April 2009 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

Fatal Coleraine accident

Reacting to the third fatality within four days on local roads Coleraine Sinn Féin councillor Billy Leonard has said that the community has received yet another devastating shock which leaves another family totally shattered Read more

Ruane hailed for extending uniform scheme

Sinn Féin Education Minister Caitriona Ruane has been praised by the community sector after she confirmed that the school uniform grant would be extended to include primary school children Read more

Construction Industry could benefit from investment in energy efficiency

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún speaking from Brussels has said that the Executive must work closely with the EU institutions to maximise the potential benefit to the local economy. Read more

Policing Composition – concerns at senior ranks

Sinn Féin Policing Board member Daithí McKay commenting on the publication of information on the composition of the PSNI has voiced concern that there continues to be under representation of Catholics officers at senior ranks. Read more

Sectarianism has no place in North Belfast.

Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast Carál Ní Chuilín has slammed last nights attack on the Clifton Street Orange Hall stating that there is no place for sectarianism in North Belfast. Read more

Communities have given the clearest indication of all in opposition to recent events.

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, Paul Maskey, has stated that it is people on the ground who have given the clearest indication of opposition to recent events. Read more

Jobs creation strategy must accompany emergency budget – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has called on the Government to produce a jobs retention and creation strategy with next week’s budget Read more

New Public Health Agency must redress regional imbalances in health provision.

Sinn Féin MLA and deputy chair of the Health Committee, Michelle O’Neill, has welcomed the launch of the new Public Health Agency stating that the Agency must now strive to address the regional and specific health inequalities that exist within the six counties Read more

MEPs have crucial role in maximising EU opportunities - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún speaking after meeting with Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness and the two Junior Ministers in Brussels today to discuss the Executive’s Action Plan outlining its priorities for future European policy and funding has said that MEPs have a crucial role in maximising the opportunities… Read more

Anderson welcomes rates relief scheme announcement

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has welcomed confirmation that a small business rates relief scheme will be in place by next year Read more

HSE North East has lost confidence of GPs – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Cavan-Monaghan Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has described the Open Letter from two general practitioners who have resigned as GP Unit doctors as "a further blow to the credibility of the HSE in the North East region". Read more

Goggins recognises need to defend right to vote

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty speaking after meeting with British Minister Paul Goggins has welcomed the engagement on the need to defend the right of all citizens to vote. Read more

'British must honour rights pledge' - Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin Equality and Human Rights Spokesperson Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has called on the British Government to honour its commitments to implement a Bill of Rights for the north without delay. Read more

New health board must meet people’s expectations.

Sinn Féin MLA and deputy chair of the Health Committee Michelle O’Neill has welcomed the establishment of a single health board but said that savings that are made from the amalgamation of the four existing health boards must be redirected into improving the health service. Read more

Ruane welcomes support for newcomer children

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has launched a policy to support newcomer children participate fully in education Read more

Sinn Fein Backs Visteon Workers

Gerry Adams, Sinn Féin MP MLA for west Belfast and party colleagues Jennifer McCann MLA and Paul Maskey MLA this morning visited the Visteon Plant in west Belfast, which yesterday announced its closure. Read more

Ireland and Europe need a new treaty for a new time – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin's Aengus Ó Snodaigh today attacked the short sighted and discredited policies of neo-liberalisation and privatisation as well as their supporters within the E.U. Read more

Fine Gael pre-budget proposals more like an April fool’s joke – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has described Fine Gael’s pre-budget proposals as scant on detail and an attack on public services. Read more

Fine Gael propose another quango – Doherty

Speaking in the Seanad today Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty said at a time when 180,000 jobs have been lost in the past year and possibly a further 100,000 could be lost this year the only jobs that Fine Gael propose creating this year is a board of management of… Read more

Gildernew announces plans for new animal welfare legislation

Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has announced plans to bring forward new animal welfare legislation. Read more

Expert Group on Health Resources must address two-tier system – Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the establishment by Health Minister Mary Harney of the Expert Group on Resource Allocation and Financing the Health Sector, Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said that its terms of reference are too narrow and that it should examine the two-tier nature of the health system. Read more

Battling for Visteon Workers

Sinn Féin West Belfast MP Gerry Adams this morning spoke by phone to John Fleming the CEO of Ford Europe Read more

Ó Snodaigh launches programme of events to mark 93rd anniversary of 1916 Rising

Speaking as he helped to launch Sinn Féin’s programme of events to mark the 93rd anniversary of the Easter Rising Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the politics of ‘mé féin’ have failed and it is time for the politics of Sinn Féin Read more

Gerry Adams reveals on his blog that he will travel to the Middle East next week

Sinn Féin President and west Belfast MP Gerry Adams has revealed on his internet blog that he will be travelling to the Middle East next week. Read more

Sinn Féin EU candidate for East, Tomás Sharkey on Dial to Stop Drug Dealing campaign!

Sinn Féin EU candidate for East Tomás Sharkey, has voiced his concerns over the announcement by Minister Dermot Ahern regarding the end of funding for the Dial to Stop Drug Dealing campaign. Read more

Bombardier job losses highlight need to focus on indigenous Enterprise - Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) commenting on the loss of almost 1000 jobs at Bombardier said: "This announcement is a devastating blow to the workers and their families and I extend Sinn Féin's solidarity to them. Read more

Environment Committee hear evidence for putting Interconnector underground

At the invitation of Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin MLA, Cathal Boylan, leading scientists gave evidence to the DoE Committee as to their opinion that the Tyrone – Cavan Electricity Interconnector could and should be put underground. Read more

Maskey asks Minister to intervene to tackle Holyland problems

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has written to Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie to call on her Department to take the lead in providing high profile Executive intervention to ensure a long-term solution to the problems associated with the Holyland area Read more

GILDERNEW ANNOUNCES FARM MODERNISATION PROGRAMME BACK ON TRACK

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA today announced that the first round of the Farm Modernisation Programme (FMP) will go ahead as planned. Read more

Ó Caoláin calls for regulation of sub-prime lenders

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, speaking during a debate which he secured on the adjournment of the Dáil this evening, called on the Government to introduce legislation to regulate sub-prime mortgage lenders. Read more

de Brún welcomes Farm Modernisation Scheme breakthrough.

