February 2009 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

Transforming Education – Gerry Adams MP MLA

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA was the guest speaker at a Sinn Féin function in the Armagh City Hotel on Saturday night. Addressing the audience the Sinn Féin President focused on the expected announcement on Monday by the Education Minister Caitríona Ruane outlining her proposals for post academic… Read more

Justice Delayed is Justice Denied – de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún speaking at the annual Bloody Sunday march in Derry today has said that ‘justice delayed is justice denied’. Read more

McDonald expresses solidarity with Dublin Bus Workers

Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has expressed her solidarity with Dublin Bus workers who are protesting outside the Green Party's office in Dublin today. The Dublin MEP has described the decision to withdraw 120 buses from the capital city's public transport service as incomprehensible, particularly in the context that such… Read more

Transfer 2010 - Ruane announces details of guidance

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has announced details of the guidance schools will use for Transfer 2010. Read more

Bray Nursing Home set to close amid health and safety concerns - Brady

Bray Sinn Féin Councillor John Brady, reacting to news today that The Orchard Nursing Home in Bray is to be closed amid health and safety concerns for the building, said there are serious questions to be answered about how the building was allowed to continue operating in such conditions. Read more

DUP Ministerial promise to seek ‘Green jobs’ welcomed

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed DUP Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster's promise to try and maximise the potential of sustainable energy production to create ‘green jobs’. Read more

“An education system where all children can realise their full potential” - Doherty

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MP MLA Pat Doherty says that the primary-post primary transfer guidelines set out today by Education Minister Caitríona Ruane are a crucial element in securing the delivery of a modern education system where all children can realise their full potential. Read more

Railway Death leaves community in shock

Sinn Féin Colraine Councillor Billy Leonard commenting on the tragic death of Ryan Quinn has said that it has a local family in deep trauma and a community in shock. Read more

Morgan meets Waterford Workers

Sinn Féin Enterprise, Trade and Employment Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD today led a Sinn Féin delegation to meet with Waterford Crystal Workers and trade union leaders. Deputy Morgan was joined by local Councillors David Cullinane and Joe Kelly. Read more

Dell taskforce must deliver for workers

Sinn Féin Enterprise, Trade and Employment Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has this evening criticised the Tánaiste Mary Coughlan for her delay in establishing the Dell taskforce. Read more

McCrea must outline in detail UVF leader relationship

Sinn Féin Assembly member for Mid-Ulster Francie Molloy has called on the DUP MP Willie McCrea to set out in detail the extent and nature of his relationship with loyalist murder gang leader Billy Wright. Mr Molloy’s call comes after Mr McCrea admitted meeting with the then UVF leader in… Read more

Anderson angry at DETI block on meeting with Hibernia Atlantic on location of ‘Telehouse’

Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has expressed her anger after the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) blocked a meeting that she had arranged with Hibernia Atlantic and a cross-party delegation to discuss the location of a ‘Telehouse’ which will service the Trans-Atlantic fibre optic cable that will come ashore… Read more

Sinn Féin table motion calling in support of Women’s groups.

Sinn Fein MLA's Martina Anderson and Jennifer McCann have tabled a motion at the Assembly today calling for the Executive to ensure adequate funding is made available for women's organisations. Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls for scrapping of Home Choice Loan Scheme

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Government to abandon its Home Choice Loan Scheme and instruct local authorities to focus on making affordable housing affordable. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said any surplus housing in the possession of local authorities that is not selling should be… Read more

McCrea must clarify his relationship with UVF/LVF killer

Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has called on the Constituency MP Willie McCrea (DUP) to set out in detail the extent and nature of his relationship with loyalist murder gang leader Billy Wright. Read more

Rural Planning (PPS 21) – Independent Working Group begins work

The first meeting of an Independent Working Group which will explore options for non-farming rural dwellers under the draft planning policy PPS21 took place at Stormont today. Read more

Cavan/Monaghan GPs must be listened to – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caolain has demanded that the Minister for Health & Children Mary Harney act on the call of General Practitioners in Cavan and Monaghan for the HSE not to go ahead with the planned closure of 56 acute medical beds in Monaghan… Read more

EU needs to focus on ending exploitation of irregular migrants

Speaking today during a parliamentary debate in Strasbourg on a Directive which seeks to reduce illegal immigration throughout the EU by imposing sanctions against employers of illegal workers Mary Lou McDonald MEP for Dublin has described the proposals as 'misguided' and noted the political and economic imperative should be to… Read more

Sinn Féin slams Cowen for playing brinkmanship with partnership talks

Following the collapse of the partnership talks in the early hours of this morning Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has slammed the Taoiseach for playing brinkmanship with the partnership process. Read more

Have your say on A5 Dual Carriageway Route-Doherty

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MP MLA Pat Doherty has called on the public to have their say about the preferred route of the A5 dual carriageway by attending any one of a number of consultation meetings being organised by DRD Roads Service at local venues throughout the month of February. Read more

Empey should remind some Executive colleagues of employment rights.

Sinn Fein MLA for West Belfast and chair of the Employment and learning committee, Sue Ramsey has welcomed Employment Ministers statement today regarding migrant workers being employed locally. Read more

Caithfidh an Aire obair ar son Foras na Gaeilge – Mac Giolla Dhuibh

Labhair Cathoirleach an Choiste Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Foillíochta, Barra Mac Giolla Dhuibh i ndiaidh ráiteas sa Tionól inniu ón chruinniú earnála deireannach den Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas(CATT). Read more

Minister Campbell must work on behalf of Foras na Gaeilge – McElduff

Chair of the Assembly’s Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee Barry McElduff was speaking following an update from the last North South Ministerial Council Sectoral meeting given at the Assembly this morning. Gregory Campbell was unable to deliver the update due to illness. Read more

Call for Minister to secure future of St Mary’s University College

Sinn Fein Chair of the Employment and Learning committee, Sue Ramsey, and Further Education spokesperson, Paul Butler, have called on Reg Empey and the Dept of Employment and Learning (DEL) to ensure that St Mary’s College in West Belfast has a secure future. Read more

de Brún calls on EU to prioritise needs of developing countries

Bairbre de Brún MEP today called for "Economic Partnership Agreements to be more focused on promoting the social and economic well-being of people living in developing countries." The call was made in advance of a Thursday's vote in the European Parliament on the development impact of Economic Partnership Agreements. Read more

MacLochlainn to propose emergency motion on Project Kelvin at Derry City Council

Sinn Féin Cllr Gerry MacLochlainn will propose an emergency motion to Derry City Council Regional Services Committee today calling on the Project Kelvin ‘Telehouse’ to be located within the North West Gateway Councils area. Read more

The long wait for a job creation strategy continues – Ó Caoláin

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon on the economic crisis Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said the primary goal of the Government's economic recovery plan must be to safeguard the livelihoods of low and middle income workers and deliver a job creation strategy. He said Sinn Féin… Read more

Government delay in publishing Stardust report unforgivable – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, speaking in the Dáil this afternoon on the Stardust tragedy, said the fact that the families of the victims had to stage a three day sit in outside Government Buildings in order to force the Government to publish the latest report into… Read more

Why are we still waiting for an investigation into renditions? : de Brún

More than two years after Minister Dermot Ahern appeared before the European Parliament to respond to evidence of Irish complicity in "illegal rendition" cases, Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has demanded to know why no independent enquiry has been established to probe the claims. Read more

Natural resources must be used to combat fuel poverty and aid the exchequer – Ferris

Speaking in the Dáil this evening on a private members motion on energy prices, Sinn Féin spokesperson on communications, energy and natural resources Marin Ferris T.D. called on the government to utilise all the natural resources of the state in order to combat fuel poverty and to aid the exchequer.… Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls for Dublin South by-election date

Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has supported a motion in the Dáil this evening calling for the writ to be moved for the Dublin South by-election to take place. Read more

Pearse Doherty 2008 speech on Saving the West

Tá gearr ghá le thart ar tarrthail ar an iarthar Ta gearr ghá le troid ar son an iarthar Ta gearr ghá le forum a bhunadh do Theachtaí Dála agus Seanadóirí agus gach eagraíocht tuaithe on iarthar le clár oibre a shocrú a thabharfas aghaidh ar fadhbanna an iarthar. What… Read more

Morgan extends solidarity to today’s Waterford Crystal demonstration march

Sinn Féin Enterprise, Trade and Employment Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has this morning extended his solidarity for today’s march in Waterford in support of the Waterford Crystal workers. Deputy Morgan was one of the first politicians to visit the workers on site who are currently staging a sit in following… Read more

de Brún challenges Wilson on Climate Change

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will participate today in the debate around the concluding report of the European Parliament's Climate Change Committee of which she is a member. The report has far-reaching recommendations on steps that need to be taken in the time ahead, and will be voted in… Read more

Grave concerns over fish effluent dumping off North Coast

A proposed fish protein plant, due to be based at Lisahally, will be dumping a massive cocktail of fish waste and ammonia five miles off the Portrush coast if an application to dispose is passed by the Environment Agency. Read more

de Brún welcomes Palestinian President

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed the address by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the European Parliament. Read more

