January 2006 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

Gerry Adams Challenges Mitchell Reiss attack on Sinn Fein policing position

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP responds to an artcle by US Special envoy Mitchell Reiss in the Irish Echo newpaper last week criticising the Sinn Fein position on policing. Read more

Ireland on Sunday article - complete nonsense

A Sinn Féin spokesperson has described today's story in Ireland on Sunday as a ludicrous attempt to distract attention away from the fact that elements within British Intelligence Agencies, who remain in place, were responsible for collapsing the power sharing government in the north in 2002. The spokesperson said that… Read more

Gerry Adams - Genuine effort needed to make speedy progress

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams today said "Now is the time for all those who are genuinely interested in seeing the power sharing government in the north restored and the peace process advanced to show leadership and make a real and genuine effort to end the political vacuum." Read more

Ó Caoláin - HSE plans for A&E services woefully inadequate

Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described today's proposals by the Health Service Executive as a woefully inadequate response to the difficulties faced by patients and staff in Accident and Emergency Departments. Read more

Mc Guinness pledges support for Legal Battle against Magherafelt Draft Area Plan

In pledging his support for the Legal Challenge against the Magherafelt Area Plan Mid-Ulster MP Martin Mc Guinness described it as a very important issue which will determine the future rural sustainability of the district. Read more

Anger as Indaver applies to increase size of unwanted incinerator

Sinn Féin environment spokesperson and Louth T.D. Arthur Morgan, speaking following the application from Indaver to increase the size of their proposed incinerator at Carronstown, said that the people in Louth and Meath who are vehemently opposed to this noxious facility will oppose this application and continue to campaign against… Read more

Doherty - Will 2006 see confident brand of unionism?

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty today said that 2006 must be the year that the DUP finally display the confident brand of unionism they promised two years ago. Read more

DUP claims on unionist discrimination dismissed

Sinn Féin Equality and Human Rights Spokesperson, South Down MLA Caitríona Ruane has dismissed the claims of DUP MP Gregory Campbell that an inherent bias against unionism exists in the employment market. Read more

Child born on roadside as Monaghan Hospital is choked to death - Ó Caoláin

The latest birth of a child in an ambulance on the roadside in Monaghan en route to Cavan General Hospital has occurred just as Monaghan General Hospital is being "choked to death by the withdrawal of services", according to Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin. He… Read more

Rabbitte's comments bizarre and disturbing - Morgan

Sinn Féin TD for Louth and spokesperson on Enterprise and Employment, Arthur Morgan, has described the latest comments of Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte in relation to taxation and migrant workers as "bizarre and disturbing". Deputy Morgan made his comments following yesterdays interview with Mr Rabbitte in the Irish Times. Read more

CRH called on to reveal level of profits it generated from Apartheid Wall in Palestine

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Human Rights and International Affairs, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on Cement Roadstone Holdings to divulge the percentage of the €1.25 Billion profits announced this morning that was generated from their involvement in the building of the illegal Apartheid Wall and settlements in Palestine. Read more

Russia/Ukraine gas dispute highlights need for Irish control of our own natural resources

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Natural Resources, Martin Ferris TD has said that the Russia/Ukraine gas dispute has highlighted in a very dramatic way the urgent need to address the exploitation of our own gas and oil resources. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald slams decision to axe special needs teachers in north inner city Dublin

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today criticised the findings of a survey, which reported that eighteen schools in the north inner city lost special needs teachers or their equivalent in teaching hours since the introduction of a new system in allocation from September… Read more

Mary Lou McDonald urges new Austrian EU Presidency to commit to addressing poverty and social exclusion

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today called upon the Austrian Presidency of the European Union to 'seize the opportunity to press for a progressive social justice agenda in the next six months, and to promote positive initiatives on socio-economic, political and human rights'. Read more

Sinn Féin back NUS-USI Assembly restoration campaign

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator and former Education Minister Martin McGuinness MP has backed the NUS-USI campaign for the restoration of the Assembly and urged all political parties to listen to an organisation that represents over 300,000 students. Read more

Reduced road death figures welcome but much work remains to be done - Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today welcomed the latest reduced figures on road deaths in the north but cautioned that much more can be done to minimise the number of people killed on the roads. Read more

Rees laid the foundations of British policy to criminalise Republican Struggle

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP today said that Merlyn Rees would be remembered as the man who removed Special Category Status from republican POWs and therefore laid the foundation stones of the British policy to try and break the republican struggle in the H-Blocks. Read more

McGuinness - Time to end British Direct Rule

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness speaking in advance of a meeting of the party Ard Chomhairle in Dublin tomorrow, said that the time to replace the British Direct Rule Administration had long since past. Read more

Sinn Féin send out strong message on the direction of Equality Commission

Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Human Rights and Equality, South Down MLA Caitriona Ruane has issued a strong New Year's message on the future direction of the Equality Commission and also questioned why the series of public meetings being organised by the commission do not include meetings in counties Down and… Read more

Suffolk funding highlights double standards

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Michael Ferguson has voiced concern that the announcement that the Department of Social Development through the Belfast Regeneration Office has allocated £37,000 to support a community worker in the Loyalist Suffolk/Blacks Road area in West Belfast under the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy is evidence of double… Read more

Peace process to top agenda at Sinn Féin Ard Chomhairle meeting in Dublin on Saturday

The Sinn Féin Ard Chomairle will meet in the party's Head Office, 44 Parnell Square, Dublin tomorrow, Saturday 7th January. Read more