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed the breakthrough in the Farm Modernisation Scheme brought forward by the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA. Read more

Government ignorance of job losses contributes to exchequer deficit – Morgan

Speaking this afternoon as the latest exchequer figures were published highlighting a €3.72 billion shortfall on the Government’s first quarter target Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD blamed the Government’s inaction on the jobs crisis for the figures which he described as shocking. Read more

Sinn Féin response to Oireachtas Committee recommendation to scrap Coughlan Judgment

Sinn Fein Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald MEP has this afternoon described the Oireachtas Constitution Committee recommendation that the Coughlan Judgment be reversed as 'a travesty for democracy and yet another example as if one was needed of the governments arrogance and detachment from the very people it is suppose… Read more

Morgan calls for clarification on FÁS staff

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has called on the Tánaiste to clarify rumours that the State training company FÁS is to lay off its contracted training staff from tomorrow. Read more

Minister fully aware of destruction of files in case against the state

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called for a full, independent, public investigation into the circumstances surrounding the destruction of up to twenty years of files by the Garda Complaints Board despite the fact that some of the files were part of a current high court case… Read more

Sinn Féin Query Investment of Irish Bank Assets

Kerry North Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has expressed dissatisfaction at the failure to provide figures on the proportion of Irish bank assets that are invested in Ireland as opposed to abroad. Read more

Sharp increase in rent supplement figures highlights chronic need for social housing

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said new figures highlighting a 20,000 increase in the number of people receiving rent supplement over the past year highlights the chronic need for social housing. Read more

Deputy First Minister attends Premier of local film

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness joined the cast and crew of the new, locally produced, movie Pump Girl for a special preview screening in Belfast Read more

Over 3,000 schools pupils face disruption due to bomb scare

Sinn Féin MLA Paul Maskey has slammed those responsible for causing a bomb scare that has seen several schools on the Glen road facing disruption due to a suspect package left outside Christian Brothers School in West Belfast Read more

Criminal Justice Inspectorate report has equal measure of credit and criticism

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on Policing and Justice Alex Maskey has stated that there is equal measure of criticism and credit within the report by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate into levels of neighbourhood policing and from this improvements remain to be made Read more

North South Ministerial Council meets in Larne

The sixth meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in Transport sectoral format was held in Larne today, 3 April 2009 Read more

Bomb scare on Stewartstown Road adds more disruption to West Belfast communities

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, Jennifer McCann, has slammed those behind a bomb scare on the Stewartstown Road stating they have caused significant disruption to local communities Read more

RUANE UPDATES POLISH EDUCATION MINISTER

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has met with the Under-Secretary of State for the Polish Ministry of Education, Krzysztof Stanowski. Read more

Largo Foods to shed half its workforce in Gweedore – What’s Mary Coughlan going to do about it?

Following this afternoon’s announcement by Largo Foods of 123 job losses in Gweedore Sinn Féin Donegal Senator Pearse Doherty has called on Táiniste Mary Coughlan to immediately intervene noting “the Minister’s record to date on protecting jobs and supporting employers has been abysmal. Read more

Sinn Féin leadership meet in Dublin ahead of next weeks emergency budget

Sinn Féin leadership met today in Dublin to discuss the party’s proposals and priorities ahead of next week’s emergency budget. Read more

Family Funday planned for Visteon workers, Sinn Féin continues to lobby on behalf of workforce

West Belfast Sinn Fein MLA Jennifer McCann has reaffirmed Sinn Fein’s and the local community’s support for the workers who are currently occupying the Visteon plant in West Belfast. Read more

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams to visit Israel & Palestine this week

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams today outlined details of his visit this week to Israel and Palestine where he will meet senior members of the Palestinian Authority Read more

Adams Speaks to Ford CEO on Visteon

Gerry Adams this morning spoke by phone with John Fleming the CEO of Ford Europe. Mr. Adams has been pressing Ford to honour its obligations to the 210 Visteon workers who were last week sacked. Read more

Sinn Féin EU East Candidate speaks at International Peace Conference in Strasbourg

Sinn Féins Candidate in the Ireland East European Constituency Tómas Sharkey addressed the International Peace Conference in Strasbourg today. Read more

Council Boundary Review has opportunity to respect the Irish Language; it should take it – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on the Irish Language, Francie Brolly, has called on the review of Local Government Boundaries to use this opportunity to head the overwhelming majority of submissions, calling for recognition of Irish place names within any new boundaries Read more

Fáilte roimh comharthaí Gaelach ar Bothar na bhFál

Cuir CTR d’Iarthair Bhéal Feirste, Paul Maskey, fáilte roimh comharthaíocht dhá-theangach taobh amuig de Páirc na bhFál sa chuid sin den chathair Read more

Dark day for healthcare delivery – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Fein Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described Monday 6th April as "a dark day for healthcare delivery" with the removal of 24-hour Accident and Emergency services from Ennis and Nenagh hospitals and the removal of breast cancer services from the Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda Read more

Failures of Workplace 2010 cannot be repeated

Sinn Féin MLA and economy spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin, has stated that the failures of Workplace 2010 cannot be repeated and that following the schemes collapse we now must focus on the decentralisation of civil service accommodation as a stimulus to areas of social and economic need Read more