Caithfidh Sammy Wilson teacht ar a chiall agus dul i ngleic go héifeachtach leis an athrú aeráide - de Brún

Ag labhairt i bParlaimint na hEorpa i Strasbourg inniu, deir an feisire eorpach Bairbre de Brún nach bhfuil ach deis bheag fágtha againn dul i ngleic go héifeachtach leis an athrú aeráide, agus go bhfuil an chreatlach dhlíthiúil ann anois do thíortha chun an t-aistriú a dhéanamh ón ngeilleagar salach… Read more

Reduction in childcare supplement will drive women out of work – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said the Government’s cuts in the Childcare Supplement will have the effect of driving women out of the workplace, further depressing the economy. Read more

Unemployment figures show urgent need for job creation strategy

Responding to today’s announcement that the number of people on the live register rose by 36,500 by the end of January Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has called on the government to deliver a job retention and creation strategy noting the need for such a plan has never… Read more

Reintroduction of third level fees a regressive measure

Speaking at today's USI rally held in Dublin against the proposed reintroduction of third level fees Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty told the thousands of students gathered in protest that "Sinn Féin does not support the reintroduction of third level fees be it by the front door of… Read more

Céim siar é áth-intród táillí 3ú léibhéal

Ag labhairt dó inniu ag ágóid i neadán táillí ollscoile dúirt urlábharaí oideachais Shinn Féin Seanadóir Piaras Ó Dochartaigh gur chéim siar a bheas ann na táillí a thabhairt isteach athuair. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes announcement of date for Dublin South by-election

South Dublin Sinn Féin representative Shaun Tracey has welcomed the announcement of a date for the by-election in Dublin South to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Séamus Brennan. However Mr. Tracey criticised the Fiann Fáil Party for failing to move the writ for the election to… Read more

Families in West Dublin fearful for future

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams today met with constituents and several campaign groups in Dublin, including the Liffey Valley Park Alliance in Lucan. Mr Adams was joined by local Sinn Féin Councillors and Representatives. Read more

Government targeting low and middle income earners

Speaking in the Dáil today during a debate on the governments public finance measures including the inequitable public service pension levy Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD charged the Taoiseach with causing irreparable damage to the public’s confidence in his government. Read more

de Brún raises Cookstown factory loophole in European Parliament

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has pointed out the loophole in the Pigmeat Recall scheme which is placing the future of the Vion factory in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone in jeopardy. Read more

Education Minister celebrates School Leadership

Sinn Féin Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has highlighted the importance of school leadership in driving improvements in education. Read more

Allister attempts to predict SF vote to score political points

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has stated that Jim Allister’s attempt predict the outcome of Sinn Féin votes before the votes even take place is a cheap way to score political points in his battle with the DUP. Read more

Government Should Think Imaginatively And Support Waterford Crystal Workers

Supporting today’s demonstration in Waterford, EU Candidate Toiréasa Ferris, called on the government to think imaginatively and find means to support the Waterford Crystal Workers. Read more

Seanad seeks debate on 'Awakening the West' report recommendations

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Regional Development and author of the Oireachtas Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Committee report 'Awakening the West' has today welcomed calls from Senators to debate the recommendations of the report which was adopted by the Committee last month. Read more

Workers Should Not Pay for the Crisis

The Sinn Féin TD for North Kerry has stated that workers should not be the ones to carry the can for the current economic and financial crisis. Deputy Ferris was speaking during a Dáil debate this morning on the measures being proposed by the Government in relation to a pension… Read more

DUP engagement with loyalist gangs – nothing new

Commenting on revelations today in Westminster by the DUP MP Jeffery Donaldson that his party are in discussions with the UDA and UVF, Sinn Féin Assembly member for Mid-Ulster Francie Molloy said that far from this being a new thing, recent evidence at the Billy Wright Inquiry points to ongoing… Read more

Éilíonn de Brún cúiteamh do monarcha phróiseála muc Vion, ar an Chorr Chríochach

Ag labhairt i bParlaimint na hEorpa, deir feisire eorpach Bairbre de Brún go gcaithfidh an tAE a chinntiú nach bhfágtar an mhonarcha phróiseála muc Vion ar an Chorr Chríochach le déileáil leis na hiarmhairtí mar gheall ar 4000 muc thruaillithe a ghlacadh isteach óna 26 Chontae le linn tréimhse na… Read more

Gerry Adams to launch Drug awareness pamphlet tomorrow

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams will formally launch a drugs awareness and information pamphlet in Ballyfermot on Friday, 6th February. Mr. Adams will be joined by Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald and local Sinn Féin representatives, Councillor Louise Minihan and Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, who produced the pamphlet. The launch… Read more

Pension levy sliding scale discriminates against the lower paid

Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has today restated Sinn Fein's opposition to the introduction of the pension levy which puts the burden of Ireland’s public finances on low and medium income public workers and lets the wealthiest off the hook once again. Speaking in the Dáil today Deputy… Read more

Ní féidir leis an DUP stad a chuir leis na gnéithe uile-Éireann – Ó Dubhda

Cháin BTR Shinn Féin agus ceannaire an pháirtí sa Tionól, John Ó Dubhda an DUP as rún a chuir os comhair an Tionól ag ceisitú luachar an Comhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas. Read more

Any attempt by the DUP to dilute All-Ireland agenda will be blocked – O'Dowd

Sinn Féin Upper Bann MLA and the party's Assembly Group leader John O'Dowd has criticised the DUP for their negative motion, coming before the Assembly this Monday, which questions the 'value' of the North-South Ministerial Council. Read more

Toiréasa Ferris to argue for job Creation in Visit to Limerick City

EU Candidate, Toiréasa Ferris, will be in Limerick tomorrow to see at first hand the devastation caused by the collapse of the Irish economy and to argue for the adoption of a job creation strategy by the government. Read more

Crime stats show drug crime must be made top priority – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said the annual crime statistics published today show that tackling drug crime must be the number one priority for Gardaí. Read more

Adams Accuses Government of Indifference

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA this morning launched a Parents Drug Awareness Pamphlet in Ballyfermot written by Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh. Speaking at the launch the Sinn Féin leader accused the Government of pursuing a political philosophy which protects the wealthy, pours money into the… Read more

Gildernew celebrates Orchard County Bramley success

Sinn Féin Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has joined in with the bicentennial celebrations of the Bramley Apple at a visit to Chapman’s Farm Fresh in Armagh. Read more

Education Minister calls for End to Violence Against Women

Sinn Féin Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has met with The End Violence Against Women (EVAW) working group in Parliament Buildings. Read more

Begley welcomes launch of PEACE III‏

Sinn Féin Omagh Councillor Sean Begley has welcomed the launch of the PEACE III small grants Programme. Under PEACE III, a total of 50 million euro is being made available to local communities in the North of Ireland. Read more

Ruane marks the beginning of a new era for post-primary transfer

Sinn Féin Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has commented that, as the last ever 11 plus results were delivered to homes across the north, a new era in education is beginning. Read more

de Brún calls for insulation scheme in the North and welcomes action from Minister Eamon Ryan

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has called for decisive action by the Executive to mirror the announcement today from Irish Government Minister Eamon Ryan that almost 4000 jobs could be created through the introduction of a Government scheme which aims to dramatically improve insulation in homes throughout the 26… Read more

Pat Finucane 20th Anniversary events to take place

A series of events are to take place throughout Belfast this week to mark the 20th anniversary of the murder of leading human rights lawyer Pat Finucane. Read more

McGuinness welcomes UU Magee Campus development

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA gave the opening address at today’s VIP briefing event by the University of Ulster to announce proposals to develop its Magee campus. Read more

Cúis imní na figúirí is déanaí ó ChildLine – Sinn Féin

Dúirt BTR Iarthair Bhéal Feirste Shinn Féin agus urlábharaí an pháirtí ar páistí agus daoine óga Sue Ramsey gur cúis imní iad na figúirí is déanaí ó ChildLine a léiríonn go raibh 952 páistí i dteagmhal leo thar tréimhse trí bhliana. Read more

ChildLine figures a deep cause for concern – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA and the party’s spokesperson on Children and Young people, Sue Ramsey, has expressed deep concern at the latest figures issue by ChildLine which indicate that 952 children called their helpline over the past three years seeking help. Read more

A5 Public consultation events

Sinn Féin Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has announced a series of public consultation events on the proposed dualling of the A5 between Derry and Aughnacloy. Read more

DUP more interested in playground antics than effective representation – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA and Chief Whip for the Party Carál Ní Chuilín has criticised the DUP's behaviour in the Assembly chamber this morning following the ejection of DUP MLA Nelson McCausland. Read more

Mindless thugs behind racist attack

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has said that he is horrified at reports of a racist attack on a Bangladeshi student outside his home on the Donegall Road at the weekend. Read more

Government must demand all senior bankers bonuses for last three years be returned

