May 2009 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

Minister opens new facilities at Warrenpoint Harbour

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy today opened new £5million harbour facilities at Warrenpoint Harbour in Co Down. Read more

Minister makes tracks for Balmoral Show

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA was this week gearing up for the annual Balmoral Show which will take place from 13-15 May. Read more

Sinn Féin MLA’s attend Older Peoples Assembly debate in Stormont.

Sinn Féin MLA’s Mickey Brady and Francie Molloy have attended the Older Peoples Assembly Debate in Stormont today and have called for measures to empower this important section of our community to be advanced Read more

Gildernew improving quality of life in rural areas

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA today launched an investment of £13million for the North East under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 Read more

Gerry Kelly MLA celebrates 125 years of GAA at Belfast strategy launch

Sinn Fein’s Gerry Kelly MLA has stated today at the launch of the GAA’s Belfast Strategy, ‘Ardú Bhéal Feirste’ that, over the 125 years of the organisations existence it has remained at the heart of many local communities bringing vision and energy to those that it reaches, nevermore so than… Read more

Morgan calls for charges against retired AIB Bankers

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has called on the Government to prepare a legal case against the three AIB bank executives who retired in controversy this week. Read more

Morgan extends solidarity to workers on Mayday

Sinn Féin Workers’ Rights Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has wished workers everywhere well in their Mayday celebrations. Deputy Morgan said Sinn Féin will continue to campaign for decent wages and conditions of work in all places of work. Read more

Irish Government cut to Autism Centre disgraceful – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health & Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has learned that the Irish Government is cutting promised funding for the All-Ireland Centre of Excellence for Autism at Middletown, Co. Armagh. Read more

Wrong people receiving CAP payments

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris has said that the information on the Single Farm Payment released today proves that the fund is being misdirected to a great extent Read more

International May Day – Stand up for yourself – Stand up for each other

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams & Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald MEP today, MAY DAY, launched the party’s 10 Point Plan for supporting workers through the current recession. Read more

Sinn Féin to hold adjournment debate on Visteon

Sinn Féin West Belfast MP Gerry Adams, who has worked closely with the Visteon workers since the closure of the plant at the end of March, commenting this evening on speculation surrounding the Visteon Plant said: Read more

Bairbre de Brún delivers annual Bobby Sands Lecture

Sinn Féin MEP for the Six Counties, Bairbre de Brún last night delivered the annual Bobby Sands Memorial Lecture, the theme of which was 'Countess Markievicz and the 100th anniversary of Na Fianna Éireann. Read more

May Day message - Defending Workers Rights

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has issued a May Day message of support to workers across Ireland. Read more

Battle begins as Mac Lochlainn officially nominated as SF North West EU candidate

Speaking following his official nomination as the party’s candidate to contest the European Parliament Elections in the North and West Constituency, Cllr Padraig Mac Lochlainn said it was an honour to be nominated to represent the party in the region. Read more

Ritchie’s Downpatrick visit dismissed as merely more SDLP electioneering

Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Fra McCann MLA has accused the Minister for Social Development of blatant electioneering during her recent visit to Downpatrick Read more

Sinn Féin commends resolute Visteon workforce

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast Paul Maskey has once again commended the resoluteness of the Visteon workforce in west Belfast. Read more

Gerry Adams tables Assembly Adjournment debate on Visteon

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP, MLA has today commented on the planned ‘deal’ for Visteon workers and given information on the Adjournment Debate which he has proposed at the Assembly tomorrow (Tuesday). Read more

Madge McConville RIP

Gerry Adams has expressed his condolences to the family of veteran republican Madge McConville, who passed away today. Read more

Our local businesses can lead the way

Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brún has encouraged local small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) and young people to get involved with a range of events to mark European SME week, that runs from 6-14 May Read more

Sinn Féin motion calls on Minister to make benefit advice more accessible, particularly in current economic climate

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Assembly’s Social Development Committee Mickey Brady has said that DSD Minister Margaret Ritchie should work to ensure that access to employment support allowance is much easier for vulnerable claimants. Read more

