August 2007 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

Deputy First Minister Launches Pride Festival

Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin Mc Guinness, MP, MLA today visited the offices of Derry’s Rainbow Project, a gay men’s health organisation to launch the official programme of events for Derry’s Pride festival. Read more

Call for people of Tyrone to attend March for Truth

Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has called on the people of Tyrone to support the demand that the British government finally admits that collusion and shoot to kill were official government policies by attending the National Hunger Strike Commemoration being held in Belfast on Sunday 12th August. Read more

Launch of Foyle Pride festival

Sinn Féin Equality Martina Anderson speaking after the launch of Foyle Pride festival which will run from the 13th -18th August has said that it is important to promote inclusiveness and to encourage respect for equality and diversity within society. Read more

Warning over safety along our Coastlines

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has backed calls from the Coastguard for people not to take a boat out to sea unless they have navigational equipment onboard and in particular warned parents of the dangers of children going unsupervised using “toy" inflatable boats along our coastlines. Read more

Sinn Féin launches detailed Roads Safety Policy

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has launched a comprehensive All-Ireland Road Safety Policy document in Dublin this morning. Read more

Proposal to increase tax on oil and gas companies a modest step forward - Ferris

Sinn Féin Energy and Natural Resources Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD has described Government proposals to increase taxes on oil and gas discoveries off the Irish coast as a modest step forward. Read more

Zero alcohol and drug driving limit required - Boylan

Vice Chairperson of the Assembly's Road Safety Committee Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan speaking today (Wednesday) from Dublin where he was launching his Party's All Ireland Road Safety Policy, has called for a zero alcohol and drug driving limit throughout the island. Read more

Derry needs to be Regional Capital

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has highlighted the importance of Derry positioning itself as the regional capital of the North West. Read more

Local MP describes job losses as ‘massive blow’

Sinn Féin Mid-Ulster MP Martin McGuinness today described the 70 job losses at the Saville Row Shirt Factory in Castledawson as a massive blow for the local community. Read more

Sinn Féin launches detailed Roads Safety Policy

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has launched a comprehensive All-Ireland Road Safety Policy document in Dublin this morning. Senator Doherty, who was joined by Sinn Féin’s Road Safety Spokesperson in the Assembly Cathal Boylan MLA and Ógra Shinn Féin member Peadar de Bluit, said, “Every year hundreds of people are… Read more

Sinn Féin launches detailed Roads Safety Policy

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has launched a comprehensive All-Ireland Road Safety Policy document in Dublin this morning. Senator Doherty, who was joined by Sinn Féin’s Road Safety Spokesperson in the Assembly Cathal Boylan MLA and Ógra Shinn Féin member Peadar de Bluit, said, “Every year hundreds of people are… Read more

Crossmaglen community set for Historic PSNI engagement

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy has been asked to facilitate upfront, a meeting between community representatives and the PSNI following a public meeting in Crossmaglen last night (Wednesday). The public meeting was organised by the local Community Safety group and attended by over two hundred people. Read more

Shock as gas explosion destroys home of pensioner

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann has said that the local community was in shock after a gas explosion destroyed the home of a pensioner in Twinbrook, West Belfast last night. Read more

£86 Million Newry – Dundalk Dual Carriageway opens

Sinn Féin Transport Minister, Conor Murphy, MP, MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness , MP, MLA, today participated in the official opening of a new 14 km (9 mile) dual carriageway between Newry and Dundalk. Dermot Ahern, TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs also took part in the event. Read more

New Household survey highlights persistent poverty

Sinn Féin anti-poverty spokesperson, West Tyrone MLA Claire McGill has said that it is time for the Executive to deliver a genuine anti-poverty strategy after the ‘Households Below Average Income’ report published by the Department of Social Development showed persistent and increasing levels of poverty. Read more

Death of Tommy Makem

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan has said that Tommy Makem was a resurgence of traditional Irish music in the 20th century. Read more

Morgan voices concerns over fast-track planning approvals

Speaking following news that 53 projects have applied for fast-track planning approval through the new Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act, Sinn Fein spokesperson on the Environment Deputy Arthur Morgan voiced concerns on the lack of participation and engagement that members of the public can have in the procedures. Read more

Sinn Féin organise campout to oppose DSD plans for Andersonstown Barracks

Sinn Féin are to step up their campaign against the proposed plans for the development of the Andersonstown Barracks site in West Belfast after announcing details of an overnight campout at the site of the former barracks starting at 1pm on Saturday August 4th. Read more

Railway Investment Welcomed

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has welcomed the commitment from Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy to the Derry Belfast rail link. Read more

Local communities must drive campaign against drugs

Sinn Féin North Antrim MLA Daithí McKay has said that local communities need to be at the heart of work to rid Ballymena of its drugs problem. Read more

Call for all-Ireland approach to Organ Transplants

Sinn Féin MLA for Foyle, Raymond McCartney, has today called for a coordinated approach on the issue of organ transplants within the context of the all-Ireland agenda. Read more

Strabane Chair extends Céad Míle Fáilte to American Tourists

The Sinn Féin Chair of Strabane District Council, Cllr Gerard Foley, is hoping to encourage a party of American tourists back to Strabane after their bus was stoned on the town’s by-pass at Bradley Way as the group made their way back from visiting a graveyard in Lifford yesterday afternoon. Read more

PSNI accused of Flags double standards

Sinn Féin representative for Banbridge and District, Cllr Dessie Ward has accused the PSNI of double standards over the issue of flags after they removed tri-colours from the Scarva Road/Peggy’s Loaning area of Banbridge last night while saying they had no legal power to remove flags and bunting in other… Read more

South African Conflict Resolution Conference

Three senior members of Sinn Féin are in Cape Town South Africa at a conflict resolution conference; Bairbre de Brún MEP, Raymond Mc Cartney MLA and former political prisoner Seanna Walsh are attending a conference organised by the Berghof Research Centre for Constructive Conflict Management based in Berlin. Read more

Tackling drugs, drug related crime and anti-social behaviour top priorities for Sinn Féin on Joint Policing Committees

Speaking today as Sinn Féin members Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) throughout the state met in Dublin, the Vice-Chairperson of the Dublin JPC Councillor Larry O'Toole said Sinn Féin will use the Joint Policing Committees as a tool in the fight against drugs, drug related crime and anti-social behaviour. Read more

Ferris welcomes all Ireland response to foot and mouth threat

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD has said contingency plans to prevent the spread of foot and mouth from Britain to Ireland must be on an All-Ireland basis. Speaking today after reports of a confirmed case of foot and mouth in England Deputy Ferris called for urgent action and… Read more