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's government's cabinet meeting Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has called on the Taoiseach to demand that "the banks not get a single penny of tax payer's money until senior banking executives pay back all of the bonuses they collected over the past three years… Read more

Sinn Féin demand tariffs as fuel poverty soars

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has revealed that 40% of people in the North are now believed to be living in fuel poverty - almost four times the level in England. Read more

de Brún challenges Wilson on Climate Change comments

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has called on Executive Environment Minister, Sammy Wilson to act responsibly and reassess his position on not running energy efficiency adverts. Read more

Gearóid Mac Adhaimh le bheith ina óstach do Tuairisc ‘Iosrael Páilistín’ Comhdháil na gCeardchumann

Beidh Uachtaráin Shinn Féin, gearóid Mac Adhaimh mar óstach do Tuairisc Comhdháil na gCeardchumann, ‘Iosrael Páilistín’ i gCnoc an Anfa amárach. Read more

Gerry Adams to host ICTU’s ‘Israel Palestine’ Report at Stormont

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA will tomorrow (Tuesday 10th) host the launch of the Irish Congree of Trade Unions, ‘Israel Palestine’ Report. Read more

The North West - Time for radical proposals to tackle economic divide

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has said the report from PricewaterhouseCoopers highlights what Sinn Fein have been saying for years; that a radical approach is required to tackle the underinvestment and lack of economic activity in the North West. Read more

Build a lasting peace - Conflict resolution in Ireland

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA will speak at an event hosted by Bairbre de Brún MEP in Brussels at the European Parliament today, Tuesday 10th February. Read more

Ambulance Service Cuts will have dire consequences for Glens People - McMullan

Sinn Féin's Oliver McMullan has said that the spending review currently being undertaken by the Ambulance Service, at the behest of the Health Minister, will mean further cuts in A & E Ambulance provision in rural areas, including the Glens. Read more

Loss of 700 nursing jobs will devastate frontline health care

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MLA and Deputy Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, Michele O'Neill has warned the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey that the loss of 700 nursing staff will devastate frontline health care. Read more

Local banks need to do more to help small and medium sized businesses

Sinn Fein MLA and Vice Chair of The Enterprise Trade & Investment Committee Jennifer McCann has called on local banks to do more to help small and medium sized businesses in the north. Read more

Good news for classroom assistants

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has announced that up to 750 classroom assistants will receive a share of £1.3million as a result of the implementation of job evaluation. Read more

Adams hosts ICTU report on Israel and Palestine

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA this morning hosted the launch of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions ‘Israel Palestine’ report. Read more

Minister announces preferred route for A2 Buncrana Road improvements

Sinn Féin Roads Minister Conor Murphy today announced the preferred route for the proposed improvements to Buncrana Road in Derry. Read more

Event to mark the 20th anniversary of the murder of Pat Finucane

The launch of a series of events to mark the 20th anniversary of the murder of human rights lawyer Pat Finucane will take place today at 3pm at the site of the former Andersonstown barracks at the top of the Falls Road. Read more

DARD launches Postgraduate Research Awards 2009

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) today announced the annual Postgraduate Agriculture and Food Research Awards for the academic year beginning October 2009. Read more

Banks refusal to accept mortgage moratorium unacceptable

Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has this afternoon has called on the government to rein in Ireland’s two major banking institutions, AIB and Bank of Ireland, and ensure that both accept a two-year moratorium for mortgage defaulters. Read more

Pobal na bhFál curtha i mbaol mar gheall ar buamaí ar máidín – Maskey

Cháin BTR Shinn Féin Paul Maskey iad siúd a raibh freagrach as buamaí píopa a fhágail ar Bothair na bhFál ar máidín. Read more

Falls Road bomb alert highlights further disregard for West Belfast community - Maskey

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Paul Maskey has condemned those responsible for leaving a number of pipe bombs close to the falls road this morning. Read more

McDonald welcomes An Bord Pleanála's rejection of Rathcoole Incinerator

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has welcomed An Bord Pleanála decision to reject permission for an incinerator to be built in Rathcoole. The Dublin MEP described the announcement as a tremendous victory for the thousands of residents across west Dublin and beyond who campaigned against the plans. Read more

Report vindicates Sinn Féin’s vigorous pursuit of Equality Agenda in Executive

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that the report from PricewaterhouseCoopers which highlights the continuing economic disparities between east and west of the Bann requires an affirmative action plan from all Assembly Departments to ensure the implementation of the Executive’s Programme for Government and Investment Strategy, which… Read more

Government dragging its heels on €200 holiday home levy

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has today accused the government of dragging its heels on progressing €200 levy it introduced on holiday homes, rented accommodation and second houses in Budget 2009. The Donegal Senator also criticised government for refusing to allow local authorities to retain this much need revenue stream… Read more

Sinn Féin discuss Dublin Bus with NBRU

Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald today led a Sinn Féin delegation to meet with National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) union leaders in City Hall to discuss the decision by Dublin Bus to reduce its fleet by 120 at the cost of 290 jobs. Ms McDonald was joined by Dublin… Read more

Health budgets for most vulnerable must be ring fenced

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Health Committee, Sue Ramsey has stated that the ring fencing and protection of healthcare budgets for the most vulnerable in our society should happen as a matter of urgency. Read more

Land & Property services must be sensitive to economic hardship

West Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann has called on the Land & Property services to be sensitive to the financial difficulties of low income families when collecting rate arrears. Read more

Ferris welcomes election spending restrictions

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Local Government, Martin Ferris TD has welcomed the decision to restrict spending by candidates for local government elections. The North Kerry TD was responding to the announcement by Minister Gormley that an upper limit of €15,000 will apply. Read more

Seanad to debate 'Awakening the West' report recommendations

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Regional Development and author of the Oireachtas Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Committee report 'Awakening the West' Senator Pearse Doherty has this afternoon welcomed a commitment by Seanad leader Donie Cassidy to debate the recommendations of the report, adopted by the Committee last… Read more

Don't let them do to Ennis and Nenagh what they're doing to Monaghan - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has urged a strong campaign of resistance to Government and HSE plans to remove accident and emergency services from Ennis Hospital and Nenagh Hospital. Deputy Ó Caoláin predicted that if centralisation plans went ahead hospitals would be reduced to… Read more

End state subsidy to private fee paying schools

Speaking during a Seanad debate on education this evening Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty called on the Government to withdraw the €90million annual subsidy to private schools and re-direct the money into the public education sector. Read more

Bank executives should be told to hand back bonuses – Morgan

Speaking in the Dáil today Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD called on the Government to ensure that bank executives hand back all bonuses and half their salaries received over the last three years. Read more

12 Month Mortgage Respite Insufficient – Toireasa Ferris

EU Candidate, Councillor Toireasa Ferris, said this morning that the 12 month mortgage respite on offer by the Bank of Ireland and the AIB was insufficient and took no account of the economic situation. She called for a combination of a longer respite and a reduction of the mortgage to… Read more

Audit Office Report on Public Service Agreements show failings- Maskey

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA and Chair Person of the Public Accounts Committee Paul Maskey has welcomed the report from the Audit Office on Public Service Agreements (PSAs) – Measuring Performance. Read more

Anderson calls for creation of rates relief programme for small business

Sinn Féin Equality Spokesperson, Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has called for the introduction of a rates relief scheme to assist small businesses here Read more

INI Record in Derry Dismal‏

Speaking at Tuesday’s Council meeting, Derry City Council Development Committee Chairperson Sinn Féin Councillor Lynn Fleming has described Invest NI’s track record in the region as a failure. Read more

Minister announces preferred corridor for A2 Ballykelly bypass

Sinn Féin Roads Minister Conor Murphy today announced the preferred corridor for the proposed bypass of the village of Ballykelly to the west of Limavady in the north west. Read more

Schools Chief Inspector’s Report shows hard decisions are needed

Sinn Féin Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has said that the Chief Inspector of School's report shows the good work being done in schools, but also shows more needs to be done. Read more

Minister and Belfast Mayor gain inside view of ‘The Tunnel’

The Mayor of Belfast Tom Hartley joined the Sinn Féin Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy to inspect progress on the £100million Belfast Sewers Project. Read more

Sinn Féin condemn Derry shooting

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has said that the murder of a man in Derry today was a criminal act and cannot be dressed up as anything else. Read more

Adams Accuses British State of Involvement in murder of Pat Finucane

Sinn Féin west Belfast MP Gerry Adams today unveiled a mural to murdered human rights lawyer Pat Finucane. Read more

Special needs teacher cutbacks unjustifiable - Doherty

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty has described the cuts announced today in support for special educational needs teachers as unjustifiable. Senator Doherty said the special educational needs of children with learning difficulties cannot be met in mainstream classrooms as has been claimed by a Department spokesperson. Read more

Fianna Fáil/Green Government betrays children with special needs – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called for the immediate reversal of the decision by Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe to take special teacher support from up to 900 children with special needs in this State, slashing 128 special teaching posts and taking special… Read more

