for the Táinaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney to visit Kerry General Hospital to "see for herself the staffing problems and the terrible conditions and facilities of the Accident and Emergency department." Read more

British government accused of deliberately trying to remove 70,000 names from the electoral register

Sinn Féin Director of Elections, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has accused the British government of deliberately trying to remove 70,000 names from the electoral register. Read more

Persistently high levels Fuel Poverty make a mockery of Hanson's claims

Sinn Féin anti-poverty spokesperson, North Belfast MLA Kathy Stanton has said that the persistent high levels of fuel poverty that exist in the Six Counties make a mockery of the claims by British Direct Rule Social Development Minister David Hanson that he is committed to doing all in his poverty… Read more

Sinn Féin delegation meet British and Irish Governments

Sinn Féin Chief negotiator Martin McGuinness today led a party delegation including Assembly members John O'Dowd, Geraldine Dougan, Barry McElduff and Meath County Councillor Joe Reilly. Read more

Health Minister less accountable since HSE established - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has said that the Minister for Health and Children is now less accountable to the Dáil than prior to the establishment of the Health Service Executive. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald formally to raise Irish Ferries issue in European Parliament

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald will this evening raise the Irish Ferries dispute in the chamber of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Read more

EU Chemicals regulation must protect environment and human health - Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today said she is committed to the promotion of 'strong, progressive, public safety based legislation' regarding the regulation of chemicals in household products. Strong European legislation under the REACH proposals is essential, she said. Read more

Sinn Féin to oppose closure of Crumlin Children's Hospital

Sinn Féin Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said Sinn Féin will oppose any plans to close Crumlin Children's Hospital. Deputy Ó Snodaigh commented today after Health Minister Mary Harney signalled that the hospital could be closed and replaced by a new hospital located at an alternative site. Read more

Ending Direct Rule

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams Speaking at the launch of a party discussion document 'Counting the cost of Direct Rule and Putting it Right' at Stormont today has said that "Direct Rule is a failure. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald challenges Fianna Fáil on jobs claim regarding EU chemical legislation

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today challenged Fianna Fail MEP Liam Aylward to stand over his claim that up to 40,000 Irish jobs could be put at risk by the EU REACH proposals. Read more

Counting the Cost of Direct Rule . . . And Putting it Right

It has been over three years since the British Government suspended the Assembly and the Executive on October 14th 2002. Read more

Sinn Féin support for Finucane Campaign as family meet Irish Government

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly has reiterated his party's support for the family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane in their campaign for an independent international inquiry into his murder. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome for International Fund extension

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed the decision of the US Administration to donate EUR12miliion into the International Fund for Ireland for distribution next year. Read more

European report on Eel protection good news for Lough Neagh

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today welcomed a report which seeks to protect Europe's declining eel population. Read more

Gerry Adams welcomes Ministerial meeting on Suicide Prevention

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has welcomed the meeting today between the Direct Rule Health Minister Shaun Woodward and the Irish Heath Minister Mary Harney. Read more

Call for Taoiseach to denounce Irish Ferries' rejection of Labour Court Recommendations

Sinn Féin Workers Rights spokesperson Arthur Morgan has called on the Taoiseach to make a statement denouncing the rejection by Irish Ferries of the Labour Court recommendation. Read more

Ferris raises crisis at Kerry General Hospital in Dáil

Speaking in the Dáil this evening, after securing time under matters on the adjournment to discuss the ongoing crisis at Kerry General Hospital North Kerry Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris said the proposed new Accident and Emergency department "will be of little relevance unless there are more doctors, nurses and… Read more

Deep concern after over 50 Republicans informed of threats

Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey tonight said that republicans in East Belfast are 'deeply concerned' after the PSNI visited over 50 homes in the Short Strand area this evening and informed people they were under threat from unionist paramilitaries. Read more

Ferris welcomes Minister's assurances on farm payments

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture and Food, Martin Ferris TD, has welcomed an assurance from Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan that she will "strongly resist" any attempt to change EU farm payments through the World Trade Organisation. Read more