Governments economic strategy must focus on jobs

Speaking to the media ahead of this afternoon’s emergency budget Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald MEP said that government must ensure that those with the broadest shoulders carry the heaviest load noting that “the 32% of workers who earn €18,500 or less a year and social welfare recipients… Read more

Sinn Féin welcome Save the Children financial aid

Sinn Féin MLA, Jennifer McCann, has welcomed the recent decision by Save the Children to give one-off donations to help families who are in economic difficulties Read more

New figures will encourage people to use public transport

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson for the Environment, Daithí McKay, has welcomed the latest findings that show Translink are meeting punctuality targets. Read more

International Roma Day

Sinn Féin Bairbre de Brún MEP marked International Roma Day (8 April) by recalling the positive role that the EU can play. Read more

Anderson shares Human Rights Commission concern over lack of personality disorders services in the North of Ireland

Sinn Féin Human Rights spokesperson, Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has welcomed NIHRC Chief Commissioner Monica McWilliams comments on the lack of available personality disorder services here in the North Read more

Gildernew marks Countryside Management Scheme first

Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has visited the first farmer to sign up to the new Countryside Management Scheme in Moneymore. Read more

Government failure to tackle job losses in Budget staggering

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has said there is no justice in today’s budget. Read more

Government's decision to cut €54 million from Education Capital Spend must be reversed

Sinn Fein Senator Pearse Doherty has described the government’s decision as to cut the school building programme budget as morally reprehensible. Read more

Ó Snodaigh slams €200million cut in social housing spend

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has slammed the Government’s cutting of €200 million from the social housing fund and the commitment to expand the use of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) for public infrastructure projects in the emergency budget announced today Read more

Ferris: Massive Blow to Rural Ireland

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris has described the Budget as a massive blow to rural Ireland. Read more

Radical decisions needed about the future of our transport network

Public transport needs to become people's first choice, not last resort, said Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy at a Transport Conference in Dublin today Read more

Budget is “recipe for worsening recession and deeper depression”

Public health services "facing disaster" – Ó Caoláin Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caolain has described the Budget as "a recipe for worsening recession and deeper depression". He said that it contained no jobs strategy, cruelly cut social welfare and would lead to more small businesses going to the… Read more

The future of Long Kesh site – Sinn Féin

Commenting on today’s statement from OFM/dFM concerning the future of the Maze/Long Kesh site, confirming an end to the stadium element of the development, Sinn Féin Assembly member for Lagan Valley Paul Butler said: “At a time of a deepening economic crisis the Maze/Long Kesh development, including the multi-sports stadium,… Read more

Gerry Adams in Gaza

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams this morning entered Gaza at the start of a two day visit to the area and part of a wider visit to Israel and the west Bank Read more

Emergency budget sickening – ordinary families to lose Thousands – Donegal County council to lose up to 10 million

Donegal Senator Pearse Doherty has described the emergency budget as sickening. Senator Doherty was speaking following the announcement from the government that families will lose their early childcare supplement, mortgage interest relief and even those on the lowest of incomes will see taxes double. Read more

Abolition of December bonus stupid and scrooge like

Speaking on the debate on the emergency budget in the Dáil this afternoon Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh slammed the Government’s attacks vulnerable sections of society and described the decision to abolish the December bonus for social welfare recipients and the halving of the of the job seekers… Read more

Excessive tanning and sunbeds seriously increase risk of skin cancer - Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MLA and deputy chair of the health committee, Michelle O’Neill, has warned people over the use of sun beds and excessive sun tanning in the run up to summer and booked foreign holidays. Read more

Deputy First Minister to Launch Robert Ballagh 1916 signatories series at Stormont.

Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness MP MLA along with prominent Irish artist Robert Ballagh, will be launching the first of seven pieces of art depicting the signatories of the 1916 proclamation. Read more

Cystic Fibrosis patients must not be let down again – Ó Caoláin

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said the planned development of the cystic fibrosis unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital should proceed without delay. Read more

Sinn Féin 1916 Easter Commemorations 2009

Sinn Féin has this afternoon released details of it commemorations to mark the 93rd anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Read more

Government shut down Forum on Europe – What’s next?

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald MEP has described the Taoiseach’s decision to shut down the National Forum on Europe as deeply disappointing Read more

Why did HIQA report not examine other options? – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health & Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has questioned the findings of the HIQA investigation into Ennis Hospital and has said it is being used by Health Minister Mary Harney to justify her programme of hospital centralisation which has "nothing to do with patient safety and… Read more

Bankers continuing to set the agenda as NAMA set up to rescue Fianna Fáil’s fat cat friends – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has said the establishment of the National Assets Management Agency risks financial ruin for the state. Read more

Minister urged to rethink her housing budget costs – McCann

Fra McCann MLA for West Belfast has again called on Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie to rethink the decision to cut the housing budget which deals with Egan maintenance contracts and urgent replacements, many of which people have been waiting for years. Read more

Kelly condemns north Belfast shooting

Sinn Féin MLA for north Belfast Gerry Kelly has condemned those responsible for the shooting of a young man in Ardoyne last night. Read more

Sinn Féin seeks to build political alliance for change - McDonald

Speaking at today’s Easter commemoration at the GPO in Dublin Sinn Féin Vice-President Mary Lou McDonald called for a new political alliance in Irish politics, including Sinn Féin and the Labour Party, to challenge the conservative agenda and call to account those who have created the economic crisis. Read more