Citizens Amendments to Telecoms Package must be supported

Speaking in the parliament today on the Telecoms Package Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald MEP has called on all MEPs to stand with EU member state citizens by supporting the ‘citizens' amendments’ package Read more

Child Benefit cut should be last straw – Government should resign – Ó Snodaigh

inn Féin Equality spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said that the threatened flat rate cut to Child Benefit would plunge families into deeper poverty and is a resigning matter for the Fianna Fáil/Green Government Read more

de Brún to attend Bobby Sands Vigil

Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brún will attend the Bobby Sands Vigil in West Belfast today, Tuesday 5th May at 5pm to mark the 28th anniversary of Bobby Sands’ death. Read more

Sinn Féin condemn West Belfast tiger kidnapping

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, Paul Maskey, has slammed those behind a suspected tiger kidnapping in West Belfast. Read more

de Brún proposes new Stormont Committee on Green Jobs

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has called for the setting up of a new joint Assembly committee to look at Job Creation through the use of Renewable Energy. Read more

Multiple state pensions for Ministers yet low income family Child Benefit slashed – its time to get this government out

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald MEP has this afternoon described Finance Minister Brian Lenihan’s decision to cut Child Benefit payments across the board as ' another shameful attack on families’ Read more

Adjournment Debate: Management of Assets and of pensions at Visteon Corporation

Sinn Féin west Belfast MP and MLA Gerry Adams today sponsored an Adjournment debate in the Assembly on the recent closure of the Visteon plant, the treatment of workers and the Management of Assets and of pensions at Visteon Corporation. Read more

Union guidelines offers protection to teachers

Sinn Féin MLA and education spokesperson John O’Dowd has welcomed the most recent guidelines from the Irish National Teachers Organisation directing their members “to have no involvement whatsoever with the proposed entrance tests”. Read more

Roads Service to invest £4.6million in Strabane District Council Area

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has announced a £4.6million investment for the Strabane Council area this year. Read more

Óglach Bobby Sands Vigil - Béal Feirste

Several hundred Republicans lined roads across Belfast yesterday, Tuesday 5th May, to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the death on hunger strike of IRA Volunteer Bobby Sands MP. Read more

GILDERNEW PRESENTS AGRI HALL OF FAME AWARDS

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has presented the Agri Hall of Fame Awards in Athlone, County Westmeath Read more

ROADS MINISTER ANNOUNCES THE PREFERRED ROUTE FOR THE DERRY TO DUNGIVEN BY-PASS

Roads Minister Conor Murphy today announced the preferred route for the proposed 30 kilometre Derry to Dungiven dual carriageway, including a dual carriageway bypass of Dungiven. Read more

Dungiven by-pass a positive move for the north west – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin’s East Derry MLA Francie Brolly has welcomed the statement by the Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, announcing the preferred route for the proposed 30 kilometre Derry to Dungiven dual carriageway, including a dual carriageway bypass of Dungiven. Read more

Democracy demands respect for the choice of people

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún commenting on the visit of the Palestinian Electoral Commission to the North today, Wednesday 6th May, has said that the fundamental democratic principle requires that the mandate given by voters in any free and fair election is respected. Read more

International Airport investment an endorsement of the future– Mitchel McLaughlin MLA

Sinn Féin’s Economic Spokesperson and south Antrim MLA Mitchel McLaughlin has today welcomed news of a £10 million investment in the International Airport. Read more

McGuinness calls for end to hostilities in Sri Lanka

Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness MP MLA has called for dialogue and an immediate end to hostilities in Sri Lanka. Read more

Renewable Energy has key role to play in our economy - McGuinness

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA has told an audience of business leaders that renewable energy has a vital role to play in the local economy. Read more

Commission’s claim that ‘Equality must wait’ is unacceptable – Anderson

Sinn Féin’s equality spokesperson, Martina Anderson MLA, has called for the Equality Commission to retract comments suggesting that the promotion of equality is ‘dependent’ on economic prosperity. Read more

Ó Caoláin slams HSE’s refusal to cooperate with Children’s Ombudsman investigation

Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Children Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin today condemned the HSE for refusing to cooperate with the investigation by the Ombudsman for Children into the handling of the Child Protection Audit of the Catholic Church by the HSE and the Department of Health. Read more

Holland Murder Trial - PPS decision is not justice - Adams

Sinn Féin west Belfast MP Gerry Adams commenting on today’s developments in the trial of those involved in the murder of Harry Holland said: Read more

Ruane encourages schools to enter Science and Technology Competition

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has encouraged all schools in the north of Ireland to enter a science and technology exhibition. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes report from Children’s Committee

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin today gave a cautious welcome to the Second Interim Report from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children and called on the Government to act on its recommendations Read more

Sinn Féin launches priorities for National Drugs Strategy 2009 – 2016

Amid newly announced savage cutbacks to local and regional drugs task forces Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD today launched the party’s new policy document dealing with the issue of drugs entitled ‘Injecting Urgency – Sinn Féin’s Priorities for the National Drugs Strategy 2009 – 2016’. Speaking at… Read more

Green Party just as responsible as Fianna Fáil for Economic Crisis

Speaking this morning from Dublin Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said that Eamon Ryan’s attempts to distance the Greens from their partners in government is an act of desperation that will convince nobody. Read more

Work together to end hate crime - Gerry Kelly MLA

Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast, Gerry Kelly, today urged politicians and community leaders in North Belfast to work together to end hate crime in the area after sectarian graffiti was daubed on the walls of St Patrick's College, just yards from the spot where local schoolboy Thomas Devlin was… Read more

Sinn Féin welcome new Sainsbury’s jobs for West Belfast

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast Paul Maskey has welcomed the creation of 100 new jobs in West Belfast by the supermarket Sainsbury's. Read more

Postal workers fees must be harmonised - de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has called for the harmonisation of fees for postal workers delivering items such as European election leaflets. Read more

Morgan challenges government back benchers to vote down Finance Bill

Responding to the publication of the Finance Bill Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said Sinn Féin would oppose the Bill which unjustly targets low and middle income earners. Read more

Progress on M2 works: Third lane to open

The third lane of the M2 motorway is due to open to traffic between Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions on Saturday 9th May. Read more

De Rossa tells porky on Vincent Browne Programme

Last night on the Vincent Browne programme Proinsias De Rossa denied out rightly that he voted in the EU parliament last year against respecting the Irish peoples decision on Lisbon. Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes conviction of major cocaine traffickers

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed the conviction and sentencing today of three major drug traffickers in relation to the seizure of €400million worth of cocaine off the coast of Cork last November. Read more

Adams calls for ‘Fundamental Review of PPS’

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA this evening addressed the last in the series or ‘Townhall’ meetings in the Craigavon Civic Centre. Read more

People at the heart of Europe – Europe Day May 9th

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún in a statement to mark Europe Day on May 9th has said that we need a Europe where people are at the heart of decision making and that it is vital that people become more engaged with Europe and its institutions. Read more

Urgent action needed to curb diabetes rates

Sinn Féin MLA Michelle O’Neill has called on the Health Minister to urgently devise a strategy to deal with the extremely high incidences of diabetes. This follows the revelation that over 10 people are diagnosed with a day. Read more

If only other parties were as open and transparent as Sinn Féin – Pat Doherty

Sinn Féin west Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has described reports in today’s ‘Sunday Telegraph’ regarding claims by Sinn Féin MPs as ‘a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the situation in the run up to an election’. Read more

Burke to run in Dublin Central

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald MEP has this afternoon announced Cllr. Christy Burke as the party’s candidate in the forthcoming Dublin Central by-election. Read more

Bredagh GAC fun-day marks125 years of the GAA

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, speaking after attending today’s fun-day at Cherryvale organised by Bredagh GAC, has praised the great work carried out by the club in South Belfast; saying that over the 125 years of the GAA’s existence it has remained at the heart of many local… Read more

McGuinness calls on 32CSM to condemn attacks on Mitchel McLaughlin's home.