Molloy offers condolences to family of man found dead in Magherafelt

Sinn Féin MLA for Mid-Ulster, Francie Molloy has offered his condolences to the family of a man found dead in Magherafelt this morning (Saturday 4th August) and which the PSNI are investigating as a possible murder case. Read more

Creggan community in shock over mans death

Sinn Féin Councillor Kevin Campbell has said that the Creggan community is in deep shock after the news that a man died overnight after what is believed to have been an altercation in the Linsfort Drive area. Read more

Swift response to British Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak welcomed

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Gerry McHugh has welcomed the swift response of party colleague, Farm Minister Michelle Gildernew to the confirmation of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Surrey, England. Read more

Agriculture Minister bans British imports

Sinn Féin Minister of Agriculture, Michelle Gildernew, following today's Emergency Executive meeting to discuss the situation following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in England has outlined steps already taken. Read more

Ógra Shinn Féin launch National Road Safety Campaign - Moilligh Síos

Ógra Shinn Féin today launched their new National Road Safety Campaign in Omagh, County Tyrone. Dozens of Ógra activists mobilised on High Street for a number of hours this morning to distribute over a thousand leaflets and hold a protest, with banners and posters reading 'Moilligh Síos!' Read more

Sinn Féin welcome All Ireland Ministerial meeting

Sinn Féin All Ireland spokesperson Willie Clarke MLA has today welcomed the meeting between the Employment and Learning Minister Reg Empey and his counterparts in Leinster House, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin TD, and the Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin TD as a first… Read more

SF Assembly Member seeks update into Loughinisland investigation

Sinn Féin Assembly member for South Down Caitríona Ruane has written to the outgoing Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan requesting an update into the investigation into the 1994 Loughinisland massacre. Read more

Warning over rise in home repossessions

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, Fra McCann MLA has described the figures just released on the number of home repossessions by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) as very worrying. Read more

Thoughts and prayers of Community with Nicks family

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy has said that he along with the entire south Armagh community have little Erin Nicks, the young girl from Whitecross who has just had her second life saving liver operation, very much in their thoughts and prayers. Read more

Sinn Féin call for financial and practical support for organisations such as the Samaritans

Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MLA Mickey Brady has said that it was essential that groups like the Samaritans, who provide a 24 hour listening service 365 days a year helping to give people support and save lives, should receive whatever practical financial and other support resources possible. Read more

Farm Minister praised as North avoids EU ban

Sinn Féin Agriculture spokesperson has praised the Farm Minister Michelle Gildernew after it was confirmed that the EU ban on British food imports, following the confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in England, will not hit our local farmers in the North. Read more

Weekend Attacks Wrong

Sinn Féin Councillor for the Bogside area Peter Anderson has called on those responsible for sectarian petrol and paint attacks on the city’s Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall to desist immediately from this sectarian behaviour. Councillor Anderson was speaking following incidents which took place in the area at the weekend. Read more

Farming Minister welcomes EU decision on Exports

Sinn Féin Farming Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has welcomed the decision from Europe that farmers in the North can continue to trade livestock and meat throughout Europe and Ireland. Read more

Gerry Adams to launch Wear a Black Ribbon for Truth campaign

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA will launch the Black Ribbon campaign today, Tuesday 7th August, in the party’s Sevastopol Street offices on the Falls Road, Belfast. Read more

Aer Lingus decision will boost local economy

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Paul Maskey MLA has welcomed the Aer Lingus decision to base its new regional hub at Belfast International Airport. Read more

Forcing people to pay bills through direct debit may be illegal

Sinn Féin Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd has said that the practice of big companies of charging people who do not pay their bills by direct debit discriminates against people who do not have a bank account. Read more

Japanese response to Foot and Mouth underlines need to develop Irish brand

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Gerry McHugh has expressed concern at news that a consignment of pork from County Tyrone was stopped from entering Japan despite the fact that the EU have give local producers the green light to continue exporting. Read more

Ógra organiser co-opted onto Craigavon Council

Ógra Shinn Féin National Secretary and Ulster organiser Johnny McGibbon has been co-opted onto Craigavon Council after Cllr Leah Small stepped down. Read more

Pre-publication launch of new Gerry Adams book - An Irish Eye

The pre-publication launch of - An Irish Eye - the new book by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP will take place on Saturday at 12 noon in St. Mary's College on the Falls Road. The Sinn Féin President will be in conversation with journalist Anne Cadwalader. Read more

Aer Lingus's decision is a direct result of privatisation

Speaking following media reports that Aer Lingus will seek to discontinue the direct Shannon - London Heathrow route Sinn Fein's Limerick representative Maurice Quinlivan said: "I am very concerned but unfortunately unsurprised to hear the news that Aer Lingus are planning to discontinue the direct Shannon to London Heathrow route." Read more

Wear a Black Ribbon for Truth - Adams

This Sunday’s annual August national march in Belfast has as its theme ‘March for Truth’. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams this morning held a press conference which was also attended by representatives of all of the victims groups who have endorsed the march, and by victims and relatives of victims. Read more

Message to Farming Community from Michelle Gildernew

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has sent a message of reassurance and support to the farming community on the fifth day of the Foot and Mouth Outbreak in England. Read more

Ruane Approves funding for Irish Medium Schools

Sinn Féin Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has announced funding for three Irish-Medium primary schools. The Minister has approved funding for the establishment of new grant aided schools, Gaelscoil na Daróige in Derry, Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach in Crumlin and Gaelscoil Éanna in Glengormley. Read more

McLaughlin welcomes formal recognition of two South Antrim Gaelscoil

Sinn Féin MLA for South Antrim Mitchel McLaughlin has welcomed today’s decision to grant two Gaelscoil in his constituency formal recognition. Read more

ID Card Fiasco

Sinn Féin Equality spokesperson Martina Anderson has called on the British Government to immediately scrap plans for a new ID card scheme. Over £5 billion has been spent on developing the new ID card to date and experts have now predicted widespread technology failures. Read more

McCartney welcomes Derry Gaelscoil getting formal recognition

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has welcomed the decision to grant a Gaelscoil in his constituency formal recognition status. Read more

O Loan criticism ‘deeply offensive and hurtful’

Sinn Féin west Belfast MLA Paul Maskey has described SDLP MLA Declan O’Loan’s criticism of Sunday’s March for Truth to Belfast City Hall as ‘deeply offensive and hurtful to the many hundreds of victims and victims families who will be participating in the march and rally’. Read more

Adams urges Minister to review decision on barracks site

West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has urged the Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie to review her decision to give over to a private developer the site of the old Andersonstown RUC barracks. Mr. Adams spoke to the Minister on Tuesday and again today. Read more