Transfer of power on Policing and Justice critical

Commenting on reports that the British government was preparing to introduce an enabling bill for the transfer of powers on Policing and Justice, Sinn Féin spokesperson on the issue Gerry Kelly said: Read more

Crisis in North East shows shambles of A&E services - Ó Caoláin

The crisis in the North East region as highlighted by the Irish Nurses Organisation shows that Accident and Emergency services are now "in a shambles", according to Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin. Read more

Adams - Focus must be on speedy restoration of political institutions

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP speaking at a meeting of the party's Ard Chomhairle (National Executive) in Dublin this morning said 'The focus of all of the parties and the two governments must be on the speedy restoration of the political institutions.' Read more

Government needs to ensure that no prisoners are being illegally transferred through Shannon

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald today said 'The Irish Government should immediately set out procedures allowing inspections of all planes suspected of being used in the illegal transfer of prisoners from Iraq to detention camps." Read more

Senator O'Rourke should apologise for inappropriate remark - Ó Snodaigh

Commenting on Senator Mary O'Rourke's refusal to apologise for an inappropriate remark she made at a party selection convention last night Sinn Féin Equality spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh said: Read more

Bird flu aid for Turkish authorities welcome- Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today welcomed support from EU experts for the Turkish authorities, following the latest outbreak of avian flu in Turkey. Read more

Doherty - Anger at appointments to Sperrin Lakeland Trust

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has said that the decision to exclude local expertise from appointments to the Sperrin Lakeland Health Trust is deeply disappointing and questioned the continued practice of making appointments from the SDLP and Alliance party. Read more

DUP should come clean over PEACE funding - Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today reacted angrily to DUP MEP Jim Allister's claims that there has been anti-unionist imbalance in the distribution of EU PEACE funding. Read more

Publish findings of the Joint Working Group on Mobile charges - Mitchel Mc Laughlin MLA

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel Mc Laughlin MLA has called on the two governments to disclose when they will publish the findings of the Joint Working Group (JWG) set up to investigate means to eliminate inadvertent mobile phone roaming charges. Read more

DUP only party opposed to moving forward

Sinn Féin Assembly Group Leader John O'Dowd today said that the only party who seemed to be opposed to a restoration of the political institutions was the DUP. Read more

PSNI Colluded With Loyalists Threatening Catholic Students In BIFHE

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing Gerry Kelly today accused the PSNI of colluding with loyalists in the BIFHE complex at Tower Street yesterday after two men threatening Catholic students with knives were not arrested by PSNI members at the scene. Read more

£20 Million on new Schools: Maximise the Public investment by guaranteeing social savings

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson will meet with Belfast Education & Library Board Chief Executive David Cargo to discuss the proposed new build of schools in the Belfast area under the new strategy proposed by the Strategic Development Board following report on procurement produced by Consultants Price Waterhouse Cooper. Read more

Ó Caoláin urges public support for INO postcard campaign

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has called on the public to support the postcard campaign launched today (Tuesday) by the Irish Nurses Organisation which highlights the worsening situation in hospital Accident and Emergency units. Deputy Ó Caoláin said: Read more

McGuinness - People impatient for progress

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP today said that people are impatient for the two governments to seize the political initiative and restore the all-Ireland and power sharing institutions. Read more

Children's health review timescale cause for concern - Mary Lou McDonald

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today raised her concerns regarding a review of paediatric services in the state and questioned what impact the review would have on existing children's services at the Temple Street Hospital in central Dublin. Read more

Waste crisis a direct result of Government failure - Reilly

Meath Sinn Féin councillor Joe Reilly has described Environment Minister Dick Roche's proposals to build a network of incinerators to tackle the growing waste management crisis as "misguided." Read more

Bairbre de Brún to attend major conference on the dangers of GM foods

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will be in Brussels tomorrow to participate in a European wide conference on genetically modified foods and their potential threat to public health and the food chain. Read more

Gerry Adams and Mary Lou McDonald to meet community groups across Dublin Central on Wednesday

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP and Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald will meet with community groups and activists from across the Dublin Central constituency in Jury's Croke Park, Jones Road, Dublin tomorrow, Wednesday 11th. Read more

Gerry Adams responds to OTR announcement

Commenting on the statement today by the British Secretary of State Peter Hain addressing the need for political movement in the time ahead and the issue of OTRs, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: Read more

Racism at Derry City Airport

Sinn Féin Derry City Councillor Gerry MacLochlainn has said that the racist bigotry suffered by a woman travelling through Derry City airport was totally unacceptable. Read more

Minister for Health urged to investigate CJD cluster

The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney has been urged to initiate an immediate investigation into the apparent cluster of CJD cases in the Dún Laoghaire/Bray area. Sinn Féin Health and Children spokesperson Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin made the call following the inquest into the death from CJD… Read more

Sinn Féin calls on Hain to engage with Civil Service Unions

Sinn Féin North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan has called on Peter Hain to engage both positively and immediately with the trade union representatives of the civil service here in the North in order to avoid disruption to services here. Read more

Irish Government must get the message that GM foods are not wanted in Ireland - Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún is in Brussels today to participate in a European wide conference on genetically modified foods and their potential threat to public health and the food chain. Read more

Breaking news on the Cross Border Autism Centre

Sinn Féin's Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson who has been campaigning for the delivery of the establishment of the Autism Centre of Excellence at Middletown Co. Armagh an initiative launched by Martin Mc Guinness while Education Minister has been given a timeframe for the centre to finally commence. Read more