Human Rights NGOs must be included in Charities Bill – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon on the Charities Bill 2007 Sinn Féin Human Rights Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD made an eleventh hour appeal to the Government to include the advancement of human rights as a charitable purpose in the Bill before passing it into law. Deputy Ó Snodaigh… Read more

Martin McGuinness to address commemoration in honour of murdered Sinn Féin councillor, John Davey

Sinn Féin MP for Mid-Ulster, Martin McGuinness will this weekend address republicans from throughout counties Derry and Antrim at a commemoration to be held at St. Mary's Churchyard, Lavey (Co. Derry) on Sunday 15th February at 2.30pm in honour of murdered Sinn Féin councillor, John Davey (20th anniversary). Read more

Government failing to get Ireland back to work

On a visit to Kilkenny today, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said that with the rapidly rising unemployment figures the government urgently needed to deliver a job retention and creation strategy. Mr. Adams criticised the government for failing to deliver a strategy to get Ireland back to work. Read more

Morgan welcomes announcement of ICTU demonstrations

Sinn Féin Finance and Workers’ Rights Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has welcomed the announcement of a series of major demonstrations from ICTU beginning on 21st February. Deputy Morgan said there is widespread anger among workers at the Government’s handling of the economic crisis and specifically it’s continued targeting of vulnerable… Read more

Taoiseach must address extraordinary rendition issue with President Obama - Ó Caoláin

Speaking in the Dáil this morning Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach Brian Cowen if he had addressed the issue of extraordinary rendition when he spoke to US President Barack Obama. Deputy Ó Caoláin called on the Taoiseach to address the issue with a view to… Read more

Tugann an Taoiseach cúl leis an Ghaeltacht

Inniu d'ionsaigh Seanadóir Shinn Féin Piaras Ó Dochartaigh an Taoiseach agus an tAire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta Éamon Ó Cuív TD go fíochmhar as cliseadh ar mholtaí an rialtais a chur i gcrích chun úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht a chosaint. Níor bhailigh an Taoiseach, atá ina chathaoirleach ar… Read more

Taoiseach turns his back on the Gaeltacht

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has today launched a stinging attack on the Taoiseach and Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív TD for failing to act on the government's recommendations to protect the use of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht. The Taoiseach, who chairs an… Read more

Cost to the public purse of paying suspended cops unacceptable - Martina Anderson

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA and Policing Board member Martina Anderson has slammed the cost to the public purse of paying police officers suspended on full pay. Read more

Ferris slams deferment of waste management payments

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture, Martin Ferris TD has strongly condemned the announcement by Minister Brendan Smith that payments due to farmers under the Waste Management Scheme are not to be made available in full this year. Instead farmers who are still owed money will only be paid in… Read more

Terms and conditions of recapitalisation programme tokenistic - Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has described the terms and conditions of the State's recapitalisation of the banks as tokenistic gestures. Speaking this evening after the Government announced the detail of the recapitalisation programme Deputy Morgan said Minister Lenihan should consider his position having failed tonotice the activity… Read more

Withdrawal of Special Needs Teachers a Cruel attack on the Most Vulnerable – Ferris

EU Candidate, Cllr Toireasa Ferris this morning described the withdrawal of funding for 119 special needs teachers as a cruel and heartless attack on the most vulnerable which will have long term detrimental effects on thousands of children across Munster. Read more

Chuidíonn Daithí McKay le vóta mímhuiníne san Aire Sammy Wilson

Chuidigh BTR Shinn Féin agus urlábhraí an pháirtí ar chúrsaí timpeallachta, Daithí McKay le vóta mímhuiníne san Aire Sammy Wilson agus é i gCoiste Timpeallachta an Tionól inniu. Read more

McKay seconds vote of no confidence in Sammy Wilson

Sinn Féin MLA and the party's environmental spokesperson Daithí McKay has seconded a vote of no confidence in Minister for the Environment Sammy Wilson at today's Environment Committee meeting at Stormont. Read more

SR Technics Job Losses Devastating for Dublin Northeast

Responding to the announcement of the loss of 1,400 jobs in northeast Dublin, Sinn Féin Councillor Killian Forde, called the day "the most devastating for local residents in decades". Read more

McGuinness – people of Derry most to fear from dissidents

Speaking today Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness said that it was clear that the people who had to fear most from so called dissident republican groups were the people of Derry. Mr McGuinness comments come after the murder of Jim McConnell in the city yesterday. Read more

Recapitalisation falls far short of what is required – Morgan

Speaking on the Planned Recapitalisation of Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland in the Dáil today Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said the people have lost confidence in the Government, in the banks and in the financial regulator. He said the key issues of mortgages, credit streams… Read more

Regulation has failed miserably - Ó Caoláin

Speaking in the Dáil against the Government motion endorsing the terms of its recapitalisation of the Bank of Ireland and AIB, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said that the new regulatory regime for banks introduced in 2002 had "failed miserably". He said Finance Minister Brian Lenihan was asking… Read more

Government turning its back on ODA commitments

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has this afternoon called on the government to reverse its decision to cut Ireland's overseas aid budget by €95 million. The Dublin MEP has described the government's silence on the ODA budget cut announced last week as deafening. Read more

Did Dublin take its eye off the ball on ‘Project Kelvin?’

Sinn Fein Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin writing in this week’s An Phoblacht has questioned whether the Irish Government took its eye off the ball in relation to the international telecommunications venture, Project Kelvin. Read more

Loss of SR Technics jobs a devastating blow to North Dublin - McDonald

Responding to the news that over 1,100 more jobs are to go at the SR Technics Plant at Dublin Airport, Mary Lou McDonald MEP said the news will be a major blow to the North-side of Dublin where many of the workers affected come from. Read more

Níl aontas ar bith fá staitistící Gaeilge sna scoileanna – Sinn Féin

Ag déanamh tagairt ar tuairisc sna meáin cumarsáide inniu dúirt urlabharaí oideachais Shinn Féin Seán Ó Dubhda CTR, nach bhfuil aontas ar bith ar go bhfuil níos mó páistí sna Sé chontae ag foghlaim na Gaeilge nó tríd an Ghaeilge agus iad ar scoil. Read more

Increase in language students comes as no surprise – Sinn Fein

Commenting on reports carried in the media today that the number of children learning Irish or through Irish at school comes as no surprise according to Sinn Fein education spokesperson John O'Dowd MLA. Read more

1980s golden circle is alive and well in Irish politics - Government should resign

Responding to the revelations surrounding Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Life & Permanent and the government's failure to hold the banking sector to account Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said, 'clearly the golden circle of the 1980s is alive and well in Irish politics. Finance Minister Brian Lenihan should be… Read more

Minister Gildernew announces additional funding to help deal with contaminated feed incident

The Executive today agreed to allocate additional funding for hardship payments to producers and processors affected by the contaminated feed incident. Read more

Minister should call for arms embargo against Israel – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin International Affairs and Human Rights Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD called on Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin to publicly call for an arms embargo against Israel. He also repeated his call for a suspension of the Euro-Med Agreement which underpins preferential trade… Read more

Mary Lou McDonald MEP debates EU Constitution architect Valéry Giscard D'Estaing on Future of Europe

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald will tonight debate with EU Constitution architect Valéry Giscard D'Estaing on the future of Europe. Speaking ahead of this evenings debate Ms McDonald said that the future of Europe "must be decided by the peoples of Europe and not determined by political cliques… Read more

Irish Unity makes Economic Sense

Speaking at a public meeting in Limerick tonight on 'Why Irish Unity makes Economic Sense' Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams noted "it is now time to end the nonsense of two competing economies on this island with two administrations, two health services, two education systems, two investment bodies with separate… Read more

Co-First Minister Martin McGuinness Ard Fheis keynote speech 2008

Co-First Minister Martin McGuinness MP keynote speech at the 2008 Sinn Féin Ard Fheis. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZzGl6opzIM[/youtube] Read more

Gerry Adams' Presidential Address 2008

Fáilte mór romhaibh uilig chuig an Ard Fheis Sinn Féin. Tá sé iontach ag seasamh anseo ag labhairt libh agus tá mé bródúil as an deis. Tá a lán athraithe i ndiaidh tarlú go háirithe sa tuaisceart. Is deacar do dhaoine a chreidbheal na hathraithe ansin ach tá muid ar… Read more

Sinn Féin calls for urgent action on mortgage relief to avoid repossessions

Fra Mc Cann Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast has called on the Minister of Social Development to initiate the long awaited Mortgage Relief Scheme. Read more

Sinn Féin calls upon Environment Minister to clarify Department’s position on Public Inquiry into Belfast City Airport expansion

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey and East Belfast Party representative Niall Ó Donnghaile have called upon Environment Minister Sammy Wilson to clarify the position of his Department in relation to calls for a public inquiry into the proposed runway extension at Belfast City Airport. Read more

Call for removal of Mountpottinger Barracks ahead of East Belfast DPP meeting

East Belfast Sinn Féin Representative Niall O'Donnghaile, speaking ahead of tomorrow night's East Belfast DPP meeting which will focus on the future of Mountpottinger PSNI Barracks, has called for the speedy closure of the Barracks. Read more