Campaign against Plastic Bullets Vigil/Picket

Sinn Féin West Belfast MP Gerry Adams last nightaddressed the annual Plastic Bullet vigil held at the site of the old RUC barracks at Andersonstown. Mr. Adams took the opportunity to speak about Emma Groves who died earlier this year and who was a founding member of the campaign, as… Read more

Sinn Féin to investigate sporting inequalities

Sinn Féin MLA Paul Maskey, a member of the Assembly Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee, has written to over 60 sporting bodies across the island of Ireland including the GAA and Ulster Rugby Union to look at inequalities facing players and the sporting organisation in terms of issues like VAT… Read more

Gildernew Reviews Bio Security Measures

Sinn Féin Agriculture Minster, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has reviewed the local bio security measures introduced in response to the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in Britain. Read more

Farming Industry challenged to go Green

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Gerry McHugh has challenged the farming industry to develop its clean green Irish branding in a bid to end the negative perceptions linked to British produce. Read more

Cuireann Mc Laughlin fáilte ar leith roimh aitheantas foirmiúil do Ghaelscoil Éanna agus Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach

Chuir Mitchell McLaughlin BT Aontroim Theas fáilte roimh cinneadh Caitriona Ruane inniu chun aitheantas foirmiúil a thabhairt do Ghaelscoil Éanna agus Gaelscoil Ghleann Darach ina cheantar. Read more

Equality at the Heart of Agriculture and Rural Development

The Sinn Féin Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has underlined how equality issues will be at the heart of her future work. The Minister was commenting as she issued an equality impact assessment paper on the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme (RDP), 2007-13, for public… Read more

Public Prosecution Service Report highlights serious flaws

Sinn Féin Policing and Justice Spokesperson, South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has welcomed the publication of the joint Criminal Justice Inspection and Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate Report into the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) that highlights serious flaws in the operation of the PPS. Read more

Sectarian attack on couple in Donegal registered car at Downhill Beach

Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has called for vigilance after a young couple was attacked by a sectarian mob at Downhill Beach in County Derry. Read more

Government are intensifying educational apartheid

Speaking today Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty called for the abolition of the yearly €80 million public subsidy of private schools and urged the Minister for Education Mary Hanafin to redirect this substantial amount of taxpayer’s money towards assisting those parents who are struggling financially to cope with rising costs… Read more

Ní Chuilín to chair 'Celebrating diversity' event

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín shall chair a panel discussion tomorow (Sat 11 August @ 1.30pm St Kevins Hall, North Queen St Belfast ) at the Greater New Lodge Festival aimed at creating an enhanced awareness of Cultural Diversity issues and with the intention to celebrate the… Read more

Ferris claims Shannon decision confirms warning on privatisation

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has claimed that the decision by Aer Lingus to terminate its Shannon – Heathrow service confirms the warnings made by opponents of the privatisation of the company. The North Kerry deputy said that those who supported the selling off of Aer Lingus had to take… Read more

Loyalist funding - Ritchie avoids making a decision

Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey commenting on the announcement by SDLP Minister Margaret Ritchie on Loyalist funding has said that while many will have very serious concerns about the funding that Margaret Ritchie needs to take a decision about how public money is spent. Read more

Talks over postal dispute welcomed

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has welcomed the news that following a meeting between Royal Mail and the Communications Workers Union (CWU) that the planned industrial action has been postponed in an effort to reach a resolution to the dispute. Read more

£500 Million to run controversial identity card scheme

Sinn Féin Equality spokesperson Martina Anderson has said it’s ridiculous that the British Government is set to press ahead with a proposed ID card after a catalogue of well publicised concerns over civil liberties and the billions of pounds wasted on its production so far. Read more

Moves on misleading sales of cheap flights welcomed

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann has welcomed the news that action has been taken by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) over claims that the online advertising by several of the leading airlines was misleading. Read more

Expenditure on Artwork for hospitals excessive

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín MLA has said the reports that the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is to spend £30 million on artwork for hospitals across the North would not represent value for money at a time when there are increasing concerns about MRSA… Read more

Foot and Mouth - Gildernew supports local food processors

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, has today visited a milk processor in Banbridge where she stressed that it was crucial to get the message across that local products are safe, exempt from the exports ban and open for business. Read more

Guernica Mural Unveiled

Sinn Féin west Belfast MP Gerry Adams today spoke at the official unveiling of the Guernica Mural on the International Wall in Belfast. Mr. Adams unveiled the mural along with Jeanette Ervine, widow of PUP leader David Ervine. Read more

No turning back for truth campaign - Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA speaking at the March for Truth rally at Belfast City Hall, Sunday March 12th has said that Sinn Féin's concern 'is for all victims' and that there is no turning back for the truth campaign. Read more

City Jet indication should not be used as a sop by government - Morgan

Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan has today welcomed with caution City Jets indication that it is open to discussing the possibility of a new service from Shannon Airport to Charles de Gaulle Paris, but has warned against this latest potential development being used as a sop by government in the… Read more

Anderson condemns attack on Italian Students

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has said more needs to done to tackle racism and intolerance in the aftermath of an attack on visiting Italian students in the city centre. Read more

Worries over rise in costs of accommodation for University students staying in Belfast

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has warned that the recent Ulster Bank study finding that it has become more expensive for students living in Belfast since last year will affect many students from the Derry area who study in Belfast. Read more

Derry City Protest over use of CS Gas

Sinn Féin Derry City Councillor Billy Page speaking after a protest this morning outside Bishop Street Court House (13th August) against the use of CS gas by the PSNI said that Sinn Féin had received numerous complaints about the use of CS gas spray by the PSNI in the city. Read more

Inaction on nursing home repayments deepens government's shame - McDonald

Responding to reports in today's media that just 29,000 of the 70,000 estimated individuals illegally charged nursing home fees by the state from 1998 onwards have lodged their claims Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has called on the HSE to reconsider its refusal to extend the December 31st deadline. Read more

Moilligh Síos urged as Leaving Cert Results Due

Le coicís anuas, chuir Ógra Shinn Féin tús le feachtas náisiúnta úrnua bunaithe ar sláinteachas bóithre. Rithfidh an feachtas seo fud fad na tíre ar feadh sé mhí ag tógáil isteach an Nollag agus an Athbhliain. Ógra Shinn Féin in the past fortnight launched their new National Campaign on Road… Read more

Call for last minute intervention in Agbonlahor case

Dublin Sinn Féin Councillor Daithí Doolan has called on the Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan to make a last minute intervention to stop the deportation of an autistic boy and his family to Nigeria. Councillor Doolan called on the Minister to live up to the Government's claim to value child… Read more