Sinn Féin Leader Martin MCGuinness MP,MLA has called on 32CSM spokesperson, Gary Donnelly as a representative of the organisation who facilitated the event at which threats against the Sinn Féin Leadership were made in Derry City Cemetary on Easter Sunday to publicly condemn the attacks on the home of Mitchel… Read more

“Tragic Monaghan death a sign of things to come” – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described the death of a man who suffered a heart attack at Knockatallon, Co. Monaghan as "a tragedy that bodes ill for others in the future" after it took 42 minutes for an ambulance to arrive. Read more

MINISTER RUANE SPEAKS AT EDUCATION SEMINAR IN CYPRUS

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has been speaking about diversity and equality in education at a seminar in Nicosia, Cyprus. Read more

Proposals merely political posturing from the DUP

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has branded as ‘shallow electioneering’, the paper put forward by the DUP this afternoon proposing and end to the Office of First Minister and deputy First Minister, amongst other proposals. Read more

Euro 09 – Sinn Féin fighting for every vote in every county in Ireland

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún speaking at her campaign launch in North Belfast today for the European elections on June 4th has said that Sinn Fein are fighting for every vote in every county in Ireland. Read more

de Brún calls for end to credit drought

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún speaking at Business Agenda Hustings event in the Europa Hotel today has said that despite billion being poured into the banking system there is no guarantee that our businesses that deserve support can access the cash flow they need. Read more

McLaughlin home fire-bombed

Commenting on an overnight attack on his home in which a number of petrol bombs were thrown, Sinn Féin’s Mitchel McLaughlin said: Read more

Social Fund loan cuts affect most vulnerable - McCartney

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has said that recent cuts in the size of Social Fund loans available affects the most vulnerable in society. Mr McCartney was speaking after he was contacted by a constituent. Raymond McCartney said: "I have been contacted by a constituent who claimed that… Read more

Shackles of Magilligan to Greencastle Ferry Service security NOW GONE

Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy MP MLA, Minister for Regional Development today convened a cross-party roundtable discussion which included representatives from Coleraine, Limavady and Donegal Councils to discuss the future of the threatened Magilligan to Greencastle ferry service. Read more

Kelly Slams Ardoyne shooting

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has condemned the shooting of a 30-year-old man in his home last night. Read more

All recommendations of Monageer Inquiry must be implemented – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Spokesperson on Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called for the full implementation of all the recommendations of the Report of the Monageer Inquiry. Read more

Gildernew attends Bramley Apple Blossom Fair

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has joined the local apple industry in their celebrations of the bicentenary of the Bramley apple Read more

Regional Development Minister: Significant progress made in securing the future of Magilligan to Greencastle ferry link

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy MP MLA, today welcomed progress made in securing the future operation of the Magilligan to Greencastle Ferry link. Read more

Putting Older People First

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún today met with members of the ‘Young at Heart Club’ in Glenravel, North Antrim. Read more

Adams raises Visteon workers’ pension rights with British Prime Minister

West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has raised Visteon workers’ pension rights with the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Read more

Catholic experience of Criminal Justice unacceptable

Sinn Féin Policing Board Member, Alex Maskey MLA (South Belfast) responding to the Criminal Justice Inspectorate Report has branded it as a ‘damning indictment’ of the bias inherent in the Criminal Justice system here. Read more

Conor Murphy outlines position on Translink fare increases

Transport Minister Conor Murphy MP MLA today outlined his department’s position after recent discussions between the Department for Regional Development, the Consumer Council and Translink in relation to the proposed Translink fare increases. The proposed increases were deferred by the Minister, after the Consumer Council raised concerns about the consultation… Read more

Morgan calls on Green Party and Fianna Fáil backbenchers to reject Finance Bill

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has described the Finance Bill as a testament to the Government’s failures. He said Sinn Féin will not support the Bill and called on Green Party TDs and Fianna Fáil Backbenchers to have the courage to reject it. Speaking this morning as TDs… Read more

Shame on a Government that betrays children – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said that the members of the Fianna Fáil/Green Government should hang their heads in shame as their health cuts result in the closure of wards and reduction of services in Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children. Read more