Mary Lou McDonald embarks upon series of meetings with community sector in Dublin Central

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today held the first in a series of meetings with groups across the Dublin Central constituency. Read more

Government needs to get real on cocaine problem - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said the Government needs to "get real" about the serious cocaine problem ravaging this country. Deputy Ó Snodaigh was commenting today after it was revealed that 3% of people in the 26 Counties have tried cocaine. Read more

Investigation into detention of Asylum seekers welcomed

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Human Rights and Equality Caitríona Ruane has welcomed the launch of an investigation into the detention of Asylum seekers by the Human Rights Commission and suggested that today's series of visits should be followed up by a cross party delegation. Read more

Martin McGuinness Extends Sympathy To Family Of Brendan Doris

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MP Martin McGuinness today expressed his shock at the death of former party Councillor Brendan Doris and extended his sympathies to the Doris family. Read more

Sinn Féin will pursue with two Governments need for progress

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP today said today that his party would be pursuing with the two governments in the coming weeks the need for progress to be made in restoring the political institutions. Read more

Charlie McCreevy's right wing agenda on privatization must not go unchallenged - Cllr Daithi Doolan

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor has travelled to the European Parliament in Brussels today to participate in a major conference to discuss ways in which the controversial 'Bolkestein Directive' can be defeated in Ireland and across Europe. The directive aims to open up the services market to further privatisation. Read more

Sinn Féin delegation travel to European Parliament to participate in anti-privatisation conference

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has this morning welcomed a delegation of party colleagues to the European Parliament for a conference to discuss the controversial 'Bolkestein Directive' which aims to promote privatisation. Read more

Sinn Féin to host conference on all-Ireland Policing and Justice vision

Sinn Féin will this weekend host an internal conference in Belfast entitled 'Developing an all-Ireland vision for justice and policing'. Read more

Sinn Fein challenge Hain to come clean over position on Truth Debate

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Truth, North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan has challenged British Secretary of State Peter Hain to state clearly his Government's approach to the issues of truth, healing and closure. Read more

Additional money for Respite care will not go far enough

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Disability, Mid Ulster MLA Geraldine Dougan has welcomes the news that an additional £400,000 is to be allocated to specifically deal with respite services. Read more

Call for MEPs to reject services directive

Sinn Féin International Affairs spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on MEPs across the EU to vote to reject the proposed services directive in February. Read more

Sinn Féin enterprise conference

Sinn Féin will hold an internal party conference on the draft Sinn Féin all-Ireland enterprise and job creation discussion document in Dublin tomorrow, Saturday 14 January 2006. Read more

SIPTU must make rejection of EU Services Directive key priority in talks with government

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has today urged trade union representatives to prioritise the rejection of the EU Services Directive in future talks with the government on social partnership. Read more

Child protection must be paramount

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children and MLA for West Belfast Sue Ramsey has today said that the 'protection of children from harm must come above all other considerations.' Read more

Just economy, dynamic public services and a real enterprise culture key Sinn Féin aims

Speaking this morning, at the opening of a Sinn Féin party conference on an all-Ireland enterprise and job creation discussion document, General Secretary of the party Mitchell McLaughlin said, Sinn Féin's "priority is to build a just economy, dynamic public services and a real enterprise culture that can deliver high… Read more

Remarks by Gerry Kelly to all-Ireland conference on policing and justice

The following is the full text of a speech delivered by the Sinn Féin party spokesperson on Policing and Justice Gerry Kelly to an internal party conference on developing an all-Ireland vision for policing and justice held in the Balmoral Hotel in Belfast today. Read more

State ID cards will be strongly opposed - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has described as "outrageous" plans by the British government to impose compulsory State identity cards on all residents of the Six Counties and for the Irish Government to follow suit in its jurisdiction. Read more

Between 600,000 and 800,000 people trafficked every year - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will today speak in a debate in the European Parliament in favour of a report on preventing the 'trafficking of women and children who are vulnerable to sexual exploitation.' Read more

Government should go ahead with public-only consultants - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney to proceed with public-only contracts for hospital consultants. He said people should not be taken in by the "bluff on the part of both the Tánaiste… Read more

Bairbre de Brún lends support to Port workers strike

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today given her support to tens of thousands of port workers who downed tools today to protest at an European Commission proposal which would open up port services to de-regulation. Read more

The Good Friday Agreement is the only show in town

Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone Pat Doherty today said that the two governments needed now to make it clear that the only way forward was the roadmap set out in the Good Friday Agreement. Read more

McGuinness begins Sri Lankan Meetings

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness was today beginning a series of meeting in Sri Lanka. Mr McGuinnes has travelled to the country at the request of respected Sri Lankan peace group, the Institute for Political and Conflict Transformation (Inpact). Read more

Young people should not be cheap labour or let down by the British government

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson has written to the Education Department expressing his concerns about the availability of Placements for school Leavers in trades and vocations. Read more

SDLP Talking With Unionists On Arrangements Short OF GFA

Sinn Féin MP for Newry & Armagh Conor Murphy has challenged the SDLP to come clean about their discussions with unionists about diluting the power-sharing arrangements of the Good Friday Agreement. Read more

Health Minister penalising patients - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called for a halt to the practice of cutting annual hospital budgets as a penalty for alleged inefficiency. Commenting on figures released by the Department of Health and Children showing three hospitals have had their budgets cut by over €1million each… Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls on Minister to abandon his plans for reserve Gardaí