Seolann Uachtarán Slógadh Bliantúil Shinn Féin

Sheol Uachtarán Sinn Féin Gerry Adams MP MLA Slógadh bliantúil Shinn Féin i mBaile Átha Cliath (19-21 Deireadh Fómhair) inniu agus mhol sé do Ghaeilgeoirí agus do fhoghlaimeoirí a bheith páirteach agus sult a bhaint as na himeachtaí éagsúla. Read more

Adams launches Annual Sinn Féin Slógadh

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP MLA has today launched the annual Sinn Féin Slógadh in Howth, Dublin (19-21 October) and has urged all Irish speakers and learners everywhere to take part and enjoy the numerous events. Read more

Action needed to reduce drug and alcohol misuse

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children and Young People, West Belfast MLA Sue Ramsey has called for a greater focus on tackling drug and alcohol misuse after the Department of Health published the latest statistics treatment for Drug and Alcohol misuse. Read more

Increase in overdose deaths highlights Government failure to tackle drugs crisis – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said figures provided to him by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern show that drug related deaths as a result of overdose increased by 32% from 2004 to 2005 alone. The TD was reacting to an article in the Irish Examiner today which showed… Read more

Vicious attack in Woodside Forest

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann has commended local children and residents who went to the aid of a local man from the Woodside area who was viciously attacked by a number of young men as he walked through the Forest near his home at 9.30pm on Monday evening. Read more

Sinn Féin call for pay parity across the island

Sinn Féin South Antrim MLA Mitchel McLaughlin has today criticised the attempt by Aer Lingus to introduce different pay structures for staff based at its new hub in Belfast and offered support for industrial action being undertaken by the IMPACT trade union. Read more

Shock and anger as Nigerian family face imminent deportation

Sinn Féin Councillor Daithí Doolan has condemned the Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan for his refusal to allow an autistic boy to remain in the country despite fears for his safety in Nigeria. Read more

Sinn Féin urge greater uptake on Warm Homes Schemes

Sinn Féin Anti-Poverty Spokesperson, West Tyrone MLA Claire McGill says that the incorporation of energy efficiency and proper insulation measures into homes are vital elements in the battle against fuel poverty. Read more

100 days of Executive have demonstrated value

Sinn Féin Assembly group leader John O’Dowd has said that the first 100 days of the Executive have demonstrated the importance of having decision making in the hands of locally elected politicians. Wednesday 15th August will mark the first 100 days of the power-sharing Executive led by Ian Paisley snr… Read more

Paisley' views on Irish language legislation at odds with new political arena

Commenting on a letter signed by DUP leader Ian Paisley on the Irish langauge Sinn Féin Party whip Caral Ní Chuilín has said that Ian Paisley's intentions to block any language legislation are not line with the St Andrews Agreement and are ill-advised as the findings from the second Department… Read more

Department kept Community in the dark over Barracks site decision

Sinn Féin MLA Paul Maskey has said that there is now compelling evidence that the Department of Social Development failed its own test for consultation before a decision was made by Minister Margaret Ritchie to hand the site of the old Andersonstown RUC barracks over to a private developer. Read more

Attacks on fire service have to stop

Sinn Féin Councillor for the greater Shantallow area Tony Hassan has condemned those involved in several attacks on the Fires services in the area in the past week. Read more

Low levels of unemployment – yet levels of economic inactivity stay increase

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann commenting on news that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has fallen to 3.7% - the lowest rate on record, has said that despite this good news that there are still many areas experiencing much higher rates of unemployment and that the increasing and… Read more

Leaving Cert reform required – Doherty

Speaking today as over 54,000 Leaving Cert students are receiving their results Sinn Féin’s Senator Pearse Doherty wished each and every one well but severely criticised the Leaving Cert examination and called for immediate reform. Read more

Government must use Aer Lingus share to safeguard national interest - McDonald

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has today met with party members in Leinster House to discuss the deepening crisis within Aer Lingus and the mid western region following the airlines decision to pull its Shannon to Heathrow route. Read more

Ó Snodaigh expresses concerns over Press Ombudsman's ability to regulate industry

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has given a qualified welcome to the establishment of a new Press Ombudsman. Speaking today, as Dr. John Horgan was appointed as the Irish media's first Press Ombudsman, Deputy Ó Snodaigh said Sinn Féin is not overly optimistic about the new Ombudsman's capacity… Read more

A Levels results traumatic time

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson and Assembly Education committee member Paul Butler MLA has expressed his best wishes to all those who are receiving their A level results today. Read more

Statistics from six county Needle and Syringe scheme ‘alarming’

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children and Young People, West Belfast MLA Sue Ramsey has called on the Health Minister to address the drug epidemic affecting Ireland after the Department of Health published the latest statistics on the needle and syringe exchange scheme showed almost 10,000 visits in the year to… Read more

Zero alcohol limit for driving must be introduced – Doherty

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has repeated Sinn Féin’s call for total ban on drinking under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Senator Doherty was speaking today after 10% of 929 motorists surveyed by the Irish Insurance Federation admitted to drink driving. Read more

Sinn Féin Youth Housing is a Right Campaign

Ógra Shinn Féin have today launched throughout Dublin its campaign to highlight the vast quantity of housing opportunities left unused in the city whilst tens of thousands of people, with more every year are in need of suitable affordable housing. Read more

Second Donegal registered car attacked

Sinn Féin Derry City Waterside Councillor Lynn Fleming has expressed concern following an attack on a Donegal Registered car in the Newbuildings area. This is the second Donegal registered car to be attacked in County Derry in recent weeks. Read more

Threat caller traumatises council official

A caller who has regularly threatened the life of Sinn Féin councillor Billy Leonard has now traumatised a member of staff at Coleraine Borough Council. Read more

Farm Minister announces payment of additional aid

Sinn Féin Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has confirmed that some £3 Million will be paid to farmers in additional aid by the end of September. Read more

Education Minister Ruane welcomes GCE A and AS Level results

Tá an domhan mór ar aghaidh boise agaibh, agus molaim daoibh gach deis a thapú. Is tréimhse spreagúil é seo in Éirinn, agus caithfidh sibh a bheith rannpháirteach ann. Read more

Ferris welcomes study into rural suicide rates

Sinn Féin Kerry North TD Martin Ferris has welcomed a new three year study into rural suicides. Deputy Ferris expressed alarm at news that Irish suicide rates are increasing while EU rates are falling. Read more

Forensic weaknesses require steps to build public confidence

Sinn Féin Policing Spokesperson, Alex Maskey MLA has said that there remain serious concerns about the capacity, efficiency and even integrity of the Forensic Service after the publication of reports into forensics. He also said that the priority must be to build public confidence in the justice and policing structures… Read more

Sinn Féin to hold public Woodside Forest rally

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann has said that Sinn Fein are organizing a public rally to reclaim a West Belfast beauty spot after yet another brutal attack in the Woodside Forest. Read more