Oireachtas committee endorses Sinn Féin report on future of Farming and Fishing in West of Ireland

The Oireachtas All Party Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has this morning endorsed compiled by Martin Ferris TD on the Future of Farming and Fishing in the West of Ireland. Read more

Eircom privatisation is the cause of job losses

Reacting to the announcement of 1,200 job cuts at Eircom, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Employment and Workers Rights, Arthur Morgan TD has pointed to the privatisation of Eircom as a cause of job losses and the country's inadequate broadband infrastructure. Read more

Government anti-gang proposals will not reduce serious crime – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said the package of measures to fight crime approved by cabinet yesterday will not reduce serious crime levels. Read more

Disenfranchisement of immigrants continues as government inefficiency worsens

Sinn Féin’s Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has expressed his astonishment at new figures showing that the naturalisation backlog has worsened since the last general election, despite government claims to have speeded up the process. Read more

Doherty reveals staggering cost of prefabs in schools across the state

Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty has revealed that over €6.5million is being spent annually on prefab accommodation for school children in 74 schools across 18 Counties. Read more

McDonald welcomes Labour leaders rejection of Fine Gael

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald MEP has this evening welcomed Labour leader Eamon Gilmore’s criticism of Fine Gael’s closeness to Fianna Fáil in policy and decision-making. Read more

Fines Bill welcome but further action needed -Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice Aengus Ó Snodaigh T.D. speaking in the Dáil today offered a cautious welcome to the Fines Bill 2009 while pointing out that there are serious issues which remain to be dealt with. Read more

Cowen refereeing between two squabbling FF election candidates when the economy is in crisis

Sinn Féin North West EU candidate Pádraig Mac Lochlainn today called on Brian Cowen to start dealing with the serious problems facing the Irish public and stop wasting time refereeing between two squabbling Fianna Fáil election candidates. Read more

Adams – our rural communities need de Brún in Europe

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP MLA has said that there is no stronger advocate for our rural communities in this European election than Bairbre de Brún. Read more

HE announcements give little solace to those awaiting repairs - McCann

Fra McCann Sinn Fein MLA for West Belfast has said this morning’s statement by the Housing Executive, announcing how it will spend its budget ‘gives no comfort to those people expecting major repair schemes or replacement grants’ Read more

SF Challenges other Parties on Westminster Expenses

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA has today called on all political parties to publish full accounts of monies they receive in salaries and allowances Read more

HE announcements give little solace to those awaiting repairs - McCann

Fra McCann Sinn Fein MLA for West Belfast has said this morning’s statement by the Housing Executive, announcing how it will spend its budget ‘gives no comfort to those people expecting major repair schemes or replacement grants’. Read more

Christy Burke ‘a fearless voice for the people of Dublin Central’ — Adams

SINN FÉIN President Gerry Adams is in Dublin Central today to support the by-election bid of his party’s candidate, Christy Burke. Read more

Adams attends Irish Palestine Solidarity Committee AGM in Dublin

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP MLA this afternoon attended the AGM of the IPSC in Dublin. The meeting was held in the Central Hotel and was addressed by visiting Palestinian activists, including Prof As’ad Abdul Rahman, Executive Member of the PLO, who Mr. Adams met recently on his visit… Read more

Sinn Féin Leader Launches EU Campaign

SINN FÉIN President Gerry Adams launched the party's EU campaign in the Gresham Hotel in Dublin this afternoon. Speaking at the launch, the Sinn Féin President said the elections will be a verdict on the government. Read more

Irish government should apply international pressure for British to comply with Dáil motion – McDonald

A commemoration is taking place today to mark the 35th anniversary of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. Dublin Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has called for international pressure to be applied to the British government to comply with the Dáil motion calling for access to all documents held by… Read more

Hanafin's appeal to job seekers a load rubbish – Morgan

Sinn Féin's spokesperson on finance, Arthur Morgan TD, has described Minister Mary Hanafin's appeal to the 50,000 young people currently unemployed to further their education as disingenuous Read more