Make Fianna Fáil pay at the ballot box - Ó Caoláin

Speaking at the annual Easter commemoration in Leitrim this afternoon Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD accused the Fianna Fáil/Green Party Government of once again coming to the rescue of the developers and bankers with the establishment of the National Assets Management Agency. Read more

Organise for Freedom - Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams gave the Easter Rising Commemoration oration at the republican plot in Milltown Cemetery. Read more

Gerry Kelly - Address to Lurgan Commeoration

Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly today addressed the Easter Commemoration in Lurgan, County Armagh. In the course of his speech Mr Kelly addressed the small number of militarist factions, who have recently engaged in armed actions. Read more

Sinn Féin support INTO call for a political alliance of the left

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Donegal Senator Pearse Doherty has today welcomed the calls of Declan Kelleher of the INTO for teachers to actively engage in bringing about a government of the left. Read more

Video - Belfast Easter Parade 2009

The 1916 Easter Commemoration parade, Belfast 2009 Read more

Attack on Connolly House condemned – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Paul Maskey has condemned those responsible for an overnight attack on the Connolly House advice centre on the Andersonstown Road, the third in the space of two weeks Read more

Cowen has taken on tainted mantle of Bertie Ahern

Sinn Féin North West EU Candidate and Lisbon Campaign Director Pádraig Mac Lochlainn is a guest speaker at a conference being held today in the European Parliament in Brussels entitled ‘The Lisbon Treaty – The real reasons the people say No’ Read more

Sinn Féin pressure on Electoral Office begins to pay off, but more needs done – de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP for the Six Counties Bairbre de Brún has welcomed news today that the Electoral Office will now use records from the Department of Work and Pensions database in order to verify addresses of citizens on the electoral register. Read more

Maskey to discuss proposals to tackle Holyland problems with South Belfast residents groups

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey will, next Tuesday, meet with a number of residents groups in South Belfast to discuss his proposals to tackle the problems associated with the Holyland area. Read more

Pól Brennan should be allowed to remain in the US – Sinn Féin

Sinn Fein Assembly member Raymond McCartney has appealed to the US Director of Homeland Security to overturn the decision of a US Court to deport former Long Kesh escapee Pól Brennan back to Ireland. Read more

Transforming policing has never been about individuals – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MLA and Policing Board member Alex Maskey has today commented on the news that PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde is to take up post as President of the association of Chief Police Officers. Read more

Amend Finance Bill to protect those made redundant from backdated income levy - Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has called on the Government to amend the Finance Bill to ensure that people who have been made redundant this year will not be hit with a hefty bill as a result of the decision to backdate the increase in the income levy to… Read more

Education sector suffering from years of neglect - Doherty

Speaking after attending TUI conference in Cork Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty has accused the Government of cutting at the skeleton of an education system that has never received proper funding even throughout the years of the Celtic Tiger Read more

Irish People Do Not Want Nuclear Plants – Fine Gael MEPs must come clean, Tomás Sharkey

Louth County Councillor and MEP hopeful Tomás Sharkey (Sinn Féin) has hit out at plans for more Nuclear Plants in Britain. Read more

Ferris Accuses Cork Ministers of Failure Over Economy

In a hard hitting speech in Cork tonight, Sinn Féin Munster Spokesperson, Cllr Toiréasa Ferris put it to the three Cork Ministers that they have seriously failed the people who elected them and the people they govern. Read more

Maskey speaks out against ‘Hate crime’

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has called upon all political and community leaders in the South Belfast area to voice their support for the Hungarian women who were victims of a hate crime last night at their home on the Donegall Road. Read more

Sinn Féin demand strategy to boost childcare provision

Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann has demanded the development of a strategy to boost the availability of affordable and accessible childcare provision within the north of Ireland Read more

Equality Commission Office Blocked in Protest at Easter Lily Ruling

Ógra Shinn Féin blocked the entrance to the Equality Commission’s Office in Shaftsbury Square, Belfast in protest at their recent ruling on the Easter Lily, which states the ‘clear view’ that the Easter Lily was not an emblem which could be worn in the workplace. Read more

Sinn Féin attend Belfast rally in support of workers

A number of representatives from Sinn Féin’s Trade Union Department today attended the protest at Belfast City Hall in support of those workers who have lost their jobs over recent weeks. Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes publication of Covert Surveillance Bill

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed the publication of the Covert Surveillance Bill 2009. Read more

Opposition to cuts for community based Irish language groups

D’iarr an Seanadóir Pearse Doherty ar Foras na Gaeilge, atá ag bualadh inniu, gan gearradh siar a dhéanamh ar deontais grúpaí Gaeilge áitiúla Read more

Dublin MEP campaigns to Save No.16 Moore Street

Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has lent her support to the campaign to Save No.16 Moore Street and has expressed her opposition to the plans going before An Bord Pleanala next week. Read more

McGuinness condemns Cookstown attack

Sinn Féin Mid-Ulster MP Martin McGuinness has condemned an attack on a man in Cookstown last night. Read more

Announcement on benefits shake-up expected today

The Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has again been urged to scrap a shake-up of the benefits services amid speculation that she is to make an announcement on the controversial plans today (Monday). Read more

"Kenbane beauty spot scarred" - Cllr McShane

Ballycastle Sinn Féin Councillor, Cara McShane, has said the fire at Kenbane Head on Sunday evening appears to have been the result of irresponsible and reckless behaviour Read more

Maskey reveals Queens/Holyland Plan

Sinn Féin’s south Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has today revealed a number of proposals Sinn Féin in the constituency has been working on aimed at bringing a resolution to the outstanding issues within the Queens/Holyland area. Read more

A national conversation – public meetings across Ireland

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA has announced details of 10 public meetings to be held across the North in the coming weeks as part of the party’s programme of promoting a national conversation for a United Ireland. Read more