Six county Tourism Board must stop blinkered approach

Responding to a recent survey by yell.com that Belfast has become a more popular venue for visitors, it's inclusion in Lonely Planet and the fact that Belfast's Visitor and Convention Bureau figures show that in 2006, Belfast played host to 6.8 million visitors Sinn Féin MLA and Spokesperson for Tourism… Read more

Sinn Féin Culture Committee member welcomes 40 new primary school coaching jobs

East Derry Sinn Féin MLA Francie Brolly has welcomed the Department of Education', in conjunction with the Ulster Council GAA and the Irish Football Association, provision of fourty new jobs for primary school coaches. Twenty coaches shall work in tandem with the GAA and likewise the IFA. Read more

Government's privatisation agenda not delivering - Morgan

Responding to Minister Mary Hannifin's statement on behalf of the government regarding the Aer Lingus fiasco Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan has demanded that the government take its head out of the sand and use its shareholding in the company to safeguard the national interest. Read more

Sinn Féin Policing Board member expresses abhorrence at Bangor arson attack

Sinn Féin North Antrim MLA Daithí Mc Kay has expressed his utter abhorrence at the attack on Skippertone Community Centre in Bangor. Read more

Catholic residents move out as loyalists take over Rasharkin for night

The Parades Commission has agreed to allow over 1,000 loyalists to assemble in the nationalist village of Rasharkin tonight which will result in many Catholic families being forced to leave their homes for the evening. The Parades Commission has put no restrictions on the parade which has been passed to… Read more

Ritchie challenged over Executive discussion claims

Sinn Féin Minister Conor Murphy today set the record straight in relation to the input of the Executive into the decision by Soical Development Minister Margaret Ritchie to threaten to remove funding to a project being managed by Farset because of ongoing UDA activity. Read more

US restrictions on Northern produce lifted

Sinn Féin Agriculture Minster Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has welcomed the decision of the US government to lift the restrictions on Six County exports entering America. Read more

Call for Government to ease burden on third level students

Speaking today, as CAO offers go out, Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald urged the government to address the rising costs faced by third level students and for an increase in the maintenance grant to provide financial assistance for those students struggling to cope. Read more

Number of vacant houses unacceptable – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking today following the housing statistics released by the Central Statistics Office, Sinn Féin Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh said that the figures released reflected the move towards apartment living and said that the figures of vacant dwellings in the twenty six counties were unacceptable. Read more

Safety fears raised over drugs sold online

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín has said news from Analysis Industry fraud advisers MarkMonitor about the safety of buying prescription drugs online has confirmed earlier fears Sinn Féin had raised about the issue. Read more

IFA should not play politics with young footballers

Sinn Féin MLA Paul Butler, has warned the Irish Football Association ‘to step back from putting obstacles in the way of nationalists opting to represent the Republic of Ireland at international football level or run the risk of being labelled anti-Agreement unionists.’ Read more

Mc Laughlin welcomes Aer Lingus dialogue

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Mitchell McLaughlin has welcomed the unconditional dialogue planned for Aer Lingus officials and pilots facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission and has re-iterated his call for pay parity on the island of Island. Read more

High rents and lack of social housing compounds housing crisis in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown - Sinn Féin

South Dublin Sinn Féin representative Shaun Tracey said the cost of private rented accommodation in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown along with the lack of social and affordable housing is resulting in overcrowding of local authority housing as second and third generations of families are finding it increasingly difficult to find homes… Read more

Hurricane Dean - Concerned Relatives

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has said anyone concerned about relatives who are holidaying or working in the Caribbean and may have been caught up in Hurricane Dean should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin. Read more

Greater all-Ireland co-operation needed to reverse decline in North’s fishing industry

Sinn Féin fishing spokesperson, South Down Assembly Member Cllr Willie Clarke, has called for greater all-Ireland co-operation to revitalise the local seafood industry. Read more

Which? Report highlights role of advertising in promotion of unhealthy foods

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson, North Belfast MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has welcomed the report from Which? Magazine which highlights the use of cartoon characters in advertising unhealthy foods targeted at children and called for a new approach to guidelines for advertisers and food manufacturers. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes GCSE results

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Paul Butler MLA has said that whatever young people's results that they should look at the many options available. Read more

Magilligan never a viable option for prison

East Derry Sinn Féin MLA Francie Brolly has said that the current review into the replacement for Magilligan prison must reflect the potential for the area without the prison and must accomodate prisoners relatives. Read more

McGimpsey and Harney challenged over failure to discuss northwest satellite cancer centre

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has formally written to six county Health Minister Michael McGimpsey and his 26 county counterpart Mary Harney calling upon them to prioritise the establishment of a satellite cancer centre in the northwest part of Ireland after he learned that the issue has not… Read more

Ní raibh Príosún Magilligan ina togra inmharthana riamh

Dúirt an BT Sinn Féin, Dóire Thoir Francie Brolly gur chóir don ghrúpa athbriethnithe ar Magilligan Prison smaoineadh ar áiteanna eile don phríosún. Read more

Follow up meeting with PSNI - Apprentice Boys Parade in Derry

A Sinn Féin delegation in Derry has held a follow up meeting with the PSNI to discuss the Apprentice Boys Parade which took place recently in the City. Read more

Harney ducking responsibility for Health Service shambles – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has accused Health Minister Mary Harney of ducking her responsibilities by referring the majority of Parliamentary Questions, tabled to her, to the HSE. Read more

Urgent meeting with Health Minster sought over future of Newry Addiction Centre

Sinn Féin Newry Armagh MP Conor Murphy has sought an urgent meeting with Health Minster Michael McGimpsey over the future of the Cuan Mhuire addiction unit in Newry. Read more

Sinn Féin congratulates airport workers on tribunal victory

Sinn Féin Regional Development Spokesperson, Raymond McCartney MLA (Foyle) has congratulated the Belfast Airport Workers on their successful action in an industrial tribunal case against their unfair dismissal. Read more

Minister Hanafin's broken promise on Student Support Bill unacceptable - McDonald

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has today criticised Minister for Education Mary Hanafin for reneging on her commitment to introduce new legislation ensuring the timely delivery of 3rd level students' maintenance grants. Read more

Gildernew announces issue of Less Favoured Area payments in September

Sinn Féin Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew has confirmed that balance LFA payments for 2007 will be made to most farmers in September. Read more

Sinn Féin re-iterates call for McAliskey Extradition to be dropped

Sinn Féin Mid-Ulster MP Martin McGuinness has re-iterated the call for the German Authorities to drop their extradition proceedings against Tyrone woman Roisin McAliskey. Read more

NIO judicial reviews

Sinn Féin Policing and Justice Spokesperson, South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has said that the judicial review process where decisions made by any public authority, including the NIO, can be challenged on the grounds that it is illegal, unreasonable or illogical provide important democratic protections and are essential in building… Read more

Tara decision a blow to National Heritage - McDonald

Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has said the decision by An Bord Pleanála to allow the M3 motorway to proceed along its original route is a blow to Irish heritage and history. Read more

Minister for Intergration not fit for portfolio - McDonald

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has this morning described the refusal of the Chairperson of the government's National Action Plan against Racism to give direction to both the Department of Justice and the Gardaí on the dispute involving a member of the Sikh community as disappointing. Read more

Sinn Féin MLA announces cross party women's group delegation visit to Hydebank prison, 31 August.