Lisbon Treaty – Failed treaty of a failed time written by failed politicians

Responding to today’s Irish Times/TNS mrbi poll Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald MEP said the fact remains that the Lisbon Treaty is a bad deal for Ireland adding, “Lisbon is a failed treaty of a failed time written by failed politicians.” Read more

Irish Government cut to Autism Centre should be reversed – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health & Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has demanded that the Fianna Fáil/Green Government Education Minister, Batt O’Keeffe, heed the call of his Six-County counterpart, Education Minister Caitríona Ruane, who has urged the reversal of the Irish Government cut to promised funding for… Read more

Conor Murphy MP. MLA comments on Michael Martin resignation

Sinn Féin, as is well documented, do not take seats in the British House of Commons and therefore have no direct interest in who the office bearers of that institution are Read more

Mitchel McLaughlin MLA condemns burglary of dead man's house

Sinn Féin's Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has described the burglary of the home of a young man in Toome who died in tragic circumstances at the weekend as totally abhorrent. Read more

Taoiseach must put pressure on Gordon Brown for British cooperation with Dublin Monaghan bombings inquiry – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil today Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh called on the Taoiseach to impress upon the British Prime Minister the unacceptability of his Government’s refusal to co-operate with an Oireachtas request for access to documents in its possession relating the Dublin Monaghan Bombings of 1974 Read more

MIDDLETOWN MUST GO AHEAD – RUANE

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has said that funding must continue for the Middletown Centre for Autism. Read more

The Assembly has spoken, now the DUP should listen – O’Dowd

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson John O’Dowd MLA has welcomed the Assembly support for a motion calling for the publication of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) review Read more

Ferris suspended from Dáil after angry exchanges over raids on Fishermen’s homes

Sinn Féin Fisheries Spokesperson Martin Ferris TD was today suspended from the Dáil after angry exchanges over raids on the homes of fishermen in West Cork. Read more

Morgan calls for establishment of Oireachtas Committee to establish best practice in Financial Regulation

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD, speaking on this evening’s Dáil private members’ motion on the regulation of debt collection, called for the establishment of an all-party Oireachtas committee to investigate international best practice in financial regulation. Read more

Thornton Hall – A wanton waste of taxpayers money

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights, Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has described as "a wanton waste of taxpayers money" the Thornton Hall Prison project Read more

Sinn Féin launch Local Election campaign

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams launched the party's Local Election campaign Tuesday in Dublin. Sinn Féin is running 218 candidates in the local elections for a total of 257 seats, with some candidates seeking election to both town and county councils. The party currently has 121 seats held by 108… Read more

Mitchel McLaughlin MLA condemns burglary of dead man's house

Sinn Féin's Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has described the burglary of the home of a young man in Toome who died in tragic circumstances at the weekend as totally abhorrent. Read more

Ó Caoláin demands early Dáil debate on report of Child Abuse Commission

Speaking in the Dáil this morning Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD called for an early debate on the report of the Child Abuse Commission. Deputy Ó Caoláin also questioned why the Minister for Education has refused to do broadcast interviews on the report. Read more

Economic crisis and cuts undermining delivery of local services - Adams

SINN FÉIN President Gerry Adams is in Cork today to launch his party's campaign for the Local Government elections. Sinn Féin is looking to build on the gains it made in 2004 and is contesting all six wards in Cork City as well as every local electoral area in the… Read more

Doherty expresses concern for 27,000 home help hours in Donegal

Donegal Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has expressed concern that the HSE is set to cut almost 10,000 hours off the annual home help care for the elderly that is currently being delivered in County Donegal. Senator Doherty said the HSE currently budgets for 52,000 hours of home help in… Read more

Medical cards should be available to all Muscular Dystrophy sufferers – Ó Caoláin

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said the Government motion on Muscular Dystrophy fails to identify outstanding needs of muscular dystrophy sufferers and the obligations on Government to meet those needs. Deputy Ó Caoláin said medical cards should be available to all… Read more