Direct Rule has failed to tackle the rural crisis

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has said that Direct Rule has failed to tackle the crisis facing farmers and the devastating impact it will have on the rural economy and rural communities Read more

Sinn Féin Conference to discuss access to Breast Cancer Treatment

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MLA Gereldine Dougan has confirmed that the conference organised to discus to treatment for women with early stage Breast Cancer with the cancer drug Herceptin on Thursday, 17th November, in the Long Gallery at Stormont will go ahead after Direct Rule Health Minister Shaun Woodward was… Read more

Castlereagh Collusion case finally exposed

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness was today joined by Policing spokesperson Gerry Kelly and South Belfast Assembly member Alex Maskey for a press conference in Belfast. Read more

Long Kesh Stadium is part of a wider development project

The Vice-Chairperson of the Maze Long Kesh Monitoring Group, Lisburn councillor Paul Butler has said that the development of the Sports Stadium at the Long Kesh site is only part of the wider development plans for the site that includes the development of the International Centre for Conflict Transformation as… Read more

Much more needs to be done to support Irish community in Britain - SF

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh today led a party delegation to meet with voluntary organisations working with the Irish community in Britain. Read more

Gerry Adams among those whose details were passed to Loyalists by RIR

Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey has this afternoon confirmed that party President Gerry Adams has today been warned that his details have been found in the possession of loyalist paramilitaries. Read more

Bairbre de Brún addresses European Parliament on climate change

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today spoken in a debate in the European Parliament on the issue of global climate change. Read more

Sinn Féin MEPs in plea for strong legislation to protect health ahead of key vote in EU Parliament

Sinn Féin MEPs Bairbre de Brún and Mary Lou McDonald have this afternoon called for strong legislation to protect workers, consumers and the environment. Read more

SDLP challenged over OTR issue

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing and Justice issues Gerry Kelly today accused the SDLP of deliberately misrepresenting his party's position on the issue of OTRs. Read more

Government in denial about housing crisis - Morgan

Speaking during Statements on Housing in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment and Local Government, Arthur Morgan TD, accused the Government of doing "absolutely nothing in nine years to tackle the housing crisis" and being in "denial" about the issue. Commenting on Minister Roche's contribution to… Read more

DUP Leadership must tell their Education Board members to back Schools Bus Service

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson has called upon the leadership of the DUP to support the reinstatement of School Transport in the Southern Education Board area; Michael Ferguson brought parents from schools in the area to meet the Education Minister. Read more

Urgent meetings sought as more Republicans informed of death threats

Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly today confirmed that more republicans, this time living in the Lower Ormeau and North Belfast areas, were informed overnight that their details were contained in the Castlereagh collusion dossier. Read more

Ferris calls for rejection of Fishing Bill

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fishing, Martin Ferris TD, has called for the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill to be rejected. Read more

Gerry Adams visits Magilligan to press for demilitarisation

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP today visited the University of Ulster at Coleraine where he spoke to members of Ógra Sinn Féin and local party activists. He was met by party colleague Councillor Billy Leonard. Read more

Sinn Féin Councillor told of death threat

North Belfast Sinn Féin Councillor Margaret McClenaghan was this afternoon visited by the PSNI and informed that loyalist paramilitaries were in possession of her personal details. Read more

DUP need to stop propping up Direct Rule Ministers

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP will tonight attend the party's selection convention in Waterford. Mr McGuinness will be joined by local councillor and prospective TD David Cullinane. Read more

SF calls for stand alone Department of Labour Affairs

Sinn Féin Workers Rights spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has demanded, on behalf of Sinn Féin, "that a stand alone Department of Labour Affairs be established to decouple labour affairs from enterprise as there is a conflict of between the two." Deputy Morgan made his comments during the debate on the… Read more

REACH will protect lives and workers' health as well as the environment - Sinn Fein MEPs

Speaking at the conclusion of the vote on the REACH proposals in the European Parliament today, Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún said that, although not as strong as Sinn Féin would wish, the legislation is necessary to protect lives and workers' health as well as the environment. Read more