Sinn Féin Justice, Equality and Human Rights spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on Justice Minister Michael McDowell, who is to meet officials from the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors next week, to abandon his plans to introduce a force of 900 reserve Gardaí saying "it is not… Read more

McDowell must explain why prison officers are guarding Thornton Hall site

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has described as "absurd" the fact that there are prison officers guarding the site for Justice Minister Michael McDowell's proposed super prison at Thornton Hall. Read more

Crowe Slams Government Record on Child Homelessness

Sinn Féin Social and Family Affairs spokesperson Seán Crowe TD has highlighted the Government's poor record on child poverty after it emerged that provisional figures from the HSE show that 492 children were homeless in the state for the last period that figures were available for. Read more

Sinn Fein Comment On British Troop Reductions

Commenting on the reduction of British army personnel to 9,000 Sinn Féin MLA Davy Hyland today said " Any reduction in the number of Crown Forces on Irish soil is obviously a welcome development. However it says much about the attitude of the generals in Whitehall that 11 years after… Read more

Kelly sets out demands for island wide policing reforms prior to UCD debate

Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly will take part in a debate on Policing in UCD this evening. Speaking before the debate Mr Kelly said that Sinn Féin were determined to deliver effective and accountable policing throughout the island. Read more

Governments needs to uphold peoples rights and see off dissidents like Sam Kinkaid

Sinn Féin spokesperson on policing Gerry Kelly has dismissed this evening's political intervention from PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Sam Kinkaid, describing it as 'a blatant example of political policing' and said 'it is the latest in a series of serious efforts by anti-republican elements to prevent progress in the political… Read more

Environmental protection and accountability is a fundamental test for EU - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today called upon the European Parliament to approve a regulation which would see citizens and statutory authorities working together to improve the environment in EU member states. Read more

Stop non-collection demands Ellis

Sinn Féin Councillor Dessie Ellis has called for an immediate halt to the Council's policy of non-collection of bins because of the serious health and safety implications for residents. Read more

Massive defeat of Port Services Directive just one small step in fight against EU privatisation agenda

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today welcomed the defeat of the EU Port Services Directive in the European Parliament and said that the result reflected 'a small yet significant fight back against an EU elite obsessed with de-regulation, privatisation and the continued undermining of workers' rights'. Read more

Disappointment at Government's failed attempt to close Sellafield

Sinn Féin Environment spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has called on the Irish Government to get serious about the campaign to close down the Sellafield nuclear plant after its case collapsed in a European court today. Read more

Sinn Féin meet US Congressional Delegation

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams this morning led a party delegation including Fermanagh & South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew and North Belfast Assembly member Gerry Kelly to meet with a delegation of US Congress members in the Belfast. Read more

SDLP endorsement of IMC is latest departure from GFA

Sinn Féin MP Conor Murphy today said that the very vocal support for the IMC exercising a veto over the political process being expressed by the SDLP was the latest departure from the Good Friday Agreement by that party. Read more

Woman on trolley for eight days in Tallaght hospital

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has said the Táinaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney has failed to grasp the fundamental issues at the heart of the crisis in our hospitals. Deputy Crowe, speaking after the Irish Nurses Organisation revealed that a record 422 patients were on… Read more

A Champion for women

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Women and Older People, Newry Armagh MLA Pat O'Rawe has been nominated by her party to be a Champion for Women in 2006. Read more

Water Charges - Cross Party approach could kick-start way forward

Sinn Féin's spokesperson on Water Charges, Regional Development spokesperson, Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has said that the cross party conference organised tomorrow by the Trade Union Amicus is an opportunity for all political parties to work in a cohesive and determined way to end the imposition of the Water Charges. Read more

Orange Order need to respect nationalist community in Portadown

Sinn Féin Assembly member for Upper Bann John O'Dowd today said that the Orange Order in Portadown and elsewhere needed to face the reality that "the nationalist community in Portadown have rights and entitlements which must be respected and upheld". Read more

Minister must push ahead with new children's hospital

Sinn Féin leader on Dublin City Council, Councillor Christy Burke has called on the Táinaiste and Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney and the head of the HSE Professor Drumme to move forward with a proposal to use a site at Dublin's Matter Hospital to build the replacement for… Read more

Call for Minister to intervene in dispute at Kerry General Hospital

North Kerry Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has called on the Táinaiste and Minister for Health and children Mary Harney to make a last minute intervention in the dispute at Kerry General Hospital. The INO have said that up to 80 extra nurses are needed to carry out the level… Read more

Phoenix price hike is an abuse of its monoploy position - Mitchel McLaughlin MLA

Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson, Mitchel Mc Laughlin MLA has described the latest price hike by Phoenix Gas as a severe blow to gas customers. Read more

de Brún welcome for new IFI Five Year Plan

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today welcomed the launch of the new priorities set by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) for the next five years. Read more

Sinn Féin urges Senior Citizens to claim their free Irish passport

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA, Philip McGuigan, has called on senior citizens in North Antrim to avail of the FREE Irish Passport Scheme that has now been introduced for everybody over the age of 65. Read more

Morgan makes clear Sinn Féin dissent on Constitution Committee Report

Sinn Féin member of the Oireachtas All-Party Committee on the Constitution Arthur Morgan T.D. today put on record his party's dissenting position with regard to the recommendations contained in the Committee's Report on the Family due to be published next Tuesday. Deputy Morgan made his comments following newspaper coverage of… Read more