Sinn Féin women's spokesperson Jennifer Mc Cann MLA has announced a cross party assembly group visit to Hydebank Wood prison to assess the conditions for women there. Read more

D'fháiltigh an BT Francie Brolly

D'fháiltigh an BT Francie Brolly, Sinn Féin roimh an dianchúrsa Gaeilge Cuid 2 i Stormont an seachtain seo chugainn (28 Lúnasa) eagraithe ag Roinn an Chultúir, Sinn Féin. Read more

Sinn Féin condemns attack on home of Liam Bradley

Sinn Féin Policing Board Member, Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has strongly condemned last nights attack on the home of well known Derry man Liam Bradley. Read more

Gildernew Promotes Renewable Energy at Open Day

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has championed renewable energy at a special open day in Cookstown, which was jointly organised between DARD and industry. Read more

Cancer survival rates an indictment of Harney's Health Record - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described Ireland's poor cancer survival rates as an indictment of Health Minister Mary Harney's record in Government. He is very critical of Minister Harney's failure to implement long promised improvements in cancer screening and treatment and to equitably deliver cancer care… Read more

Government must accept some responsibility for water crisis in Galway - Ferris

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has said Government under-funding of critical infrastructure such as water treatment plants is partly responsible for the Galway water crisis and is likely to lead to further water crises throughout the State. Deputy Ferris said the Government’s approach to water treatment is similar to their… Read more

Minister Harney approves multi-million euro robbery – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader and spokesperson on Health and Children, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, has denounced the decision of Minister for Health Mary Harney to approve the retention of more than €12 million of interest earned by long stay residents in nursing home and in other care facilities. Deputy Ó… Read more

Cancer survival rates an indictment of Harney’s Health record – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described Ireland’s poor cancer survival rates as an indictment of Health Minister Mary Harney’s record in Government. He is very critical of Minister Harney’s failure to implement long promised improvements in cancer screening and treatment and to equitably deliver cancer care… Read more

Ó Caoláin responds to Pat Rabbitte’s resignation

Responding to Pat Rabbitte’s resignation as leader of the Labour Party this afternoon, Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD wished Deputy Rabbitte well in his continued role as a member of the Dáil and said he hopes to have a good working relationship with whomever succeeds him as… Read more

‘Cost of Division’ Report rubbished

Sinn Féin’s Equality and Human Rights spokesperson, Martina Anderson, MLA, has rubbished the so-called ‘Cost of the Divide’ report compiled by commercial consultants and commissioned by former British Secretary of State, Peter Hain. Read more

Loyalist band parade – residents expected to be hemmed in by ring of steel

Sinn Féin Newry and Mourne Councillor Brendan Curran has said that tomorrow nights (Friday) Loyalist Band Parade which will involve over 40 Bands parading through the greater Belfast/Rathfriland Road area of the City is viewed by the mainly nationalist residents of that area, as a deliberately sectarian romp and coat… Read more

Gildernew meets European Agriculture Committee Head

Sinn Féin Farming Minister Michelle Gildernew has met with Jim Nicholson MEP and Neil Parish, Chairman of the European Parliament Agriculture Committee, in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. Read more

MP to lead Crossmaglen Community at Historic police engagement

Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy has confirmed that he will be leading a group of representatives from the Crossmaglen community at a meeting with senior PSNI Officers today (Friday). The group will also involve Sinn Féin Councillor Terry Hearty as well as local community and business representatives from Crossmaglen. Read more

UUP have nothing to fear from Irish language

Responding to media reports claiming that the UUP MLA team believe that the proposed Irish language legislation is a "republican cultural weapon in their ongoing struggle against unionism" and should not be supported, Sinn Féin spokesperson on the Irish language Francie Brolly MLA has said that the UUP have missed… Read more

Invite local artists to display work in Hospitals

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson, Carál Ní Chuilín commenting on Michael McGimpsey's decision to review the provision of art in hospitals has suggested that local artists and community arts should help deliver a hospital environment that benefits patients and staff. Read more

Black Perceptory Parade needs to ensure no repeat of last years’ breaches

Sinn Féin East Belfast representative Niall O’Donnghaile has called on the Black Perceptory to ensure that, as a Christian organisation, there is no repeat of the disgraceful scenes during its parade last year when the ‘sash’ was played outside St Matthews Church in the Short Strand. Read more

Primary school classroom overcrowding an educational emergency - McDonald

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary-Lou McDonald has today described the revelations in today's media that 110,000 primary school children were in classes of over 30 last year as an "educational emergency". Read more

Bloomfield highlights future political challenges

Sinn Féin South Down MLA Willie Clarke, who is responsible for managing the party’s Irish unity campaign in the north, has welcomed comments from former head of the Civil Service Ken Bloomfield. Read more

Ó Caoláin slams HSE Mickey Mouse incentive scheme

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health Caoimghín Ó Caoláin has today slammed HSE chief Prof. Brendan Drumm's hospital consultant 'rewarding success' programme, calling it a "Mickey Mouse incentive scheme". Read more

McCartney backs calls for enquiry into the murder of Eamonn “Bronco” Bradley

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney, speaking after a vigil to mark the 25th Anniversary of the murder of Eamonn “Bronco” Bradley, has backed the Bradley family calls for an enquiry into his murder. Read more

Black Perceptory Parade raises tensions in East Belfast

Sinn Féin East Belfast representative Niall O'Donnghaile has this morning lambasted the Black Perceptory for it's blatant disregard for Short Strand residents when for the second year running it played the 'sash' outside St Matthews Church in the Short Strand. This was in breach of a parades commission ruling earlier… Read more

Sinn Féin condemn Ballymena petrol bomb attack

Sinn Féin Ballymena representative Padrag McShane has utterly condemned yesterday's early morning petrol bomb attack in the Dunclug estate in Ballymena and has said Sinn Féin shall announce a community meeting for the betterment of the area. Read more