When is Margaret Ritchie going to stop blaming everyone else? – Fra McCann

Speaking after Margaret Ritchie's desperate attempts at shirking her Ministerial responsibilities in relation to the social house building programme, Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Fra McCann MLA has called on the Minister to tell us what measures she is putting in place to meet her targets. Read more

DUP blocking £25million Special Needs funding

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson John O’Dowd has accused the DUP of directly blocking £25m of funding to Special Needs children. Mr. O’Dowd’s comments come after the DUP once again blocked the paper which will release this funding going before last weeks Executive. Read more

McGuinness pays tribute at 20th anniversary of murdered Sinn Féin Councillor John Davey

Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness MP, MLA (Mid-Ulster) told a republican commemoration in Lavey, Co. Derry marking the 20th anniversary of the murder of Sinn Féin councillor, John Davey, that he was "firmly off the opinion that while John Davey's murder was claimed by the UVF, I have no doubt that… Read more

Lisbon poll results mean little - Government must publish Treaty re-run 'guarantees'

Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland programme today on the Irish Times Lisbon Treaty poll Sinn Féin Lisbon Campaign Director and North West EU Candidate Cllr. Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has described the poll 'as meaning little in the poll as it has been taken place in the absence of the government… Read more

Easier to register to vote in Birmingham, Alabama than the North

West Belfast Sinn Fein MLA Jennifer McCann has commented after the revelation that it is easier to get onto the electoral register in Birmingham, Alabama, than it is to get on the register in the North of Ireland Read more

245% increase in PSNI stop and search

Sinn Féin Policing Board member Martina Anderson today has said that the massive increase in the use of stop and search anti-terrorism powers by the PSNI was unacceptable. Read more

Derry and Donegal Sinn Féin Councillors join forces to push North West tourism

Derry Sinn Féin Councillor Maeve McLaughlin and Donegal Sinn Féin Councillor Padraig MacLochlainn have joined forces to push for an increased focus by the Irish government on tourism development and promotion of the Inishowen peninsula and the wider county of Donegal as an integral part of the North West Region… Read more

Government must publish Lisbon re-run 'guarantees'

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has this afternoon reiterated the party's demand for the government to publish the Lisbon Treaty re-run 'guarantees' text. Ms McDonald noted that without the detail of what the Irish people are being asked to vote on the Irish Times Lisbon poll pushlished today… Read more

Government must legislate to support sub-prime mortgage holders – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has called for legislation to be introduced to enable new repayment terms for families who are in arrears on their mortgage repayments as a result of the economic downturn. Deputy Morgan was responding to reports that 80% of applications for home repossession are… Read more

Sinn Féin hosts Brook Centres 16th Birthday at Stormont

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Health Committee, Sue Ramsey, has hosted the 16th birthday of the local Brook Advisory Centres at Stormont today. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome motion into the Role and Potential of Credit Unions

Sinn Fein MLA and Deputy Chair of the Enterprise Trade and Investment Committee, Jennifer McCann, has welcomed the publishing of the report on the Inquiry into the Role and Potential of Credit unions in the north of Ireland. Speaking ahead of a motion calling on the Assembly to approve the… Read more

Criminal Assets Bureau must be sent in to investigate Fitzpatrick

In response to the latest revelations about Séan Fitzpatrick and the transfer of loans from Irish Nationwide, Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has said that Fitzpatrick must be pursued by the Criminal Assets Bureau. Read more

Adams - shooting of Robert Delany is an act of thuggery carried out by criminals

Following his meeting last Saturday (14th Feb.) with Terry Delany, father of Robert Delany, a young postman who was brutally shot at 6.30am on 24th October 2008 at his home in Tallaght, Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams MP, said: Read more

Poots should withdraw remark – O’Dowd

John O’ Dowd MLA has criticised DUP MLA Edwin Poots for referring to the non Grammar school sector as ‘bog standard Comprehensives’ in an Assembly question to Education Minister Caitríona Ruane. Read more

PSNI presentation underlines the case for removal of Mountpottinger barracks

East Belfast Sinn Féin representative Niall Ó Donnghaile, speaking after tonight's East Belfast DPP meeting which focused on the future of Mountpottinger PSNI barracks, has said that last night's presentation by the PSNI underlines the case for the removal of this barracks. Mr Ó Donnghaile has called upon the PSNI… Read more

Suffolk Road shooting attack cannot be justified

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, Sue Ramsey, has spoken out against last nights shooting in the Suffolk Road area. The shooting is believed to part of an ongoing feud between members of the Travelling community. Read more

Minister to be challenged over Invest NIs track record on Strabane

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty is scheduled to meet Economy Minister Arlene Foster early next month to discuss what he says is Invest NIs continued neglect of Strabane District. The local MP, who requested the meeting with Arlene Foster late last year said, Read more

Sinn Féin calls for legislation to compel witnesses to appear before Oireachtas Committees

Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan has called for legislation to be enacted to empower the Oireachtas to persons under scrutiny to make an appearance in front Oireachtas Committees and to furnish any documents requested by the Oireachtas. Deputy Morgan also requests that this legislation make it a criminal offence to… Read more

Sinn Féin welcome Farm Modernisation scheme.

Sinn Féin MP and MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed the opening of the Farm Modernisation scheme by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew. The aim of the scheme is to help boost the agricultural sector and as a result the rural economy in times of economic… Read more

Pension levy an unjust attack on working people – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD, speaking during a Dáil debate on the Pension Levy this evening, described the levy as a punitive, mean spirited and fundamentally unjust attack on working people in the public sector. Deputy Morgan said the culture of crony capitalism which was championed by Charlie… Read more

Anderson hails prospect of Kelvin progress

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has welcomed the significant progress which it is hoped will lead to a resolution of the Project Kelvin controversy. Read more

McGuinness sees resolution to 'Project Kelvin' issue

Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness speaking today after meeting with DETI Minister, Arlene Foster, said that he was hopeful that a resolution could be found to the issue of the location of the telehouse for Project Kelvin. Read more

Ferris welcomes commitment to lower gas prices

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Energy Martin Ferris TD has welcomed the announcement by Bord Gáis that the price charged to consumers will fall by 25% over the coming year. Read more

Gildernew announces aid for farmers affected by August 2008 flooding

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA today announced the introduction of legislation to provide hardship payments to farmers who suffered loss as a result of the exceptional flooding on 16 August 2008. Read more

McCartney calls for removal of threat

Sinn Féin Spokesperson, Raymond McCartney MLA (Foyle) has called on the previously unheard of group styling itself Bogside Republican Action Group (Brag) to publicly withdraw a threat contained in a letter delivered to a priest in Derry. Read more

More Specialist Debt Advisors needed in current economic climate

Sinn Fein MLA and Vice Chair of the Committee for Enterprise Trade & Investment has called for more specialist debt advisors to help people overcome the financial difficulties they find themselves in. Read more

de Brún in EU humanitarian Gaza visit

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will travel to Gaza next week as part of a cross-party group of European MPs to see firsthand the humanitarian needs on the ground. Read more

Fine Gael attack on vulnerable shameful

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has today slammed Fine Gael's social and family affairs spokesperson Olwyn Enright for seeking to slash the rent supplement scheme by 12%. Ms McDonald described the proposal as 'a disgraceful attack on the most vulnerable in Irish society." Read more

Assembly commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA and Chair of the Assembly’s Employment and Learning Committee Sue Ramsey has today welcomed the recognition from the Assembly that STEM will play an integral role in benefiting the economy in the North. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome public inquiry into John Lewis plans

West Belfast and Lagan Valley Sinn Féin MLA’s Jennifer McCann and Paul Butler have welcomed the announcement that there is to be a public inquiry into the development of the John Lewis store at Sprucefield. Read more

Housing waiting list figures alarming, Minister Ritchie it's over to you – McCann

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson and West Belfast MLA Fra McCann has once again called on the Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie to inform people of what practical plans she has in place to assist those citizens languishing on the social housing waiting list. Read more

Employment Rights Compliance Bill does not go far enough to protect workers – Morgan

Sinn Féin Workers’ Rights Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has welcomed the long overdue delivery of the Employment Rights Compliance Bill. However Deputy Morgan said he believes that the Bill does not go far enough to root out the problem of exploitation of workers. Read more

Government must do more to tackle fuel poverty – Doherty

Speaking in the Seanad today Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty welcomed an indication from Bord Gáis that their gas prices are to fall by 25% over the course of the year but said fuel poverty will remain a major problem and the Government must do more. The Donegal Senator went… Read more

Loss of 60 jobs at Lakeland a devastating blow to workers and local economy

Responding to the news that over 60 jobs are to go at Lakeland Dairies Powder Plant at Lough Egish the Mayor of County Monaghan, Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy, said that it would be a huge blow to the workers concerned and to the local economy. Read more

ESB Must Be allowed to Lower Prices

EU Candidate, Cllr Toireasa Ferris, today called on the government to allow the ESB to reduce electricity bills for cash strapped families and industries. A small change in the law would allow the ESB to reduce prices in line with international fuel prices. Read more