On average Irish women are paid 17% less for the same work as Irish men - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has this morning delivered a speech in the European Parliament calling for 'practical measures for ensuring increased employment opportunities for women on the basis of equality.' Read more

Sinn Féin MEP supports aid for restructuring the sugar sector

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún voted today in support of a report which advocates measures to aid the restructuring of the sugar sector. Read more

Concern over Portadown firm's future following job losses

Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd has expressed concern over the long-term future of the Denny's meat plant in Portadown after it was revealed that up to thirty workers may be set to lose their jobs Read more

Acid test for Parades Commission still to come

Sinn Féin Assembly member for Upper Bann John O'Dowd today said that notwithstanding today's determination by the Parades Commission, the Orange Order in Portadown and elsewhere needed to face the reality that 'the nationalist community in Portadown have rights and entitlements which must be respected and upheld'. Read more

Education and Teaching Professions under threat

Sinn Fein's Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson has reiterated his Party's opposition to 'Top up Fees' in the wake of the University of Ulster revealed that its registration figures for Post Graduate Certificates in Education (PGCE) Courses are down 200 since last year and acknowledged that the prospect of incurring debt… Read more

DUP No show at Water Charges Conference indicative of their failure to show required leadership

Sinn Féin MLA for North Antrim Philip McGuigan has today accused the DUP of 'failing to represent some of the people who will be hit hardest by any future introduction of water charges in the north'. Read more

Kelly statement on protecting our children welcomed

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children and Young People, West Belfast MLA Sue Ramsey has welcomed the statement from Ruth Kelly that anyone with a conviction for sexual offences against children will be banned from teaching but said that it is vital that we address the bigger picture and address the… Read more

Cancellation of vetting services highlights need for all-Ireland approach to child protection services

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has asked the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell if he has been given a reason by the British authorities for their decision to cancel the service formerly provided to An Garda Síochána of vetting British or Six County residents… Read more

Sticky plaster approach to Tallaght A&E won't solve problem

Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe has said the Táinaiste and Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney needs to wake up and called on her to release funding for the urgently needed medical admissions and assessment unit at Tallaght Hospital. Read more

Industrial action at Kerry General Hospital regrettable but inevitable

North Kerry Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has said that today's decision by Nurses at Kerry General Hospital to vote in favour of industrial action was regrettable, but inevitable. Deputy Ferris said that the treatment of Nurses and other staff at the hospital by both the HSE and the Tánaiste… Read more

Bairbre de Brún to hold meeting with new Palestinian Ambassador in Dublin

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún and the party's Dail Leader Deputy Caoimghin O' Caolain will meet with the new Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Hikmat Ajjuri in Dublin this afternoon. Read more

SDLP MLA comes clean on SDLP accepting less than GFA

Sinn Féin MP for Newry & Armagh Conor Murphy today said that the SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley has finally let the cat out of the bag in his admission in today's Daily Ireland newspaper that the SDLP make no apologies for considering alternatives to the power sharing executive. Read more

Sinn Féin supports Ulster Farmers Union calls regarding Single Farm Payment

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today supported the call of the Ulster Farmers Union in bringing the case over the impasse regarding the Single Farm Payment penalties due to duplicate field error to the EU Commission. Read more

Shock at loss of Ardglass fishing boat

South Down Assembly Member Caitríona Ruane has expressed shock at news that a number of people have been reported missing after a trawler from Ardglass was reported sunk of the East Down Coast. Read more

Special meeting of the Sinn Féin leadership to take place in Dublin this weekend

A special meeting of the Sinn Féin leadership is taking place in the Regency Hotel in Dublin this weekend. Read more

Sinn Féin share victims concerns over establishment of HET

Commenting on the launch of the PSNI's Historical Enquires Team, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Truth issues Philip McGuigan today said: Read more

Sinn Féin ready to do business - says Adams

A special meeting of the Sinn Féin leadership is taking place in Dublin this weekend. The meeting, which began yesterday evening, will conclude in the city this evening. The meeting of the party's Ard Chomhairle, along with key activists from across the island, will agree political strategy and set programmes… Read more

Sinn Féin leadership sets out steps necessary to end the stalemate

Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy today repeated his party's demand for the British and Irish governments to act now to end the stalemate in the political process. Read more

SF activist target of Coleraine attack - Leonard

Sinn Féin councillor Billy Leonard has said that one of their party activists was the target of an attacker brandishing a gun in the Ballysally area of Coleraine on Saturday morning. The person concerned was due to play in a football match in the area and the attacker walked on… Read more

Ó Snodaigh travels to Basque Country to support demands for civil and political rights

inn Féin spokesperson on International Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh was in the Basque Country this weekend to participate in a major rally in Bilbao to protest at the decision of the Spanish High Court to prevent Basque political party Batasuna from holding its Congress in the city. Read more

Bairbre de Brún to travel to Palestine as international election observer

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will tomorrow (Monday 23rd January)embark on a week long visit to Palestine. Read more

11+ - Opponents of change accused of scare mongering

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, Michael Ferguson MLA has accused the opponents of the ending of the 11+ of scare mongering and said challenged them to produce evidence that an end to academic selection will lead to an end to grammar schools. Read more

Prison Review into deaths - action required

Sinn Féin Human Rights and Equality Spokesperson Caitríona Ruane is available to comment on the "A Review of Non-natural Deaths in Prison Service Establishments (June 2002 - March 2004)" that is due to be published today. Read more