Rather than leasing homes for homeless Government should seek to buy them – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has welcomed the acknowledgement from Government that measures need to be taken to help those who are living in emergency accommodation for years on end. Read more

McGuinness expresses sympathy to McCusker family

Mid-Ulster MP Martin McGuinness has expressed his condolences to the family of Conor McCusker, who died today from injuries he received in an incident outside a Cookstown niteclub on Saturday night. Read more

Statement from Catholic secondary schools welcomed

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson John O’Dowd MLA has welcomed a statement from the Principles of Catholic secondary schools highlighting their support for the ending of academic selection. Read more

GEM job losses highlights the need for scrutiny of InvestNI strategy - Martina Anderson

Commenting on the announced job losses at the GEM call centre in Derry Sinn Fein MLA, Martina Anderson (Foyle) has said that this calls into question the recent announcement by the company that it intends to create a further 900 jobs at various locations in the North. Read more

Dialogue the only way forward in Visteon dispute – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin west Belfast MLA Paul Maskey has this afternoon said that dialogue is the only way forward in resolving the outstanding issues for the protesting Visteon workers. Read more

Woman killed after a collision with bus in Newry

Sinn Féin MLA Mickey Brady has offered his sympathies to the family of Bridgette Cookson who was tragically killed today after being struck by a bus in Newry. Read more

Human Rights report recommendations must be acted upon speedily

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on Human Rights, Martina Anderson has stated recommendation issued in a report on Immigration within the north of Ireland must be speedily acted upon to protect the Human Rights of some of the most vulnerable people. Read more

The Health Minister must not devastate frontline nursing services

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

Ruane – Good governance leads to good schools

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has emphasised the important role played by School Governors at a conference in Belfast. Read more

Doherty calls upon DSD Minister to clarify DHSS Office proposals

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MP MLA Pat Doherty says that DSD Minister Margaret Ritchie needs to clarify in detail her plans for the future of the Social Security Agency’s local office network following her announcement yesterday that she is taking forward, in amended form, some of the proposals of the… Read more

Junior Ministers’ Golden Handshake an embarrassment – Morgan

Deputy Arthur Morgan has described the news that Junior Ministers are to get a €53,000 golden handshake as an embarrassment for public representatives. Read more

Drug trafficker’s haulage license must be recalled – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey to recall the road haulage license granted to convicted drug trafficker Kieran Boylan. Read more

Sinn Féin will seek to veto DUP victims legislation

Sinn Féin Assembly member for Mid-Ulster and party spokesperson on Victims issues Francie Molloy today said that his party would seek to veto attempts by the DUP to bring forward legislation to change the inclusive definition of a victim Read more

New Sinn Féin councillor co-opted to Craigavon Council

Cllr Noel McGeown was co-opted on to Craigavon Council at a special meeting on Monday night as a replacement for former Sinn Féin Councillor Michael Tallon who stood down as a councillor due to family and personal commitments. Read more

Transport Minister Offers Sympathies after Fatal Bus Incident in Newry

Transport Minister Conor Murphy has extended his sympathies to the family of Mrs Bridie Cookson, who died yesterday after an incident involving an Ulsterbus in the Merchants Quay area of Newry. Read more

'New Dean of Academic Development at Magee must deliver' - Anderson

Welcoming the appointment of a new Dean of Academic Development at Magee University, Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson insisted the new Dean must now deliver on Magee’s expansion. Read more

Cosy consensus on Lisbon must end

Speaking today from Leinster House Sinn Féin North West EU candidate Cllr. Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has called on Fine Gael and Labour to end its cosy consensus with the government on Lisbon noting, “the government has repeatedly tried to blame Ireland’s soaring unemployment and public finance crisis on the people’s… Read more

de Brún meets Pylon campaigners

Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brún met today Tuesday 21st April. in Armagh City with SEAT who are campaigning to have the North South Electricity Interconnector run underground. Read more

Huge profits highlight supermarkets not aiding consumers in recession

Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann has stated that supermarket giants must take a responsible attitude to pricing throughout this economic slump in order to aid customers through economically hard times. Read more

Wilson’s planning reform proposals must be grounded in Equality – Conor Murphy

Sinn Féin’s DRD minister Conor Murphy has declared that draft consultation proposals on planning reform by DOE minister Sammy Wilson must be grounded in equality Read more

Sinn Féin comment on Westminster expenses review

Commenting on proposed changes to some allowances claimed by MPs, Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy said: “Clearly there are serious concerns about the manner in which allowances have been claimed by a number of MPs. Read more

Invest NI need to secure Springfield Road site to prevent disturbances

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast Paul Maskey has called on Invest NI to secure the development site on the Springfield Road. Read more

Joint approach needed to ensure sustainable and viable fishing industry

Sinn Féin MEP has called for a joint approach to ensure and sustainable and viable fishing industry. Speaking ahead of the green paper from the European Commission on Common Fisheries Policy Ms de Brún said: Read more

Front-line job cuts will cause chaos in health services – Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the leaked memo from the HSE, Sinn Féin Health & children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said that it would cause chaos in the public health services and that "savage health cuts cannot be dressed up as reform". Read more

Gravy train culture has got to stop

Speaking this evening from Strasbourg Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald MEP has called for full disclosure of expenses by MEPs noting “it is time to end the gravy train culture that continues to reside in Brussels and the Dáil.” Read more

EU plan to bring sea angling into Common Fisheries Policy devastating blow

Sinn Féin North West EU Candidate Cllr. Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has this morning described efforts by the European Commission to bring ‘recreational fishing’ into the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) as devastating blow to the Irish fishing industry. Read more