Cork Swansea Ferry Should Be Supported

EU Candidate, Cllr Toireasa Ferris, has called on all political representatives to publicly urge support for the Cork Swansea Ferry project and do everything in their power to make sure it gets off the ground. Read more

2009 Ard Fheis Clár launched

Dublin MEP and incoming Vice President Mary Lou McDonald today launched the 2009 Ard Fhéis Clár along with Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD in Dublin Read more

Sinn Féin welcome funding for childcare but long term provision needs secured

Sinn Fein MLA, Jennifer McCann, welcomed the £1.5 million given for the continuation to fund existing childcare places but said more needed to be done to increase the level of childcare provision in all. Read more

£7m for deprived areas welcomed

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has welcomed news that £7m is to be spent in deprived areas over the next two years, ending months of speculation and uncertainty that key community posts were to be axed. Read more

Minister opens rail operations training academy in Belfast

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy today opened the £1.7million Rail Operations Training Academy at Adelaide in south Belfast. Read more

Sinn Féin launch Ard Fhéis 2009 Clár - a Vision for Ireland's Future

The Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2009 is taking place this Friday and Saturday February 20th and 21st at the RDS in Dublin. The theme of this year's Ard Fheis is, "A Vision For Ireland's Future - Aisling do thodhchaí na hÉireann". Today Dublin MEP and incoming Vice President Mary Lou… Read more

Ferris calls for action on Waste Management Scheme

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD has reiterated his call for the Farm Waste Management Scheme to be implemented within the promised time frame, and for farmers who will be at a loss because of loans they have taken out to be compensated for having to meet… Read more

Pension levy Bill includes nothing in the public interest – Morgan

Speaking in the Dáil today on the ‘Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Bill 2009’ Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said the title of the Bill is a fraudulent statement in itself. He said there is nothing in the Bill which is in the public interest. Deputy… Read more

ERINI report contains positives to offset hardship

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast and vice chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee, Jennifer McCann, commenting on the ERINI report Mitigating the Recession said: Read more

Minister concerned by cider industry job losses

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has today expressed regret and disappointment at Magners’ announcement of 120 job losses across Ireland. Read more

Hollywood Road visit highlights further the need to suspend Strategic Business Review into Social Security

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on benefits, Mickey Brady, following a visit to the Hollywood Road Social Security Office has stated that there is now a greater need than ever to suspend the Strategic Business Review into the social services. Read more

Education Minister meets post-primary principles

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has addressed over 40 post-primary Principals to discuss Transfer 2010. Read more

FÁS report further evidence of FF/PD Golden Circle

Responding to the revelations that FÁS breached financial procedures at a massive cost to the taxpayer Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has described the findings of the report as further evidence the government’s ‘golden circle’. Read more

McGuinness welcomes decision on Project Kelvin Telehouse

Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness MP, MLA has welcomed the confirmation from Arlene Foster, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) and Hibernia Atlantic, the contractor, that the location of the Project Kelvin ‘Telehouse’ will be located in Derry City as originally intended. Read more

Concern at the increased levels of Caesarean sections

Sinn Féin MLA and deputy chair of the Health Committee, Michelle O Neill, has said that there are increasing concerns about the amount of women opting for a caesarean sections during childbirth. Recent studies have shown that this method of delivery can lead to increased need for postnatal care. Read more

Anderson Welcomes ‘Telehouse’ confirmation

Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson welcoming the decision by Arlene Foster, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) to reinstate the original terms of the Kelvin Project highlights the accountability of the Assembly and the ability of local people to make change. Read more

Tánaiste must intervene to stop SR Technics closure

Following a meeting today with Trade Union Officials from SR Technics to discuss the closure of the Dublin base by SRT Zurick Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has called on the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan to immediately intervene with the sole objective… Read more

FÁS report further evidence of FF/PD Golden Circle Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD

Responding to the revelations that FÁS breached financial procedures at a massive cost to the taxpayer Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has described the findings of the report as further evidence the government’s ‘golden circle’. Read more

McDonald slams McEvaddy comments

Dublin Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has slammed this morning’s comments from Ulick McEvaddy in which he praised the ten members of the so-called ‘Golden Circle’ Read more

For Jim Allister to match the substance of the Agricultural Minister will take some work- Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin Agriculture spokesperson, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty MLA, has dismissed Jim Allisters attack on Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew as one of the last outbursts he get to make in the European parliament Read more

Education Minister Meets Antrim Parents

Sinn Féin Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has outlined her planned changes in education at a public meeting in Antrim Read more

Gildernew announces nest phase of regional food programme

Sinn Féin Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has announced the third phase of the local Regional Food Programme (NIRFP) for 2009/10 Read more

Gildernew launches South Armagh Chlidcare Consortium’s Report

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has launched South Armagh’s Childcare Consortium’s (SACC) report Read more

Keynote Address on the Economy by Sinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald MEP

Keynote Address on the Economy by Sinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald MEP Read more

McDonald slams McEvaddy comments

Dublin Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has slammed this morning's comments from Ulick McEvaddy in which he praised the ten members of the so-called 'Golden Circle'. Read more

Gildernew launches South Armagh childcare consortiums report

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has launched South Armagh’s Childcare Consortium’s (SACC) report. Read more

For Jim Allister to match the substance of the Agricultural Minister will take some work

Sinn Féin Agriculture spokesperson, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty MLA, has dismissed Jim Allisters attack on Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew as one of the last outbursts he get to make in the European parliament. Read more

Padraig Mac Lochlainn Key note on Lisbon

On June 12th last year, over 860, 000 Irish people rejected the Lisbon Treaty. With a turnout of voters higher than the second referendum on the Nice Treaty in 2002, the Irish Government were given a decisive mandate to return to their European partners and negotiate a better deal for… Read more

Keynote Address by Sinn Féin Chairperson Mary Lou McDonald MEP

Ireland has had its share of challenges, the people have met difficult circumstances with a determination, hope and belief that, I believe, defines us as a people. Read more

Gerry Kelly speaks on Motion 10

There has been an understandable focus in recent weeks on the issue of truth and truth recovery, with the publication of the Eames/Bradley report. This also addressed a number of other issues. We are currently engaged in a consultation on the detail of the report. However sometime ago Sinn Féin… Read more

Alex Maskey Speaks on Motion 18

In the course of recent years policing in the north has undergone a significant change. The transition from what was into a civic policing service will represent a transformation of policing in the six counties. Read more

Kathleen Funchion speaks on motion 97

Comrades on June 12th 2008 the Irish people overwhelmingly rejected the Lisbon Treaty. Voters made their decision based on the fact that Lisbon was a bad deal for Ireland. Nothing has changed. The Lisbon Treaty is still a bad deal for Ireland. Read more

Toiréasa Ferris Speaks to motion 95

Toireasa Ferris, Kerry County and Tralee Town Councillor, Sinn Féin Candidate for Ireland South Constituency, speaking in favour of Motion 95. I am speaking today not just as an elected representative, but as a young mother who like all parents does not want to rear my daughter for export, rather… Read more

Bairbre de Brún speaks on motion 98

The weak international response to the death of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, the ongoing blockade, the continued occupation settlements on the West Bank and the apartheid wall has shocked people across the world. People are particularly horrified that more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the recent Israeli… Read more

Bairbre de Brún M.E.P. speaks to motion 98

The weak international response to the death of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, the ongoing blockade, the continued occupation settlements on the West Bank and the apartheid wall has shocked people across the world. People are particularly horrified that more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the recent Israeli… Read more

Mac Lochlainn calls for a new treaty for new times

Sinn Féin North West EU candidate Pádraig Mac Lochlainn addressing the party's Ard Fheis on the Lisbon Treaty said "The people of Ireland and Europe deserve better than the Lisbon Treaty. We need a new treaty for new times.Ireland’s place is firmly within Europe. The Irish people have been loud… Read more

Cross Border Inquiry only way forward for Omagh Families

Reacting to the decision not to prosecute the two PSNI officers who were heavily criticised by the judge in the Omagh bomb trial, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty said that it was increasingly obvious that the Omagh families will not receive justice through the normal state mechanisms and the only… Read more

Martin McGuinness Keynote Speech on Irish Unity

The Ard Fheis allows us the opportunity to review our work over the past year, to recommit ourselves to our republican ideals, to our work and plans for the achievement of our primary political objective – the peaceful reunification of our country Read more

Gerry Adams Presidential Address Ard Fheis 2009

Gerry Adams Presidential Address Ard Fheis 2009 Read more

MacLochlainn - Awakening the West

Sinn Féin North West EU candidate Pádraig Mac Lochlainn addressing the party's Ard Fheis calls for action to rebuild the West of Ireland. He commended the report produced by the party 'Awakening the West'. Read more

Aengus ó'Snodaig T.D. Speaks on Palestine

A chairde, Tá áthas orm labhairt anseo anocht ar na run rí-thabhachtach san rannóg seo, an rannóg Idirnáisiúnta. Tá mé ag lorg tacaíocht ach go h-áirithe do ruin éigeandála an Ard Chomhairle faoin Phailistín. Chonaic muid ar fad tréimhse an Nollaig agus isteach san Athbhliain ár Iosrael agus iad ag… Read more

Padraig Mac Lochlainn speaks to motions 99 and 100

Partition has been a profound injustice to border communities and has failed us all One month ago, hundreds of Irish republicans from throughout the Island of Ireland gathered together at the Mansion House in Dublin to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the first Dáil and to rededicate ourselves to the… Read more

Caoimhghín ó Caoláin T.D. Speaks on Irish unity.