People entitled to full GFA institutions

Sinn Féin Chief negotiator Martin McGuinness speaking today in advance of Ian Paisley's meeting with Tony Blair and the meeting of the two government's later in the week said that "people were entitled to an Assembly with full powers along with a functioning power sharing executive". Read more

Sinn Féin call for calm after sectarian attack

Sinn Féin North Belfast Margaret McClenaghan has appealed for calm after four teenaged girls were attacked by a sectarian mob on their way to school in the Ballysillan area this morning. Read more

Education Dept guilty of inequality and Govt of discrimination - Ferguson

Sinn Féin MLA Michael Ferguson made his comments after a number of trainee teachers voiced their concerns about finding employment after they qualify because a number of retired teaching staff decide to stay on working on a part-time basis. Read more

11+ debate cuts across the 'traditional political' fault lines

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson MLA has said that the11+ debate should not collapse into a nationalist versus unionist political debate. Read more

Fully functioning institutions are the only option

Speaking today from Westminster where he is conducting a series of briefings, Sinn Féin MP for Newry & Armagh Conor Murphy said that 'the two governments have an obligation to deliver institutions with full decision making powers'. Read more

State investigating itself is not acceptable - Gerry Kelly

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has today said that "the Historical Enquiries Team does not come close to the process of truth and justice which families have sought". Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes changes in electoral registration but more needs to be done

Sinn Féin MEP for West Tyrone Pat Doherty has today welcomed aspects of the new electoral registration proposals. Read more

SF calls for emergency meeting of European Council of Ministers to discuss extraordinary renditions

Speaking during Statements on the European Council in the Dáil this evening Sinn Féin spokesperson on International Affairs, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, called on the Government "to demand an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers to discuss the issue of 'extraordinary renditions' including the role undertaken by each Member… Read more

Paisley remarks mirror those of Douglas Hogg prior to murder of Pat Finucane

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Belfast Gerry Kelly today said that Ian Paisley's remarks linking local solicitors to IRA activity mirrored those made by former British Minister Douglas Hogg which preceded the killing of Pat Finucane. Read more

Palestinian people must not be restricted or hindered in today's elections - Bairbre de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today called for today's elections to be 'held in an environment free from harassment and restrictions upon voters.' Read more

Failure of Minister to introduce fully independent Garda Complaints procedures criticised

Commenting on the motion before the Dáil today to approve the appointment of Justice Kevin Haugh, Carmel Foley and Conor Brady to the Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission, the Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, reiterated his dismay that the Minister has opted not… Read more

Ministers decision on chewing gum levy a cop-out - Morgan

Sinn Féin Environment spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has described the decision of Environment Minister Dick Roche not to levy chewing gum as a "cop-out." Speaking today Deputy Morgan said "the Minister's decision means Irish people will continue to pick up the bill for cleaning the products of mega rich companies… Read more

McGuinness welcomes resumption of Sri Lankan dialogue

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness has welcomed the news that peace talks are to begin shortly in Switzerland between the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan government. Read more

Sinn Féin to hold protest in Dublin to demand the full restoration of the political institutions

Dublin Sinn Féin will hold a protest tomorrow, Thursday 26th January between 1pm and 2pm at the gates of Farmleigh to call for the full restoration of the political institutions and the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.The protest is to co-incide with the meeting between British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach… Read more

Object of talks must be fully functioning institutions - Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams speaking today on the eve of the meeting in Dublin of the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister said that "the DUP cannot be allowed to block progress toward the restoration of the political institutions. Read more

Community Response needed to attacks on the elderly

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Women and Older People, Pat O'Rawe MLA has said that much more must be done to address attacks against older people. Read more

Government should explore all options to secure British cooperation with Dublin/Monaghan inquiry

Responding to the Taoiseach's confirmation today that the Attorney General has advised the Government would not likely succeed if it took a European Court case against the British Government for its failure to co-operate with the Dublin/Monaghan bombings inquiry Sinn Féin leader in the Dáil Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the… Read more

ARDOYNE KIDNAPPING HAS LEFT COMMUNITY SHOCKED

Sinn Fein North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has expressed concerns over last nights' abduction and ransoming of a young man in Ardoyne. Read more

Paisley accused of talking 'economic gibberish'

Sinn Féin economy spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA has accused DUP leader Ian Paisley of talking economic gibberish and said that the biggest threats to the northern economy are partition and British Direct Rule. Read more

Government admission on health spending 'mind-boggling'

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance and Health, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has described the admission by Brian Cowen in the Dáil today that there is almost a €60 million shortfall in the Health Budget for 2006, which was only announced last December as 'mind-boggling'. He went on to say that… Read more

Ferris calls for radical reform of Fisheries policy

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Fisheries, Martin Ferris TD, called today for a radical reform of the Common Fisheries Policy to restore national sovereignty over the sector and ensure that the interests of Irish fishing communities are given priority. Deputy Ferris was speaking during an exchange with the Minister for… Read more

Sinn Féin vehemently opposed to Services Directive - Morgan

Sinn Féin Workers Rights spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has said, "Sinn Féin is vehemently opposed to the European Union Directive on Services in the Internal Market." Speaking in the Dáil this evening Deputy Morgan urged the Trade Union movement to "work with others to mobilize the public in opposition to… Read more