Indian Festival Promotes Greater Respect - McGuinness

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness MP MLA, opening a traditional Indian summer festival in Belfast today said that the event did much to promote greater understanding and respect between ethnic and local communities. Read more

Sinn Féin condemn Ballymena petrol bomb attack

Sinn Féin representative Padrag Mc Shane has utterly condemned yesterday's early morning petrol bomb attack in the Dunclug estate in Ballymena and has said Sinn Féin shall announce a community meeting for the betterment of the area. Read more

UVF Bannerettes and Flags Flown at Newry Loyalist band Parade

Sinn Féin Newry and Mourne Councillor Brendan Curran has said that the weekends Loyalist Band Parade had caused a great anger and concern amongst many residents of the Newry area. Read more

Sinn Féin calls for crackdown on serious drug and gun crime in Policing Plan 2008

Speaking at a press conference in Dublin this morning Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD called for a crackdown on serious drug and gun crime in the Garda Policing Plan 2008. Deputy Ó Snodaigh was launching Sinn Féin's Submission to the Policing Plan in which the party also… Read more

People feel less safe in community according to Sinn Féin survey - O'Toole

Many people feel less safe in their local area and there is a huge demand for increased Garda patrols in local neighbourhoods according to a survey carried out by Sinn Féin across Dublin City on the issue of anti-social behaviour. The findings of the survey were used to partly inform… Read more

Domestic and Sexual Violence must be prioritised in Policing Plan 2008 - Minihan

Sinn Féin Councillor Louise Minihan has said Domestic and Sexual Violence must be named priorities in the Garda Policing Plan 2008. Speaking this morning at the launch of Sinn Féin's submission to the policing plan Councillor Minihan, who is a member of the Dublin City Joint Policing Committee, criticised the… Read more

Working group needed to facilitate transition of sheltered workshops to places of employment - McDonald

Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin and party Chairperson Mary Lou McDonald has today called on government to put in place a working group to cohesively address the impending transition of sheltered workshops for the intellectually disabled to places of employment. Read more

Sinn Féin calls for crackdown on serious drug and gun crime in Policing Plan 2008

Speaking at a press conference in Dublin this morning Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD called for a crackdown on serious drug and gun crime in the Garda Policing Plan 2008. Deputy Ó Snodaigh was launching Sinn Féin's Submission to the Policing Plan in which the party also… Read more

BT overcharge the vulnerable – Leonard

Sinn Féin councillor Billy Leonard has said that BT has once again been exposed as willing to overcharge their most vulnerable customers’. Read more

Check entitlement to Winter Fuel Payment

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has appealed to anyone 60 or over to check if they are entitled for the Winter Fuel Payment during the qualifying week of 17-23 September 2007. Read more

POCVA Child Protection Check delays causing major concern

Sinn Féin Newry and Mourne Fews area Councillor Turlough Murphy has said that delays in processing POCVA Child Protection Checks are causing major problems to employers and potential employees. Read more

Rising Coal Prices will hit those least able to pay hardest

Sinn Féin anti-poverty Spokesperson, West Tyrone MLA Claire McGill has said that an increase of up to five per cent in coal prices is a blow to coal users with an average rise of 40p for a bag of household coal and 35p for a bag of smokeless coal. Read more

Government ignored warnings over decentralisation debacle – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has described as “a debacle” the Government’s handling of decentralisation following the Labour Court ruling that FÁS cannot link promotion of staff to their willingness to relocate to the proposed new FÁS headquarters in Birr, Co. Offaly. Deputy Ó Caoláin said the Government… Read more

Government must heed warning on closure of A&Es – Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the new survey linking distance travelled by ambulance to hospital emergency departments to the risk of death, Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called on the Irish Government to heed the warning and to scrap plans to close A&E units around the State. Read more

Lets dispel the myths and open up a real debate on Irish language"- Brolly MLA

Speaking today following another successful Sinn Féin Irish language course for Republican activists in the assembly, East Derry Sinn Féin MLA Francie Brolly MLA has re-iterated his call for an open debate on the need for an Irish langauge act and had demanded that Anti -Irish campaigners stop their spurious… Read more

CAS report confirms fears over cost of uniforms and associated school costs

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has said that a new report by the Citizens Advice Service (CAS) which found that 3 out of 4 parents and guardians find meeting their child’s school costs ‘very’ or ‘quite’ difficult confirms several issues she raised recently around the costs of school uniforms,… Read more

Twaddell Avenue attack condemned

Sinn Féin North Belfast Councillor Margaret McClenaghan has condemned the petrol bomb attack on a home in Twaddell Avenue. Read more

Sinn Féin delegations to meet with IMPACT and Shannon Action Group - Ó Caoláin

Following a meeting in Leinster House this morning Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has today criticised government inaction since Aer Lingus announced its decision to withdraw the airlines Shannon to Heathrow route, and has urged the Taoiseach to use today's cabinet meeting to agree a change in approach to the… Read more

Graphic photographs on cigarette packs may persuade more people to quit smoking

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín has said that new images highlighting the dangers of smoking to be printed on tobacco products sold by the end of 2009 may go some way in helping persuade more people to quit smoking. Read more

Worrying number of drivers still using mobile phones

As it emerged from Courts Service figures that 6,171 drivers are still to come before the courts for using mobile phones while driving, Sinn Féin Transport and Road Safety spokesperson Pearse Doherty called on motorists to take “greater driving responsibility” and urged the mobile phone industry to “proactively ensure that… Read more

Sinn Féin oppose south Belfast stadium

Sinn Féin South Belfast Councillor, Alex Maskey MLA has said that the party’s 14 councillors on Belfast City Council will oppose any plans to build a stadium in the Ormeau Park in south Belfast because of objections from local residents. Read more

Deputy Mayor calls on attacks to stop

Sinn Féin Armagh City and District Deputy Mayor Noel Sheridan has said that he shares the disgust of many at the news of the latest incident on the attack on a home at Alexander Park in the City. Read more

Sinn Féin pledges continued support following meeting with IMPACT

Following this afternoons meeting with senior members of IMPACT and theIALPA Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh and Cllr. Daithí Doolan have pledgedthe party's continued support of the union in its fight to secureharmonised terms and conditions for Aer Lingus workers. Read more

Harney must put relevant resources into suicide prevention – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson CaoimhghínÓ Caoláin TD has called on the Minister for Health Mary Harney to properly invest in suicide prevention strategies and mental health services. Deputy Ó Caoláin was speaking today after it was revealed that children as young as six are attempting to take their own lives… Read more

Deep shock that 256 jobs to be lost in Drogheda - Morgan

Louth Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan has expressed his shock at news that256 jobs are to be lost in Drogheda when the Coca-Cola plant is to closein 2008. Deputy Morgan, the party's Workers' Rights Spokesperson saidthe loss of such an amount of jobs will be a huge blow to the… Read more