Iarraim oraibh tacú le Rún nócha-naoi in ainm an Ard Chomhairle. Tá an rún ag iarraidh ar an Ard Fheis a chur in iúl gur ceist Aontacht na hÉireann an phríomhcheist ar ár gclár. Mar a deireann an Rún, ní ábhar díospóireachta againn í, nó rud a thig anuas dúinn… Read more

Senator Pearse Doherty speaks on An Gaeilge

The Irish language is a central component of our culture which belongs to all of us who live on this island irrespective of creed or political outlook. It enriches all our lives. This is why Sinn Féin believes strongly in the need to protect and promote the Irish language. Read more

Arthur Morgan T.D. Speaking on the Economy

A chairde, since we last gathered here 12 months ago over 150,000 workers have lost their jobs, and at least 100,000 more will be gone by year end. From Dell in Limerick to DC Technics in North Dublin, tens of thousands of workers and their families are facing unemployment, saddled… Read more

Martin Ferris speaks on motion 128

As the motion points out, Irish fishermen and their communities are at a massive disadvantage because of the manner in which our fisheries are run from Brussels. I say our fisheries although in reality the Irish state surrendered control over them during the scandalous deal which it made during the… Read more

Senator Pearse Doherty speaking on motion 165

A Chairde, I support this motion and first let me whole-heartedly commend the 6 county education minister Caitríona Ruane in her tireless efforts in developing an education system grounded in equality, inclusion and sustainability. Read more

Tómas Sharkey Speaks to motion 113

Today is an important day in Irish history. Tens of thousands of public sector workers supported by friends, families and retired colleagues are being forced onto the streets to make a bad government see sense. As a teacher and a public servant myself I will be joining my Union and… Read more

Martin McGuinness speaks on Irrish Unity

The Ard Fheis allows us the opportunity to review our work over the past year, to recommit ourselves to our republican ideals, to our work and plans for the achievement of our primary political objective - the peaceful reunification of our country. Read more

Cáitríona Ruane Comhalta Tionól Reachtaíochta An Dún Theas

A chairde, tácaím le rún céad agus a haon. Is é Sinn Féin an t-aon pháirtí ar fud na tíre seo a athnaíonn agus a oibríonn ar son cur chun cinn na Gaeilge. Tá muid i mbun feachtais go fóill ar son Acht Gaeilge fiúntach, bunaithe ar chearta a bhaint… Read more

Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle Gildernew

This Ard Fheis welcomes progress by Sinn Féin Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle Gildernew in assisting farmers and rural communities Read more

Conor Murphy Speaks on motion 134

A Chairde agus Chomrádaithe. I want to take this opportunity to present the progress our Party has made in the year since we last gathered at our Ard Fheis in Dublin. Read more

Senator Pearse Doherty speaks on Regional Development

Over the past year I have travelled the length and breadth of the west of Ireland from west cork to Donegal. I have meet with communities who are fighting for their very survival, communities that have witnessed over previous decades the withdrawal of vital services and in theses economic circumstances… Read more

Padraig Mac Loughlainn Speaking on motion 135

When Pearse Doherty delivered the introduction to the Presidential Address at last year’s Ard Fheis, launching the West’s Awake campaign, it was clear that something special was afoot. Read more

Mitchell McLaaughlin Speaks on motion 109

Ard Chomhairle Motion 109. This Ard Fheis recognises the centrality of equality within the Office of the First and deputy First Minister and calls on it to ensure that the Programme for Government commitments to tackle poverty, disadvantage and regional disparities are delivered. Read more

Sinn Féin motion calls for full implementation of Prison Ombudsman’s recommendations on Maghaberry

Sinn Féin MLA’s Raymond McCartney and Martina Anderson will present a motion at tomorrows sitting of the Assembly calling for the full implementations of the recommendations of the report made by the Prison Ombudsman into the death of Colin Bell in Maghaberry Prison. Read more

Decisions on health funding crisis must be made by Dáil

Commenting on today's (Monday) crisis meeting of the Health Service Executive and the possible shortfall of over €1 billion in its budget, Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said that strategic decision-making should be taken from the HSE and that the Dáil is the place… Read more

Cathal Boylan and Gerry Adams voice opposition to Interconnector at Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry/Armagh Cathal Boylan told Sinn Féin’s Ard Fheis on Saturday that the Cavan to Tyrone Interconnector cannot go ahead as planned. Read more

Sinn Féin’s Daithí McKay makes formal complaints against DUP

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has made a formal complaint against DUP Members Sammy Wilson and William Irwin to the Assembly’s Standards and Privileges Committee. Mr McKay has accused the Environment Minister Sammy Wilson of being in breach of the Members’ Code of Conduct, the Ministerial Code of… Read more

Gildernew recieves update from renewable energy stakeholders group

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA today met with a delegation from the Agricultural Stakeholder Forum on Renewable Energy to discuss progress to date. Read more

Sinn Féin reject Alex Atwood’s comments on Policing and Justice transfer

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on Policing and Justice Alex Maskey has rejected that the claims today by the SDLP’s Alex Atwood and labelled them disingenuous. Read more

Sinn Féin motion calling for full implementation of Prison Ombudsman recommendations on Maghaberry passed.

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on Human Rights, Martina Anderson, has welcomed the Assembly endorsing a Sinn Féin motion into the Prison Ombudsman’s report following the death of Colin Bell in Maghaberry Prison in 2008. Read more

Ruane welcomes Downpatrick regeneration consultation.

Sinn Fein MLA for South Down, Caitríona Ruane, has welcomed the beginning of a consultation process into the regeneration of Downpatrick’s town centre. Read more

Ó Donnghaile welcomes Short Strand Social Housing Boost

Sinn Féin’s East Belfast Representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has welcomed today’s news that 27 Apartments on the Short Strand in East Belfast will be used by Clanmill Housing association for social units. Read more

Adams appeals for ‘sensitivity and discretion’ on Milltown

Sinn Féin West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has expressed his hope that issues around bereaved families and Milltown cemetery can be resolved as quickly. Read more

Major report on redevelopment of the West of Ireland to be debated in Seanad today

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Regional Development and author of the Oireachtas Arts, Sport, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Committee report 'Awakening the West' has welcomed a Seanad debate, which will take place today, on the report recommendations recently adopted by the Committee. Read more

Minister for Regional Development meets with Lough Foyle Ferry Company operators.

Sinn Féin Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy has met with the operators of the Lough Foyle Ferry Company to listen to concerns regarding it long term future. The meeting was organised by East Derry MLA Francie Brolly. Read more

Anderson seeks guarantee on Social Security jobs in Derry

Sinn Féin Spokesperson, Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has called on Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie to state unambiguously that Civil Service jobs and services will not be removed from Derry under a review of the social security system. Read more

Sinn Féin calls for more support for SME’s

Sinn Féin MLA and deputy chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment committee Jennifer McCann has called for the urgent need to bolster the Small and Medium Enterprise sector. This follows a debate in today’s Assembly on the negative impact that the current economic climate is having on the sector Read more

Maskey takes part in Assembly debate on Belfast City Airport extension

Sinn Féin South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey today called for a full public inquiry into the proposed runway extension at Belfast City Airport. Read more

Ballymurphy and Jordan Victims families meet British Secretary of State

Sinn Féin West Belfast MP Gerry Adams MLA this afternoon met the British Secretary of State Shaun Woodward. Read more

Freeze Fitzpatrick’s bank account – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has welcomed news that Anglo Irish Bank is being raided by the Garda fraud squad. However Deputy Morgan questioned why the Gardaí were not sent in when the Government received the Price Waterhouse Cooper report on the bank in October. He went on… Read more

Proper investigation into Anglo’s toxic loans must be initiated – Morgan

Speaking in the Dáil this evening on a Private Members Motion on Anglo Irish Bank Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan called for a proper investigation to be initiated into the bank’s toxic loans. Read more

Ó Caoláin rejects ‘discriminatory tax’ in debate on pension levy legislation

Speaking in the Dáil this evening, on the Government legislation to introduce the pension levy, Sinn Féin Dáil leader rejected the legislation describing it as a discriminatory tax. Deputy Ó Caoláin also welcomed today’s Garda raid on the headquarters of Anglo Irish Bank but said it should have happened long… Read more

Sinn Féin slams IDB following the findings of Audit Office Report on Valence Technology