Taoiseach’s prediction of economic recovery cynical electioneering – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has said Brian Cowen’s prediction of an economic upturn early next year is a cynical attempt to mislead the electorate two weeks before an election that will have huge implications for his leadership of the state. Deputy Morgan said the Taoiseach would be… Read more

de Brún publishes MEP expenses

Publishing her expenses, Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún said that Sinn Féin has argued for the expenses system within the European Parliament to be streamlined, simplified and made more transparent. Read more

Irish Politics needs an Alliance for Change

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald today called on the left in Irish politics to come together in an alliance for change. The party’s Deputy Leader launched a poster and leaflet outlining the similarities between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Speaking at the GPO, she said people had to… Read more

Sinn Féin leader on campaign trail

SINN FÉIN President Gerry Adams is in Counties Meath and Louth to support the campaigns of Sinn Féin candidates in the Local Government elections. Today will see Gerry Adams carry out engagements in Drogheda, Dundalk, Ardee and Mornington. Speaking during his visit Gerry Adams said: “There is huge anger and… Read more

Challenge to Taoiseach to come to Monaghan General Hospital during Cavan/Monaghan constituency visit

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has learned from sources within the HSE that the Taoiseach Brian Cowen has sought a briefing from the HSE North East about key health issues in Cavan/Monaghan, including Monaghan General Hospital, in advance of an electoral visit… Read more

Martin McGuinness speaking at Kevin Lynch commemoration at Park, Co Derry

28 years ago on August 1st, Kevin Lynch died on hunger strike in the H-Blocks, Long Kesh. Kevin had been on hunger strike for 71 days. He was just 25 years of age. Tomorrow would have been his 53rd birthday. Read more

Belfast Sinn Féin Chairperson Bobby Storey's car attacked

In the early hours of Saturday 23 May, a car belonging to Belfast Sinn Féin chairperson Bobby Storey was attacked and vandalised with black paint in the Andersonstown area. Read more

Gerry Adams calls for a new EU treaty

Lisbon Treaty is flawed and unsuitable for current conditions. Speaking at the launch of the Sinn Féin EU manifesto today in Dublin, Gerry Adams said “If the Lisbon Treaty had been passed Ireland would be in a weaker position today. There would be no permanent commissioner and serious long-term implications… Read more

McDonald - Keeping Ireland at the heart of Europe

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald speaking at the launch of the party’s EU manifesto this morning said Sinn Féin’s priority is keeping Ireland at the heart of Europe. Ms. McDonald said: “Ireland’s place in the EU is secure. Our membership of the EU is as valued as France,… Read more

Growing numbers being denied postal & proxy votes - Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MLA John O’ Dowd has said that Sinn Fein is receiving a growing number of complaints from people denied postal or proxy votes for next weeks European poll. Read more

McGuinness - Coleraine murder ‘barbaric’

The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, has described the murder last night of a Catholic father in Coleraine as barbaric and a measure of the depth of sectarian hatred that still haunts our society. Read more

Ferris says Government should reverse budget cutbacks

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD has said that if the Government has suddenly come up with €70 million to give to processing companies, it should also be able to reverse the swingeing Budget cutbacks in the sector by reinstating schemes such as the Early Retirement and… Read more

Ó Caoláin lends support to Dublin Focus on Youth Campaign

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has today expressed his support for the campaign against cuts to vital youth services in Dublin city. Read more

Anderson encourages local firms to take advantage of new help fund.

Foyle MLA, Martina Anderson is encouraging local manufacturing and tradable services businesses in the North West to take advantage of the fund announced by Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster to support businesses experiencing difficulties. Read more

Gildernew calls for the removal of UK status for exported products

Fermanagh/South Tyrone MP and Minister for Agricultural and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew, has called for the removal of the UK identification of exported animals as it associates us with diseases such as Foot and Mouth and Bluetongue. Read more

Ministerial announcements welcomed

Sinn Féin MLA’s Jennifer McCann (deputy Chair of the Enterprise Trand & Investment Committee) and Sue Ramsey (Chair of the Employment & Learning Committee) have both welcomed announcements made this morning by Reg Empey and Arlene Foster; but made the point clearly that outstanding questions remain unanswered. Read more