Crowe raises Tallaght homelessness in Dáil

Tallaght based Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe yesterday brought to the attention of the Dáil the fact that people are sleeping on the streets of Tallaght. Deputy Crowe also said that the local authority is unaware of this. Speaking during statements on housing in the Dáil yesterday he criticized the… Read more

Trade Union leaders to address Sinn Féin conference on social partnership

Sinn Féin Workers Rights spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD today announced details of conference being held by the party on Saturday (19th) on the issue 'Is Sinn Féin support for social partnership possible?'. Read more

Budget must deliver comprehensive childcare package - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin has said the Government Estimates announced today signal the start of the countdown to the next General Election. Read more

Morgan slams as "derisory" estimate for social housing programmes

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Arthur Morgan T.D this afternoon slammed as "derisory" the 5% increase in the estimates for Local Authority and Social Housing Programmes. Read more

Government Estimates reflect betrayal of world's poorest - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin spokesperson for International Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said the Government Estimates, announced today, "reflect a betrayal of the world's poorest." Read more

Gerry Adams throws down gauntlet to those pursuing sham politics

Speaking to party activists in Kells, County Meath last night, at the launch of Joe Reilly's election campaign, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams described comments by the various conservative parties about the make up of the next government as 'sham politics'. Read more

Martin McGuinness predicts Sinn Féin TD for Waterford

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP, MLA predicted that Waterford would send a Sinn Féin TD to Leinster House at the next election. Mr. McGuinness was speaking at the Sinn Féin Election Convention in Dungarvan on Thursday, which unanimously elected Waterford City Councillor David Cullinane as the party's Dáil… Read more

Minister confirms free flu vaccine for poultry workers

Responding to Cavan-Monaghan Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, a Government Minister has confirmed that the scheme of free flu vaccine for workers in the poultry sector is being implemented. Read more

Sinn Féin call for Hain statement on missing files

Sinn Fein Policing Spokesperson, North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has called on the British Secretary of State Peter Hain to make a statement after it was confirmed that his details were among files stolen from Castlereagh last year found in the possession of Loyalists. Read more

Progress on Interim Single Farm Payments welcomed

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has welcomed the announcement that interim payments under the Single Farm Payment Scheme should begin in December and that the interim payment will be 75% of the provisional total SFP. Read more

Economic case for all-Ireland development must be backed with expansion of bodies and areas of co-operation

Sinn Féin General Secretary and Economic Spokesperson Mitchel McLaughlin has said that Peter Hain's comments that the northern economy 'is not sustainable in the long-term' is part of the wider recognition that the economic argument is at the cutting edge of the debate about Irish Unity. Read more

Migrants have enriched Irish society - Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today said that 'no barriers should be put in the way of full participation in Irish society by those who come here to Ireland to live and work'. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald to seek party nomination to contest Dublin Central constituency

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald today confirmed that she will allow her name to go forward to contest the party's election convention for the Dublin Central constituency. Read more

Crowe slams pre budget estimates for education

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has said the budget estimates "are lacking in a commitment to tackle educational disadvantage." Deputy Crowe set out a few examples of what he called "an over hyped, short on substance list of estimates." Read more

DUP must deal with political reality

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP commenting on today's meeting between An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and a DUP delegation led by Ian Paisley Snr has said that the DUP need to come to terms with the current political realities and engage with Sinn Féin. Mr McGuinness said: "The DUP… Read more

Trade Union leaders address Sinn Féin conference on workers rights

Sinn Féin Workers Rights spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD speaking at a party conference on social partnership, which was addressed by Trade Union leaders Jack O'Connor from SIPTU and Mick O'Reilly from the ATGWU, said 'this is a crucial period for Trade Unions and all those concerned with upholding workers rights. … Read more

80.000 children exclude from the Sure Start Programme

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson met with NIPPA Chief Executive Siobhan Fitzpatrick to discuss the need to secure the universal availability of Early Years provision throughout the island of Ireland. Read more

Crowe - Urgent action needed to tackle system that allows Garda corruption to go unpunished