Sinn Féin publishes legislation to protect 16 Moore Street

Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has today launched the Local Government (Planning and Development) (Amendment) Bill 2009 which has been drafted by Sinn Féin as part of the party’s efforts to Save 16 Moore Street. Read more

Sinn Féin challenge UUP on Westminster expenses

Sinn Féin MP Conor Murphy has challenged the Ulster Unionists Party to come clean on whether their current MP, any of their members in the British House of Lords, or any of their former MPs, purchased homes in London paid for by the taxpayer through the second homes allowance. Read more

"Greater fiscal autonomy required for Assembly" Mitchel McLaughlin MLA

Speaking prior to the British Chancellor Alastair Darling tabling his budget today, Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) said: "The present economic climate in which we find ourselves only strengthens the argument for greater fiscal control in the hands of locally elected politicians. Read more

Ireland cannot afford to keep this government on – Ó Caoláin

Speaking from Leinster House ahead of today’s resumption of the Dáil Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has called for new political leadership noting ‘its time to put the people back on the political agenda. Read more

Ireland cannot afford to keep this government on

Speaking from Leinster House ahead of today’s resumption of the Dáil Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD has called for new political leadership noting ‘its time to put the people back on the political agenda. Read more

Specialist Schools funding announced.

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, today announced that a further 10 schools will be designated as Specialist Schools from September 2009 bringing the total number of Specialist Schools to 44 Read more

Anderson welcomes enhanced All-Ireland co-operation

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has welcomed a commitment by the Assembly and the Dáil to adopt closer working relationships Read more

Staff are one of a schools biggest assets

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has given the opening address at the ‘Improving Performance through Staff Development’ conference in Derry Read more

DUP leader rebukes Environment Minister & backs Sinn Féin position on causes of Climate Change

Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson, North Antrim MLA Daithí McKay, has welcomed the DUP leader Peter Robinson’s rebuke of the Environment Minister Sammy Wilson over his position on Climate Change. Read more

Ferris condemns heavy handed actions by Shell

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources Martin Ferris TD has condemned the heavy handed manner in which the Shell led Corrib Gas consortium this morning attempted to proceed with their efforts to establish a landfall for the proposed pipeline at Glengad in County Mayo Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls on Minister to re-iterate commitment to 16 Moore Street

Speaking in the Dáil today Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh called on the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern to re-iterate his commitment to the preservation of the final resting place of the leaders of the 1916 Rising Read more

Ó Snodaigh condemns dilution of post of Junior Minister for Drugs

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has condemned the downgrading and dilution of the post of Junior Minister for Drugs. Read more

Oliver Kelly RIP

Sinn Féin south Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has expressed his sympathies and those of his party to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Belfast Solicitor Oliver Kelly Read more

Change of policy not change of Ministers required

Responding to the Taoiseach’s announcement of the new Junior Ministries Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the re-shuffle will do nothing to address the economic crisis unless it is accompanied by a fundamental change in Government policy Read more

Fianna Fáil & the Greens = Social Injustice

Speaking during a Dáil debate on the government’s decision to end the social welfare Christmas bonus payment Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan charged Brian Cowen with “penny pinching pensioners and the poor” adding “the depth of social injustice that underpins this governments policy making is truly shocking.” Read more

£35,000 spent on Policing St Patrick’s Day disturbances - Holyland problems must be tackled

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has said that the revelation that more than £35,000 was spent on policing the Holyland area on St Patrick’s Day underpins the need for the underlying issues associated with this area to be tackled Read more

Executive must continue efforts to retain efficiency savings. - Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin DFP Committee Member, Jennifer McCann commenting on today's British Budget said: "As predicted by Sinn Féin the British Chancellor has reneged on previous British Government assurances that the Executive could retain and reinvest efficiency savings in frontline services and infrastructural projects Read more

Delivering Real Change - Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams speaking at a public meeting this evening in Galbally, County Tyrone said: “The goals of Irish republicanism are simply stated – Irish unity and independence; freedom, justice and equality. Read more

Fisheries review is last chance - Ferris

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries Martin Ferris TD has said that the review of EU fishing policy initiated yesterday by the publication of the Commission’s Green Paper is possibly the last opportunity to ensure the future survival and viability of the Irish fishery Read more

Domestic violence can no longer be hidden crime says Junior Minister Kelly

Domestic violence can no longer be a hidden crime Junior Minister Gerry Kelly said today following a visit to a Belfast Women’s Refuge. Read more

Primary Schools Building Handbook updated

The Department of Education has published an updated handbook which sets out the specification and design standards for new primary schools. Read more

Ford & Visteon must come clean over plant closure says Adams

West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has revealed that the Pensions Regulator is now examining information about how Visteon and Ford have managed assets and finances associated with the Belfast plant recently closed Read more

Sinn Féin cautions Nigel Dodds on possible department cuts

Sinn Féin Assembly Group Leader, John O’Dowd MLA has criticised remarks from the Finance Minister on slashing the number of government departments in order to meet cost efficiency savings Read more

Social welfare cutbacks target most vulnerable – Morgan

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin Social and Family Affairs spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said the recent emergency budget is another example of the Government targeting the most vulnerable sections of society. Read more

“Quinn Cement suspension of production worrying” Michelle Gildernew MP,MLA

Sinn Féin’s Michelle Gildernew MP.MLA (Fermanagh/South Tyrone) has described as worrying the news that Sean Quinn has announced suspension of production at his cement plants in Fermanagh and Cavan. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes prompt response on Credit Union report

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Jennifer McCann has welcomed the prompt response by the Enterprise, Trade and Iinvestment Minister, Arlene Foster, to the Inquiry into the Role an Potential of Credit Unions report. Read more

An Bord Pleannala is the last line of defence for Moore Street National Monument – Morgan

Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan today made a representation to the Appeal Hearing on the development which threatens the National Monument at 16 Moore Street. Read more

Markets hoax device condemned

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has said that the hoax device left this morning in the Markets area of South Belfast only served to cause hardship to the local population. Read more

Government should fund Free Gaza aid operations – Ó snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin International Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern to make funding available to the Free Gaza Organisation which is attempting to bring aid to Gaza through siege breaking operations. Read more

Social Housing Targets for 2013 will not be met under current strategy

Sinn Féin MLA, Fra McCann, has called on Nigel Dodd’s to challenge the Social Development Minister to give an honest assessment as to where her Programme for Government commitments towards the reaching of targets for social and affordable housing currently sit Read more

64% increase on home repossessions in North compared to 4% in England and Wales – Why?