Dunnes Stores accused of anti-union tactics

Sinn Féin TD, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, today raised in the Dáil the sacking of a trade unionist, Joanne Delaney, from her job at Dunnes Stores in Crumlin for wearing a union badge on her uniform and he called for her immediate reinstatement. Read more

Waste management cuts latest example of cost of British Direct Rule - Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MLA for North Antrim Philip McGuigan has today said that successive British Direct Rule decisions were 'placing a further burden on local ratepayers'. Read more

Morgan - only way forward is through the Good Friday Agreement

Dublin Sinn Féin held a protest today, to co-incide with the meeting between British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. Sinn Féin is calling for the full restoration of the political institutions and the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Read more

Minister's reply "not good enough" - McDowell should raise vetting issue with Hain - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin has called on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Michael McDowell to raise with British Secretary of State Peter Hain today the urgent need to restore the service formerly provided by the British authorities to the Gardai for vetting Six-County or… Read more

Ferris Reiterates Support For Rossport Five

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources, Martin Ferris TD attended a protest outside Leinster House this afternoon in support of the ongoing campaign in Rossport to have the proposed gas pipeline moved off shore. Read more

British move first step in ending discrimination against Sinn Féin electorate

Sinn Féin MP for Newry & Armagh Conor Murphy commenting on the announcement that the British government are moving motions to reinstate the party's Westminster allowances and other monies due to the party today said: Read more

Sinn Féin to meet US Special Envoy

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP, Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP and Fermanagh & South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew will tomorrow morning (Friday 27th Jan) meet with the US Special Envoy Mitchell Reiss at the US Consulate in Belfast. Read more

Services Directive will have detrimental consequences for society and vulnerable groups

Sinn Féin Dublin South Central TD and spokesperson on Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh has demanded that the Government reject the Services Directive. Speaking during a debate in the Dáil today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the directive, if implemented, "will have detrimental consequences for society and in particular for vulnerable… Read more

HSE accounting blunder "shambolic" - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said yesterday's revelation of a massive accounting blunder by the Health Service Executive raises serious concerns about the health service governance of this state. Speaking in the Dáil today he accused the Government of using the HSE "as a shield to… Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes announcement of investigation into cluster of CJD cases in Dún Laoghaire area

Dún Laoghaire Sinn Féin representative Michael Nolan has welcomed the fact that the Health Service Executive is to carry out an investigation in to the cluster of three cases of variant CJD that came to light following a recent inquest in to the death of a young man from Shankill… Read more

Sinn Féin MEP hails electoral process in Palestine as a success

Sinn Féin MEP and official EU Election Observer Bairbre de Brún has today hailed the success of the electoral process in Palestine as 'a victory for the Palestinian commitment to the electoral process'. Read more

Gerry Adams calls on the US to rein in anti-Sinn Fein elements within its system

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams who is meeting USA Special Envoy Mitchell Reiss tomorrow, has called on the US to rein in anti-Sinn Féin elements within its system. Read more

Strong and clear public reaction needed to defeat Services Directive - Morgan

Following his call this week for the Trade Union movement to work with others to mobilize the public in opposition to the Services Directive, Sinn Féin Workers Rights spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has said, "Sinn Féin activists are ready to join with the trade union movement in mobilising to oppose… Read more

Sinn Féin call on politicians to work together to save food processing plant jobs

Sinn Féin East Derry MLA Francie Brolly has called on local politicians to work together to save jobs at the FarmFed Chickens processing plant in Coleraine. Read more

Ferris calls for GM application to be rejected

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Agriculture has called on the Minister for Agriculture to prevent the granting of a licence to a German company to grow genetically modified potatoes here. Deputy Ferris was responding to a report that BASF has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency to be allowed grow… Read more

Blair must introduce legislation to end ban on Irish citizens

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP has called on the British government to immediately introduce legislation to end the ban on Irish citizens being able to apply for posts in the Public Prosecution Service in the Six Counties. Read more

Translink must make most of opportunity to increase public transport numbers

Sinn Féin Regional Development spokesperson Raymond McCartney commenting on the publication of the Translink revised timetables, which are due to take effect from Monday 13th February, has urged Translink to ensure that the revised timetable meets the needs of those transport consumers, particularly those using the Larne Line service. Read more

FF and FG branded 'hypocrites' over waste privatisation stance

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael town councillors were branded 'hypocrites' at Castlebar Town Council's budget meeting last Thursday over their stance on the issue of waste privatisation. Read more

Farm Fed news a massive blow to Coleraine area

Sinn Féin's Billy Leonard has described the news of closure at Farm Fed Chickens in Coleraine as "the single worst employment blow this area could ever have to take. It is a disaster for all the workers and their families." Read more

McCartney - Time for excuses is over - the time to advance the peace process is now

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney speaking at the annual Bloody Sunday commemoration in Derry said "Now is the time for all those who are genuinely interested in seeing power sharing in the north and the peace process advanced to show leadership and make a real and genuine effort to end… Read more

SDLP support for IMC latest departure from GFA

Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew today accused the SDLP of departing further from the Good Friday Agreement in their support for the IMC exercising a role in the political process. Read more

IMC operating outside the terms of the GFA

Speaking as the IMC delivered its latest report to the two governments Sinn Féin MP for Newry & Armagh Conor Murphy today said that it was time to end the negative role played by the IMC and remove the veto it is attempting to exercise over peoples democratic rights and… Read more