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Sean Crowe speaking at a meeting organised by Donegal man Frank McBrearty to launch a national anti-corruption network said that 'urgent action is needed to tackle a system that allows Garda corruption to go unpunished.' He called for the immediate establishment of a… Read more

Irish Passport Office possibility for Derry

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MP Martin McGuinness has said that he is confident that the campaign for an Irish passport office in the north will be successful in the very near future. Read more

Sinn Féin delegation to travel to Brussels to discuss anti-Sellafield initiative with MEPs

A Sinn Féin delegation including Arthur Morgan TD, Caitriona Ruane MLA and Dundalk Councillor Tomas Sharkey will tomorrow travel to Brussels to hold discussions with a number of MEPs regarding the Sellafield nuclear power plant and the wider issue of nuclear power. Read more

Sinn Féin to meet Minister on Electoral Register

Sinn Féin General Secretary Mitchel McLaughlin and the party's six county Director of Elections Sean Begley will meet with the British Direct Rule Minister David Hansen in the morning. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald to host major Dublin women's delegation at EU Parliament

Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald will host a delegation of women activists from across the community sector in Dublin to the European Parliament in Brussels this Wednesday (23rd November). Read more

Ferris demands protection of Irish sugar sector

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD, has demanded that the Irish Government resist any further attempts to undermine the Irish sugar beet sector. Read more

Real and effective measures, not McDowell gimmicks, needed to tackle crime

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has attacked Justice Minister Michael McDowell's proposals for the introduction of electronic tagging and ASBOs as crime tackling measures. Read more

We need less nuclear power plants not more - Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has this morning welcomed a party delegation to the European Parliament in Brussels to discuss the issue of the Sellafield Nuclear reprocessing plant and the wider issue of nuclear power Read more

Equality at the heart of public administration shake-up

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Review of Public Administration, South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has said that the proposals announced today represent a major step forward in enshrining the principles of equality and power sharing in new local government structures. Read more

Sinn Féin raise register concerns with British Government

Speaking after a meeting in Stormont this morning on the issue of the Electoral Register with the British Direct Rule minister David Hansen, Sinn Féin six county Director of Elections Sean Begley said: Read more

DEL Budget Shambles could lead to BIFHE loss of to jobs and courses

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson said that the Department of Employment and Learning's budget allocation mistake on top of the Department of Education's recent budget allocation mistake to schools is endemic of the mismanagement of direct rule and reinforces the need for a local accountable administration. Read more

Ferris says report vindicates Rossport Five

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources, Martin Ferris TD, has said that a report carried out by an American pipeline expert vindicates the opposition of people in Rossport to the proposed Corrib gas pipeline. Read more

Mc Cann demands equality of treatment

West Belfast MLA Fra Mc Cann has demanded equality of treatment for those under threat as a result of the Castlereagh Collusion scandal. Read more

Sinn Féin to launch priorities for budget 2006

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams MP will accompany Dublin Sinn Féin MEP Marylou McDonald and the Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD at the launch of the party's priorities for budget 2006 entitled 'Putting Children First Now - Time to Deliver'. Read more

Minister must reject plan to slash services at Monaghan General Hospital - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has called on the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney TD to reject the recommendations of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland and the National Hospitals Office which will lead to the… Read more

Estimates process a charade

Speaking in the Dáil this evening during the debate on the Estimates, Sinn Féin leader in the Dáil Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD described the entire Estimates process "a charade." Read more

Adams opposes amnesty for British Crown Forces

Speaking in Westminster today, the Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams, expressed outright opposition to any amnesty for British state forces involved in collusion and other state killings. Read more

Bitter disappointment at inertia on Middletown Autism Centre

Sinn Fein's Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson has said that he is bitterly disappointed with the inertia exhibited by the Department of Education and equally the Department of Education and Science in respect to the Special Needs Provision promised at Middletown Co. Armag Read more

Mary Lou McDonald hosting major Dublin women's delegation at EU Parliament today

Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald is hosting a delegation of women activists from across the community sector in Dublin to the European Parliament in Brussels today (Wednesday 23rd November). Read more