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on Housing, Fra McCann, has stated that the Social Development Minister must come forward and explain why house repossession have increased by a staggering 64% locally compared to 4% in England and Wales Read more

Ó Caoláin expresses “grave concern” at ‘temporary’ cessation of production at Quinn Cement

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has voiced "grave concern" at the announcement by the Seán Quinn Group of a temporary cessation of bulk cement production at both its Ballyconnell and Derrylin sites, with 65 workers told to stay away until mid next month Read more

Waiting lists for colonoscopy is a scandal – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, commenting on the HSE report on Colonoscopy waiting lists said: "It is a scandal that huge numbers of patients are waiting for periods of three months up to two years or more for colonoscopy, a straight forward but potentially life saving test Read more

Threat against Martin McGuinness

Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has been contacted by the PSNI in recent days and informed that a threat to his life existed from so called dissident republicans. Read more

Minister addresses Sullivan Upper politics society

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has outlined her reform programme to the Politics Society at Sullivan Upper Grammar School in Holywood. Read more

de Brún welcomes DETI commitment to Renewable Energy

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed the commitment by Arlene Foster to pursue higher levels of energy generation form renewable sources Read more

Breaking down barriers in our schools and community

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, today spoke of the need for inclusion of children with special needs into schools of their choice. Read more

Executive could use EU money to support construction industry - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún speaking at a Fermanagh Employment Conference today has told the local business community that the Executive could use EU funds to part-finance a programme of energy efficiency renovations that would support our construction industry and help us meet our climate change obligations and tackle… Read more

Latest Woodlands incident underlines need for commitments to be followed up

Balmoral Sinn Féin representative Vincent Parker has said that the theft of around £300, credit cards and mobile phones from changing rooms at Woodlands Playing Fields on Wednesday night highlights the urgent need for the measures agreed by Belfast City Council, the GAA and the PSNI to deal with anti-social… Read more

GILDERNEW CALLS ON EVERYONE IN RURAL COMMUNITY TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON LESS FAVOURED AREAS SUPPORT CONSULTATION

Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has reminded farmers and the rural community of the current period of public consultation on future options for support arrangements for Less Favoured Areas (LFAs). Read more

Sinn Féin will stand toe to toe with criminals masquerading as republicans - McKay

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that Sinn Féin will stand toe to toe against criminal groups masquerading as republicans in the North Antrim area. Read more

Concern expressed at decline of STEM enrolments

Sinn Féin has expressed its concern at the decline in the number of students enrolling in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. Read more

Bairbre de Brún MEP to hand in her nomination papers for European Elections

Bairbre de Brún MEP will officially hand in her nomination papers for the European Election at 1.30pm on Tuesday the 28th April 2009 at St Anne's House,15 Church Street, Belfast. Read more

Sinn Féin MLA's challenge InvestNI to intervene over Gem job losses

Foyle Sinn Fein MLA's Martina Anderson and Raymond McCartney have met with the new Chief Executive of InvestNI Alastair Hamilton in Belfast. Read more

Government €550,000 EU propaganda campaign scandal

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald MEP has described the governments plans to spend €550,000 on a billboard, radio and Internet media campaign to promote Ireland’s membership in the EU as a ‘fundamentally dishonest move by the government and a scandalous waste of taxpayers money.’ Read more

Welcome for designation of ‘specialist schools’

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has welcomed the news that a further 10 schools have been designated as special schools from September 2009, bringing the total number to 44. This included St Patrick College on the Antrim Road in north Belfast Read more

Sinn Féin Respond to Transfer 2010 Consultation

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson John O’ Dowd speaking at the close of the public consultation into Transfer 2010 has outlined Sinn Fein’s response to the consultation process Read more

Only 2 weeks left to secure Proxy/Postal vote for EU Election

Sinn Féin MEP for the Six Counties Bairbre de Brún has urged everyone who, for whatever reason, will be unable to vote in person on the day of the European Election Thursday 4 June to apply to vote by post or by proxy before the absent voter deadline expires on… Read more

Government PIPS proposal does not go far enough

Speaking today from Leinster House Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has called for fundamental reform of Ireland’s pension system adding "I welcome Mary Hanafin’s admission that government intervention is needed to protect workers whose pension schemes have collapsed it is a little galling coming from a Minister who… Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls for robust response to Dolphin’s Barn thugs

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called for an emergency response from Gardaí to events in Dolphin’s barn last night which included intimidation of residents attending a community meeting, a bomb scare and rioting into the early hours of the morning. Read more

Europe must put people at heart of decision making - de Brún

The needs of ordinary people struggling in the current economic crisis must be central to a reformed EU economic strategy, Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has declared Read more

Sinn Féin meet new InvestNI Chief

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson is calling on the new Chief Executive of Invest NI to address the agency’s perceivedfailure to help redress regional investment inequalities across the North of Ireland Read more