Sinn Féin voice concern over discrimination against West Tyrone communitities

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty, as part of his submission to the new West Tyrone Area Plan consultation, has requested that an Equality Impact Assessment be carried out into how the designation as an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" (AONB) severely disadvantages the Sperrin upperland communities of Glenelly… Read more

Gildernew concerned with Tax Credit System

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew MLA has said that there are still major discrepencies within the tax credit system that are bringing misery to hundreds of people. Read more

Sinn Féin back campaign to highlight 'Elder Abuse'

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Older People and Women, Newry Armagh MLA Pat O'Rawe has given Sinn Féin's full support to the camapign to stop Elder Abuse launched at Belfast City Hall today. Read more

Reilly calls for GM application to be rejected

Meath Sinn Fein Counciillor Joe Reilly has called on the Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan to prevent the granting of a license to a German company to grow genetically modified potatoes here. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP cautions against EU funding cuts to Palestine after Hamas victory

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today called upon European Foreign Ministers to 'demonstrate their commitment to peace in the Middle East.' Read more

Anonymous briefings aimed at undermining peace process efforts

Commenting after anonymous sources briefed sections of the media on the alleged contents of the forthcoming IMC Report, Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness said that this was "the latest of many political briefings we have had over the last few months all designed to undermine attempts to get the… Read more

Promised children's hospital developments should go ahead - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said it is "alarming" that there is now more uncertainty than ever over the future of children's hospital services. Commenting on the "cloud of doubt" hanging over the promised re-development of Temple Street Hospital on the… Read more

MLA Challenges Peter Hain on Review of Education Spending

Sinn Fein Education Spokesperson Michael Ferguson MLA has claimed that the review of public spending announcement expected from Peter Hain today in respect of Education will need to move beyond the rhetoric. Read more

Ó Caoláin concern over HSE statement on variant CJD cases

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has described the recent statement from the Health Service Executive which expressed confidence that there was no link between the three cases of variant CJD connected to the Ballybrack, Shankill and Bray areas of South Dublin and North Wicklow as "premature". Read more

Hain warned over abandoning those most in need

Sinn Féin General Secretary Mitchel McLaughlin MLA has warned British Secretary of State Peter Hain against abandoning those most in need in favour of a Whitehall driven privatisation and budget cutting agenda. Read more

Ferris criticises implementation of Nitrates Directive

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD has criticised the Government's decision to go ahead with the implementation of the Nitrates Directive despite ongoing disagreements regarding the measure and the failure to adequately advise farmers on compliance. Read more

Sinn Féin will not countenance move away from GFA

Responding to the publication today of the DUP plans to hollow out the power sharing core of the Good Friday Agreement, Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP said that "the two governments had an obligation to press ahead with the implementation of the Agreement as demanded by the overwhelming… Read more

DUP allowing Peter Hain to dictate spending priorities

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP today said that the continuing failure of the DUP to show the necessary political leadership was allowing British Direct Rule Ministers to continue to take bad decisions. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome slight increase in farm incomes

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson Michelle Gildernew MP has welcomed the slight overall increase in farm incomes but warned that much of this has been driven by increased borrowing within the milk sector and that the useful resolution of the Beef Ban is still a top priority. Read more

SF Councillor tables emergency motion calling for establishment of Task Force to examine issue of housing affordability

Sinn Féin finance spokesperson on Dublin City Council, Councillor Killian Forde will table an emergency motion on Monday calling for the establishment of a cross party Task Force to examine the issue around affordability of housing in the Dublin City area. Read more

Move to outlaw sale of magic mushrooms welcomed

Sinn Féin Justice spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has welcomed the Táinaiste Mary Harney's commitment today to outlaw the sale of magic mushrooms in this state. Speaking today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said it was regrettable that it had taken "the tragic death of a young man and the courage of… Read more

Gerry Adams expresses regret at death of Coretta Scott King

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has expressed his regret at the death of Coretta Scott King, the wife of Martin Lurther King who died earlier today in Atlanta. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP welcomes Hain announcement on renewable energy

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today welcomed today,s announcement on renewable energy as a "small but important step towards the promotion of alternative sources of energy". Read more

Former Fine Gael TD finally admits he was wrong on Ludlow killing

Sinn Féin TD for Louth, Arthur Morgan has welcomed the fact that former Louth Fine Gael TD, Brendan McGahon has finally admitted that he was wrong to blame the IRA for the killing of Seamus Ludlow at the time and has now accepted that loyalists were responsible. Read more

Ruling on Shirley constitutional challenge 'Good for Carrickmacross' - Carthy

Carrickmacross Sinn Féin Councillor Matt Carthy has said that Tuesday's High Court ruling on the right to purchase by tenants of the Shirley estate (JES Holdings) is good for all of South Monaghan. Read more

Decision to revoke Groceries Order bad for communities and consumers - Morgan

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Workers Rights, Arthur Morgan TD has Sinn Féin does not support revocation of the Groceries Order. Speaking in the Dáil this evening on the Competition Bill (Amendment) 2005 he said, if the order is revoked, "Communities and consumers will suffer as small retailers are forced out… Read more

January 2006 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

January 1, 2006

January 3, 2006

January 4, 2006

January 5, 2006

January 6, 2006

January 7, 2006

January 9, 2006

January 10, 2006

January 11, 2006

January 12, 2006

January 13, 2006

January 14, 2006

January 16, 2006

January 17, 2006

January 18, 2006

January 19, 2006

January 20, 2006

January 21, 2006

January 22, 2006

January 23, 2006

January 24, 2006

January 25, 2006