Crowe calls on Minister to ensure An Post respect decision of the labour court

Sinn Féin Communications spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has welcomed the recommendations issued last night by the Labour Court to resolve the dispute at AN Post and has urged Communications Minister Noel Dempsey to use his influence to persuade Management at the company to accept them. Read more

Sinn Fein demand single all-Ireland financial regulation body

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin has said that the decision of the Bank of Ireland to offer free banking to southern customers but not its northern customers highlights a huge area of concern. Read more

Government needs to get over EU Constitution grieving process

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláín has said, "The EU Constitution is dead and this government needs to get through the grieving process and move on." Speaking in the Dáil today he said, "Sinn Fein has an electoral mandate to engage with EU policy, challenging the democratic deficit and… Read more

Doherty tells Woodward to retain and develop life saving services at Tyrone County Hospital

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty will seek a firm commitment from NIO Health Minister Séan Woodward to retain and develop life saving services at Tyrone County Hospital at a crunch meeting in London later today. Read more

Sinn Féin to release details of weekend conference

Sinn Féin General Secretary Mitchel McLaughlin will be joined tomorrow by Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew and Clones Mayor Cllr. Pat Treanor for a press conference in Belfast. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald welcomes Dublin women community activists to EU Parliament

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has today welcomed a delegation of community activists from across the city of Dublin to the European Parliament in Brussels. Read more

Parties challenged to justify opposition to 7 Council model

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Review of Public Administration, South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has challenged the political parties opposing the 7 council model proposed yesterday to justify how any other model would better defend equality and particularly the rights of minorities. Read more

DUP lacking courage to step into world of real politics

Speaking today as the two governments continued their discussions with the parties at Hillsborough, Sinn Féin General Secretary Mitchel McLaughlin said that DUP are 'propping up the Direct Rule administration because they lack the and courage to step into the world of real and responsible politics'. Read more

Sinn Féin to hold Major Conference on Irish Unity

Sinn Féin General Secretary Mitchel McLaughlin was today joined by Mayor of Monaghan Cllr. Pat Treanor and Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew to reveal details of a major party conference to be held in Monaghan this weekend to coincide with the date 100 years ago when Sinn Féin was… Read more

Concern at increase in Belfast Homelessness

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Fra McCann has said that the latest homelessness figures for Belfast show that there are significant increases in the numbers of people presenting as homeless, up by nearly 500 (21.1%) on the same period last year, with 2,822 people presenting over April to… Read more

Major childcare package required in Budget 2006 - Ó Caoláin

Speaking at the launch of his party's Budget Priorities 2006 document, Putting Children First - Time for Government to Deliver, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin called for a major childcare package in the forthcoming Budget. He set out a range of proposals from Sinn Féin to transform early… Read more

Level of poverty inexcusable in affluent Irish economy of 21st century

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP has said the level of poverty in Ireland is "inexcusable given the affluent Irish economy of the 21st century." Speaking at the launch of Sinn Féin's Budget Priorities 2006 document 'Putting Children First - Time for Government to Deliver' in Dublin today he said… Read more

Children once again prioritised in SF Budget Priorities 2006

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has announced that Sinn Féin "have made a conscious decision to again prioritise those most in need in our society -children." Ms. McDonald made her comments at the launch of Sinn Féin's Budget Priorities 2006 document 'Putting Children First… Read more

Changes on punishing children do not go far enough

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children, West Belfast MLA Sue Ramsey has said that the legislation announced today by the Children's Minister Jeff Rooker does not go far enough. Read more

RPA acknowledges need to address unaccountable nature of educational bodies

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, Michael Ferguson has welcomed the fact that the Review of Public Administration in respect to Education and the delivery of educational entitlement acknowledges the need to address unaccountable structures. However Sinn Fein do have a number of concerns about the need to scrutinise of the new… Read more

Investigation needed to determine if CIA have used Shannon Airport for prisoner flights

Sinn Féin spokesperson on International Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern to back up his claim, that no detainees are being held incommunicado on behalf of the US anywhere in the Irish Jurisdiction, "with something greater than assurances." Read more