Viable alternative route should be used to save Tara - McDonald

Speaking from Tara today as Environmental groups launched a campaign to stop the destruction of the heritage site Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald said the refusal of the Government to route the M3 motorway on the viable alternative route proposed by the Save Tara Campaign has led to long… Read more

Ulster University house price index puts pressure on Minister to act

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Fra McCann has said that the latest quarterly house price index published by the University of Ulster showing that average house prices increased by over 50% in the past year demanded an urgent response from Housing Minister Margaret Ritchie. Read more

Community will lose out after serious fire at Sinn Féin Lisnaskea offices

Sinn Féin Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has said that the serious fire at party offices in Lisnaskea will not just impact on the work of Sinn Fein but also a community organisation that supports the victims of state violence and the local community who use the busy advice… Read more

de Brún calls on Empey to invest in research in clean technology

Sinn Féin Bairbre de Brún MEP today called on Employment and Learning Minister, Reg Empey, to ‘help combat climate change by investing in the vital research needed to produce a new generation of clean technology’. Read more

Maskey to join residents protest over Andersonstown Barracks

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Paul Maskey will join local residents from the Andersonstown area in West Belfast at a protest organised to highlight opposition to the proposed plans for the former Andersonstown Barracks. Read more

Sinn Féin to lead cross party women’s delegation visit to Hydebank prison

Sinn Féin women’s spokesperson Jennifer McCann MLA has announced details of a women’s cross party assembly group visit to Hydebank Wood prison to assess the conditions for women there. Read more

All-Ireland Rail Network the way of the future

Sinn Féin Regional Development Spokesperson, Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has said set out the arguments for the re-development of the all-Ireland rail network and called for co-operation between Ministers in Dublin and Belfast on a comprehensive transportation strategy. Read more

Dismay at drop in number of hospital beds

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín has expressed concern at the drop in the number of beds available to treat people in our hospitals; and also the drop in occupancy rates after the publication of the Health Departments Hospital statistics for 2006/7. Read more

Council should not restrict angling in Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

Reacting to a proposal from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Council to restrict fishing along the shoreline from Booterstown to Shankill, Sinn Fein representative Eoin Ó Broin said, "Once again Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council appears out of touch with the needs and interests of local people". Read more

Sinn Féin welcome U-turn on future of Castle Street

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA, Cllr Paul Maskey ahs welcomed the U-turn of Social Development Minster Margaret Ritchie on the future of the Greater Castle Street area after she finally announced plans to developed an integrated strategy for the area. Read more

Sinn Féin condemns arson attack on Seagoe Orange Hall

Sinn Féin Representative, Cllr Dessie Ward, has condemned the overnight arson attack on Seagoe Orange Hall. Read more

Sinn Féin to seek political alliance in opposition to withdrawal of Shannon Heathrow route

Sinn Féin National Chairperson and MEP for Dublin Mary Lou McDonald has said Sinn Féin has agreed to write to the leaders of all opposition parties in a bid to form a political alliance against the withdrawal of the Shannon to Heathrow route. Ms. McDonald was speaking today after she… Read more

de Brún calls on Commission to formalise 'Brand Ireland' approach to agriculture

Following the recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Britain in which the EU decided wisely to treat the north as being unlinked to the British food industry, Sinn Féin's MEP Bairbre de Brún has called upon the European Commission to formalise this approach to ensure security for local produce in… Read more

Need for greater progress on provision of Healthcare across border

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson, Carál Ní Chuilín has said that the development of an all-Ireland approach to the delivery of healthcare will deliver economies of scale and increase capacity and equality of access. Read more

Sinn Féin meets Private Landlords Association

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, Fra McCann MLA and colleague Rosie McCorley have met with the chairperson of the Private Landlords Association. Read more

Concern at growth of heroin trade

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said urgent measures must be put in place to prevent a heroin epidemic from hitting the streets. Read more

Widespread outrage at barbarity of dog fighting

Sinn Féin East Derry MLA Francie Brolly has said that beyond the widespread outrage at the barbarity of the dog fighting exposed by the BBC that there were serious questions about ensuring that these activities were brought to an end. Read more

Is scannallach iad na coinníollach a fulaingíonn priosúnaithe ban i Hydebank - Mc Cann MLA

D'fhógair úrlabhraí na mban de chuid Sinn Féin Jennifer Mc Cann BT cuairt ar phriosún Hydebank Wood ó grúpa tionóla cros-phairtí chun measúnú ar na coinníollacha do mná ann. Read more

Minister expresses disgust at Dog Fighting Programmes

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has today expressed her disgust at the sickening images of dog fighting which were shown on last night’s BBC Spotlight and Panorama programmes. Read more

Full disclosure needed after Hegarty admission

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has said that there now needs to be a full independent inquiry into the shooting dead of Daniel Hegarty on Operation Motorman in 1972. Read more

Minister should back up claims about protecting heritage

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has called on Government Chief Whip Tom Kitt to support a motion that he will bring forward in the next Dáil term to protect and preserve Ireland’s culture and heritage. Responding to news that Pearse Museum in Rathfarnham is to undergo a major redevelopment and… Read more

McCartney calls on Irish government to defend rights of Northerners to be Irish

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney (Foyle) commenting on the continuing attempts by the IFA to block northern residents declaring for the Republic of Ireland soccer team has called on the Irish government to defend rights of Northerners to be Irish. Read more

Housing Executive challenged to reveal cost of repairing damage from Loyalist Bonfires

Sinn Féin Representative for Banbridge and District, Cllr Dessie Ward, has called on the Housing Executive’s ‘Community Cohesion’ Unit to provide him with information on the cost of repairing their land on which loyalist bonfires are held each year. Read more

Disappointment at loss of jobs in Gweedore

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has expressed his disappointment at news that the Euró Iompú Teo Coach Conversion Company in Gweedore has ceased trading this afternoon and is set to go into liquidation in September with the immediate loss of 45 jobs. Read more

Taoiseach must demand Aer Lingus EGM be held - Ó Caoláin

Following the announcement this evening by Aer Lingus that it will not hold an EGM as requested by Ryanair Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called on the government to immediately intervene as a major shareholder of the company and insist than an EGM is held. Read more

August 2007 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

August 1, 2007

August 2, 2007

August 3, 2007

August 4, 2007

August 6, 2007

August 7, 2007

August 8, 2007

August 9, 2007

August 10, 2007

August 12, 2007

August 13, 2007

August 14, 2007

August 15, 2007

August 16, 2007

August 17, 2007

August 19, 2007

August 20, 2007

August 21, 2007

August 22, 2007