Sinn Féin Chairperson of the PAC, Paul Maskey MLA, has said that he welcomes what he has called a unique and exposing report from the Audit Office on the Review of assistance to Valence Technology. Read more

Assembly needs to do what they can for Bus firm workers

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that the Assembly must ensure that all that can be done is done to ensure that those losing their jobs at Wrightbus are reskilled, retrained and secure continuous employment. Read more

Lisanelly & St Lucia motion passed at Sinn Féin Ard Fhéis

Delegates at Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Dublin at the weekend unanimously backed a motion from the Omagh Sinn Féin Comhairle Ceantair calling upon the British Government to honour commitments given and to speedily engage in the process of transferring the vacated Lisanelly and St Lucia military sites to the… Read more

Ferris highlights flaws in electoral register

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Local Government Martin Ferris TD has drawn attention to discrepancies in the electoral register published at the beginning of the month. The Kerry North TD was responding to a reply from the Minister to a question he had tabled regarding the fact that many people… Read more

Banksters should be made return bonuses of last 3 years

As the pension levy enters committee stage, Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has tabled a number of amendments to address the disproportionate burden of pay cuts on the lower paid. In the amendments Deputy Morgan has also called for banking executives to return all bonuses they have wrongfully… Read more

Maskey challenges DUP claims on transfer of policing powers

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Policing Alex Maskey has described the publication of the draft legislation to give effect to the transfer of powers on policing and justice as another significant step towards the transfer of these powers in the near future. Read more

Sinn Féin react to Woodword announcement on Eames/Bradley

Reacting to the announcement on a radio show this morning by the British Secretary of State Shaun Woodward that the British Government are to abandon the recognition payment contained the in the Eames/Bradley proposals, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Victims issues Francie Molloy said: Read more

Government must reverse decision to increase class sizes - Doherty

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty has said the announcement by the Minister for Education that 254 teaching posts will be lost as a result of the Government decision to increase class sizes is just the tip of the iceberg and claimed that over 1,000 positions will be lost… Read more

Sinn Féin delegation in Welsh Assembly visit

Sinn Féin Assembly Group Leader John O’Dowd MLA has led a party delegation on a visit to the Welsh Assembly; the delegation included party activists Seán Oliver and Rosie McCorley, as well as Cllr Gerry Mac Lochlainn from Derry. Read more

Sinn Féin call on Advocate of Older People to play proactive role regarding Residential Home Closures

Sinn Fein MLA for West Tyrone, and member of the OFMDFM Committee, Barry McElduff, has called on the Advocate of Older People, Joan Harbison to take a proactive role in tackling the closure of Residential Care homes. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes verdict in McIlveen trial

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has welcomed the verdict in the Michael McIlveen case. Mr McKay said that the murder had devastated the local community and it was important that justice was delivered. Read more

Almost one person a day died from drugs in eight years to 2005 - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has warned against any further cutbacks for drug services pointing to the fact that the heroin epidemic of the 1980s coincided with the economic recession of that time. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes funding for Child Protection Services

Sinn Féin MLA and deputy chair of the Health Committee, Michelle O’Neill, has welcomed the £3.5million investment to help support child protection services. The announcement follows a series of meeting with Sinn Féin and the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, regarding additional funding for unallocated social services cases. Read more

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Michelle O'Neill meets with CJD campaigner

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson and deputy Chair of the Assembly’s Health Committee Michelle O’Neill MLA today met with VCJD campaigner Christine Lord in Stormont. Read more

MacLochlainn welcomes Donegal and Sligo's exemption from Air Travel Tax

Sinn Féin's European election candidate for the North West constituency Councillor Padraig MacLochlainn has welcomed today's announcement that Donegal and Sligo Airports will be exempt from the air travel tax announced in Budget 09 pending a legislative change to increase the exemption threshold from 10,000 departing passengers in the previous… Read more

Strong approach needed to eradicate domestic violence – Sinn Féin

Sinn Fein MLA spokesperson on Human Rights, Martina Anderson, today in the Human Rights and Professional Standards Committee at the Assembly has been involved in a round table discussion on Domestic Abuse. This was the final discussion with key stakeholders before the results of the inquiry in domestic abuse, which… Read more

Strategic requirements of sporting bodies must be met – Sinn Féin

Sinn Fein MLA Barry McElduff, who is Chair of the Assembly’s Culture, Arts and Leisure committee, has stated that the strategic requirements of the three sporting bodies, the GAA, IRFU and IFA, who would have been involved in the Multi Sports Stadium at the Long Kesh site must be met. Read more

Equality Commission must do what it is there for – deliver and safe guard equality.

Sinn Fein MLA and Human Rights spokesperson Martina Anderson has stated that the Equality Commission must do what it was established to do – deliver and safeguard equality. This follows the Commission presenting its Corporate plan in front of the OFMDFM committee today at the Assembly. Read more

Sinn Féin Oireachtas team show solidarity with CPSU workers

Speaking from the picket line outside Leinster House today Sinn Féin Workers Rights Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said Sinn Féin TDs, Senator and staff are unanimously showing solidarity with CPSU workers, who are on one day strike in response to the governments pension levy, by not passing today's picket outside… Read more

Gaza – level of destruction unimaginable

Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brun speaking from Gaza has said that the level of destruction is unimaginable and that almost the entire economic and social infrastructure of the area has been destroyed. Read more

East border region stands strong in economic downturn – Murphy

Following today’s announcement that the Newry branch of Teleperformance is to create 610 new jobs, Sinn Féin MP and MLA for Newry/ Armagh Conor Murphy has said that this is yet another boost for the region. Read more

Sinn Féin condemn petrol bomb attack on Fermanagh church hall

Sinn Féin MP and MLA for Fermanagh/ South Tyrone, Michelle Gildernew, has condemned last nights petrol bomb attack on a church hall on the Clogh Road near Rosslea. Read more

Assembly to debate scrapping of social security review

Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has welcomed the opportunity next week to debate the controversial decision by DSD MNinister, Margaret Ritchie to to review social security agency services with a view to replacing face-to face contact with an automated telephone service – which would threaten jobs and services in Derry. Read more

Sinn Féin urge trusts to appoint Community Resuscitation Co-ordinator.

Sinn Féin MLA and vice chair of the Health Committee in the Assembly, Michelle O’Neill, attended an Emergency Life Skills training session today in the Long Gallery in Stormont which was organised by the British Heart Foundation: Read more

Executive agrees further fuel payments for 150,000 households

The Executive today has agreed household fuel payments of £150 which will be delivered to those most in need. Read more

The Public has no confidence in Environment Minister

Sinn Féin Environmental Spokesperson and North Antrim MLA Daithí McKay has rounded on Minister Sammy Wilson. He said that the Minister was doing a disastrous job and that the no confidence vote taken by the Environment Committee was reflective of wider society. Read more

Bás Eddie Keenan

Tá Uachtarán Sinn Féin agus FP do Bhéal Feirste Thiar, Gearóid Mac Adhamh, i ndiaidh a "mhórbhrón" a chur in iúl fá nuacht bhás an phoblachtaigh ársa, Eddie Keenan (é 88 bliain d'aois) a fuair bás tráthnóna inné sa bhaile ag Cill Uaighe. Ghabh an t-Uasal MacAdhamh chomhbhrón ó chroí… Read more

Death of Eddie Keenan

Sinn Féin President and west Belfast MP Gerry Adams has expressed his “deep sorrow” at the news of the death of veteran republican Eddie Keenan, aged 88, who died this afternoon at his home in Twinbrook. Mr. Adams extended his sincerest condolences to Eddie Keenan’s family. Read more

Lack of protection for elderly in care homes exposed‏

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has criticized the Health Minister after he refused to meet Mr McKay and a constituent regarding the lack of protection for the elderly and vulnerable in care homes. Mr McKay said that the case he was dealing with was truly shocking, but what… Read more

Sinn Féin welcome eating disorder unit.

Sinn Féin MLA and vice chair of the Health Committee, Michelle O’Neill, has welcomed the announcement today by the Health Minster, Michael McGimpsey, is to provide an eating disorder unit for the north of Ireland. Read more

Bilingual uniforms threaten nobody’s identity

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on the Irish language, Francie Brolly, has stated that the Irish language being represented on Limavady Council workers uniforms is an issue of equality and in no way threatens peoples identity. Read more

Replacing Fianna Fáil with Fine Gael? Pointless

Reiterating his Ard Fhéis call for a political alliance for change in Ireland, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said today that the replacement of the current coalition by another coalition with Fine Gael as the main party would be pointless. Read more

Minister confirms end of Dial to Stop Drug Dealing campaign just five months after launching it – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has sharply criticised the government after the Minister for Drugs announced that the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing non Garda confidential free phone line will cease to operate when funding runs out, which could be imminent. This is despite the success of… Read more

February 2009 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

February 1, 2009

February 2, 2009

February 3, 2009

February 4, 2009

February 5, 2009

February 6, 2009

February 7, 2009

February 8, 2009

February 9, 2009

February 10, 2009

February 11, 2009

February 12, 2009