Sinn Féin 2006 Pre-Budget Submission

Putting Children First - Time to Deliver. Read more

Irish Ferries actions shocking

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Employment Arthur Morgan T.D. has denounced actions by Irish Ferries who today have attempted to replace the existing crew of the Isle of Inishmore with a new crew of eastern European workers while the ship was docked in Pembroke. Read more

Granting of incinerator licences dangerous and unacceptable

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Arthur Morgan TD has slammed the decision of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant a licence for the building of municipal incinerators in counties Meath and Cork. Read more

Harney's private health agenda damages public system - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney is "hell bent on pursuing a private health agenda to the detriment of the public system". Read more

Mary Lou McDonald sends solidarity message to Irish Ferries workers

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has this morning supported the stance of workers at the Irish Ferries company who have barricaded themselves into an engine room onboard one of the ships. Ms McDonald said she supported the protest "without reservation". Read more

Sinn Fein to hold solidarity with Irish Ferries Workers protest Friday evening

Sinn Féin Councillor Daithí Doolan, has today demanded, "that Irish Ferries pull back from the brink of serious industrial unrest and pull their bully boys off their ships in Wales." Read more

Sinn Féin challenge NILGA to back equality and power sharing

Sinn Féin Omagh councillor Sean Begley speaking at today's full meeting of NILGA has challenged the organisation to back equality and power sharing at local government level. Read more

Durkan using victims of State Violence as political footballs

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness has accused the SDLP leader Mark Durkan of cynically using the victims of state violence to score cheap political points. Read more

SF closer today than ever to achieving objectives

Speaking in Dublintoday on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the founding of Sinn Féin, the Party's President, Gerry Adams said he believed the objective of Irish unity and independence is as crusial now and more achievable in the time ahead than in any time in recent history. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald delivers main oration at Kilmichael Commemoration

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald will this afternoon deliver the main speech at the annual Kilmichael Commemoration in Co Cork this afternoon. Read more

Crowe expresses solidarity with Irish Ferries workers

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has expressed the solidarity of republicans with the workers at Irish Ferries. Read more

Government undermining local authorities

Sinn Féin Átha Cliath outlined its position on the proposed Council Estimates for Dublin City Council at a press conference in Dublin this morning. Read more

Cork County Council to debate incinerator motion

Cork County Council will today debate a motion calling on the government to oppose the planned incinerator in Cork Harbour. The motion is proposed by Sinn Féin Councillor Martin Hallinan. Read more

More than caution required on GM - Ferris

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD, has said that this country's attitude towards genetically modified crops needs to be governed by more than just caution. Read more

Councillor demands fire alarms for halting sites

Sinn Féin's Dublin Spokesperson on the Environment Councillor Daithí Doolan, has today demanded, "that fire & smoke alarms be fitted in all caravans in Council halting sites." Read more

Irish sovereignty is still the issue - Ó Caoláin

In a statement marking the 100th anniversary of the day on which Sinn Féin was founded in Dublin on 28 November 1905, Sinn Fein Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said that Irish sovereignty and independence is still the core issue in Irish politics. Read more

Adams in Dublin to launch recruitment campaign on 100th anniversary of party

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and Dublin MEP, Mary Lou McDonald, along with a number of the party's TDs and local elected representatives from across Dublin, will unveil a mobile billboard advertisement marking the beginning of a major new recruitment drive on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the… Read more

Crowe applauds SVP while slammming government on poverty

Sinn Fein spokesperson on Social and Family Affairs, Sean Crowe T.D, praised the excellent work being done by the St Vincent De Paul while slamming the record of this Government on the issue of poverty. Read more

Founding of Sinn Féin 1905 - BY Mícheál MacDonncha

On 28 November 1905, 100 years ago, Sinn Féin was founded in the Rotunda, Dublin. Below is an article by Mícheál MacDonncha taken from Sinn Féin - A Century of Struggle Read more

Government should begin preparations for Irish unity

Responding to Michael McDowell's assertion that it was his belief that there would be a united Ireland in the coming years and that it was his desire that it should come about, the Sinn Féin leader in the Dáil, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD said, "It will take more than rhetoric"… Read more