Gerry Adams Blog looks at DUP in government two years on

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams writing in his Blog today points out that next month will mark two years since the establishment of the power sharing government involving Sinn Féin and the DUP and the other parties. Read more

Full Service School Network goes live in West Belfast

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has announced the formal approval of the Full Service School Network (FSCN) centred on Corpus Christi school in West Belfast Read more

Minister must ensure that primary care system can deal with flu threat – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called on the Minister for Health & Children Mary Harney to act urgently to ensure that the primary care system can cope with the threat of a swine flu pandemic. Read more

Victims Commissioner ruling should be a bench mark for future appointments

Sinn Féin MLA and Victims spokesperson Francie Molloy has stated that today’s ruling by the Court of Appeal upholding the unlawfulness of the appoint by the former British Secretary of State Peter Hain of Victims Commissioner Bertha McDougall should now be a bench mark for future appointments Read more

de Brún hands in Euro nomination papers

Sinn Féin MEP for the Six Counties Bairbre de Brún today submitted her nomination papers for the European Election at the Electoral Office in Belfast City Centre. Read more

Fianna Fáil not committed to quality public infrastructure – Morgan

Speaking on the Private Members’ Motion in the Dáil this evening, on the need for an infrastructure stimulus package, Sinn Féin spokesperson Arthur Morgan said it is clear that Fianna Fáil are not committed to the provision of quality public infrastructure. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome setting up of new Lisburn Gay Rights Group

Sinn Féin has welcomed the setting up of a new Gay Rights group in Lisburn to represent the lesbian and gay community in the city. Read more

PAC Chair Welcomes Report on Suspected Contract Fraud (in BELB)

Chairperson of the powerful Public Accounts Committee, Sinn Féin MLA Paul Maskey (West Belfast) has welcomed the Audit Office report on the Investigation of Suspected Contract Fraud (in BELB) which is intended to highlight the issues involved in preventing and investigating suspected fraud in public sector contracts and to point… Read more

Gildernew appoints new Livestock and Meat Commission chair

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has announced the appointment of a new Chairman to the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC). Read more

Tesco must not succumb to sectarian hostility – Sinn Féin

Commenting on the news that children from St Colmghalls GAA Club, taking part in a charity ‘bag packing’ in the Antrim branch of Tesco, were forced to remove their club kits due to complaints, Chairman of the Assembly’s Culture Arts and Leisure Committee, Barry McElduff MLA said, Read more

‘Local firms miss out on Euro funding’ - SF

Small businesses in the North have missed out in the past on vital funding because of a lack of engagement with Europe, Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has revealed. Read more

Government’s head in the sand approach to unemployment exacerbating economic crisis

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has said the Government’s head in the sand approach to the soaring unemployment and plummeting tax takes is exacerbating the economic crisis Read more

Welcome for Grant of £35 for Primary school Uniforms which will benefit 29.000 Children.

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson John O’Dowd MLA has welcomed the announcement by the Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, that 29,000 children are to benefit from her budget scheme which will see £35 per child available under a newly introduced scheme for school uniforms Read more

DCAL and the Minister are failing to fully implement their obligations under the European Charter.

Sinn Féin MEP for the Six Counties Bairbre de Brún has blasted the Department of culture Arts and Leisure as well as Minister Gregory Campbell in relation to the implementation of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages Read more

Welfare rates must be maintained – Morgan

Responding to today’s OECD's report that dole payments are too high, Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has said that the economic crisis and the failure of the Government to initiate an employment strategy are keeping people on the dole and not the level of welfare payments. Read more

Job announcements highlight need to identify further investment opportunities

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on the Economy Mitchel McLaughlin has welcomed the announcement of over 130 jobs given the recent high level of job losses. Read more

Scale of recession due to government policy

SPEAKING today as he completed a two-day tour of East Galway, Sligo and Mayo, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said that the current economic crisis was directly attributable to government policy. Read more

Margaret Ritchie engaged in political posturing and headline chaisng over CTI funding

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has criticised Margaret Ritchie’s attitude to today’s court ruling that her decision to block funding to the loyalist CTI was wrong, branding the entire process as an exercise of political posturing and headline chasing. Read more

Economic policy must focus on all Ireland development for recovery –Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MLA and Vice Chair of the Committee for Enterprise Trade & Investment, Jennifer McCann, has said that any review of economic policy in the North must look at supporting and developing local businesses and investment opportunities on an all island basis. Read more

Children’s Commissioner should focus in those who wish to perpetuate unfair educational selection

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Education Committee Michelle O’Neill has stated that the Children’s Commissioner should be focusing on those who wish to maintain the discriminatory practice of academic selection in order to protect the rights of all of our children. Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes Criminal Surveillance Bill

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD welcomed the Criminal Justice Surveillance Bill 2009. Read more

Ó Caoláin in call for determined campaign against health cuts

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader and Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, speaking at a public meeting on Health in Clondalkin, Dublin, has called for a determined campaign involving communities and trade unions across the economy against the cuts to the public health services being imposed by the Fianna Fáil/Green Party… Read more

Government has reinforced two tier health system – Ó Caoláin

Speaking in the Dáil today on the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009 Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD criticised the Government for presiding over and reinforcing "a system where wealth can buy speedier access to healthcare and where the private for-profit health business is allowed to act as… Read more

April 2009 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

April 1, 2009

April 2, 2009

April 3, 2009

April 4, 2009

April 5, 2009

April 6, 2009

April 7, 2009

April 8, 2009

April 9, 2009

April 10, 2009

April 12, 2009

April 13, 2009

April 14, 2009

April 15, 2009

April 16, 2009

April 17, 2009

April 19, 2009

April 20, 2009

April 21, 2009