Anger After Sinn Féin Assembly Member Arrested In Early Morning Raid

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness has described the arrest this morning of party Assembly member Francie Brolly as 'one of the most blatant examples of political policing seen here in recent times'. Read more

Blair must not be permitted to put nuclear power back on the agenda

Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Environment, Arthur Morgan T.D.'s has slammed as backward and unacceptable the statement today by British Prime Minister Tony Blair that nuclear power must be put back on the agenda. Read more

Martin Ferris Welcomes 43 new jobs for Tralee

North Kerry Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has welcomed the news that two Kerry-based companies are planning to create 43 new jobs over the next five years as part of investments backed by Shannon Development. Read more

Gerry Adams launches year long recruitment campaign

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams today launched a major recruitment drive for the party on the 100th anniversary of its foundation. Read more

Government accused of sharing responsibility for 'disgraceful tactics' of Irish Ferries bosses

Speaking during Leaders Questions in the Dáil today Sinn Féin TD, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin accused the Government of "sharing responsibility" for the disgraceful tactics of the Irish Ferries management. Read more

TD calls for genuine crime tackling package to deal with violence against women

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, raised the issue of violence against women in the Dáil today. Read more

Call for mass mobilisation in support of Irish Ferries workers

Sinn Féin Employment spokesperson Arthur Morgan has called for a mass mobilisation for the day of action in support of Irish Ferries workers on 9th December. Speaking during a Dáil debate on the issue this evening Deputy Morgan said, "The Irish Ferries issue is symptomatic of wider problems in the… Read more

Sinn Féin seek action on Strabane and Castlederg Ambulance substations

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty raised the issue of the unsatisfactory working conditions and poor facilities that ambulance personnel have to endure at the Strabane and Castlederg ambulance sub-stations at a meeting with senior Ambulance Service officials in Belfast today. Read more

Substance misuse figures require urgent response

Sinn Féin health spokesperson John O'Dowd MLA, has said that the release of a report yesterday by the Department of Health into drug, solvents and alcohol use and awareness among school children should provide the impetus for an urgent re-assessment of existing health promotion and health education programmes aimed towards… Read more

Ó Caoláin slams hypocrisy of Pat Rabbitte on British crown forces

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has described as hypocritical the remarks of Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte who, in the Dáil today, attempted to blame Sinn Féin for the inclusion of members of British crown forces in the British government's OTR legislation. Read more

Legislation on OTRs should not apply to Crown Forces

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness today said that the legislation required to deal with the small number of OTRs should not apply in any way to members of the British State Forces. Read more

Sinn Féin to meet Taoiseach in Government Buildings

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP will lead a party delegation to meet with the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Government Buildings at 2pm tomorrow, Thursday 1st December. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald accuses government of gross negligence on environment

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today slammed the Irish Government for "gross negligence" regarding continual breaches of European environmental legislation. Ms McDonald described the Government's response to environmental protection as "a litany failure" Read more

Garda interrogations must be video-taped - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Government "to instruct the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell to adopt, even at this late stage, the full Patten model for Garda reform including a Garda Ombudsman. Read more

Doolan - Site profit must be used to tackle housing crisis

Sinn Féin's Dublin South East Representative Councillor Daithí Doolan demanded, "the profits from today's sale of the site at the former UCD Veterinary College in Ballsbridge be used to tackle the housing crisis in Dublin." Read more

Revised estimates needed to tackle drugs crisis

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has suggested that the Minister of State with responsibility for tackling drugs Noel Ahern should resign if he fails to take steps to get a Revised Estimate that will take into account the emerging needs and moneys required to ensure that the… Read more

November 2005 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

November 1, 2005

November 2, 2005

November 3, 2005

November 4, 2005

November 5, 2005

November 6, 2005

November 7, 2005

November 8, 2005

November 9, 2005

November 10, 2005

November 11, 2005

November 13, 2005

November 14, 2005

November 15, 2005

November 16, 2005