Sinn Féin condemns brutal Coleraine murder in the Assembly

Sinn Féin MLA and junior Minister Gerry Kelly has condemned those responsible for the brutal murder of Kevin McDaid in Coleraine at the weekend. Read more

Doherty calls for nationalisation of banks

Speaking in the Seanad this afternoon Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty called for the immediate nationalisation of any banks that are in need of Government aid as part of a short to medium term response to the banking crisis. He said the proposal for a National Assets Management Agency (NAMA)… Read more

By-election candidate calls on voters to shun Government parties

Sinn Féin’s candidate in the Dublin South by-election Shaun Tracey has called on voters to send the Government a strong message by hitting Fianna Fáil and the Green Party hard at the polls. Mr. Tracey said voters should turn their anger into positive action by giving the Government a hammering… Read more

Childcare provision must be primarily based on the rights of children to best care – Ó Caoláin

Speaking in the Dáil this evening on the Private Members’ Motion on Childcare provision Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said: Read more

Former Beirut hostage to address major Sinn Féin US Conference

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP, will host a major forum in New York on June 13th. The theme of the forum is ‘United Ireland – How do we get there’. The conference will take place in the Hilton Hotel, 1335 Avenue of the Americas (53rd Street) New York City. Read more

Turn your anger into action – Choose change – Vótáil Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin launched the final stage of the party’s EU and local election campaigns today with the unveiling of billboards, advertisements and new posters across Dublin. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams called on voters to turn their anger into action and to choose change by voting Sinn Féin. He was… Read more

Ó Caoláin in call for action on fixed rate mortgages

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called on the Government to act to assist people who are tied to fixed rate mortgages for their homes and who face punitive penalties if they apply to switch to a variable rate mortgage. Read more

Threat to SDLP election workers condemned

Sinn Féin Assembly member John O’Dowd has condemned the individuals who threatened SDLP election workers in the North Lurgan area on Monday night. Read more

Now loyalists threaten Kevin McDaid’s son

It has now transpired that Coleraine loyalists have threatened “some form of action” against one of murdered Kevin McDaid’s sons. Read more

Former Beirut hostage to address major SF US Conference

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP, will host a major forum in New York on June 13th. The theme of the forum is ‘United Ireland – How do we get there’. The conference will take place in the Hilton Hotel, 1335 Avenue of the Americas (53rd Street) New York City. Read more

Caithfidh O2 meas a léiriú do Ghaelgóirí – Ó Donnghaile

D’iarr urlabhraí Shinn Féin d’Oirthear Bhéal Feirste Niall Ó Donnghaile ar an comhlacht guthán phóca O2 míniú cén fáth nár glac siad le ainm agus seoladh duine trí mheán na Gaeilge Read more

Mobile phone company O2 must respect the Irish Language – Ó Donnghaile

Sinn Féin’s East Belfast representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has called on the mobile phone company O2 to explain why consumers have not been able to register with the company using the Gaelic versions of their names and addresses. Read more

2,000 boats boarded on suspicion of breaching fishing regulations, only 5 were boarded on suspicion of drug smuggling

2,000 boats boarded on suspicion of breaching fishing regulations, only 5 were boarded on suspicion of drug smuggling Read more

“Brian Lenihan should try living on €204.30 per week” – Morgan

Sinn Féin Economy spokesperson Arthur Morgan has described as “Thatcherite” the comments of Finance Minister Brian Lenihan who has claimed that social welfare rates are “far more generous than those in other countries” and are a disincentive to work. Read more

Ó Caoláin urges full disclosure of assets of religious orders

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, has urged full disclosure of the assets of the 18 culpable religious orders arising from the Report of the Child Abuse Commission. Read more

Judgement of Spanish Constitutional Court an important ‘first step’

Bairbre de Brún MEP welcomed the decision of the Constitutional Court in Spain to overturn the Supreme Court decision earlier this week to ban the electoral list Iniciativa Internacional-Solidaridad entre los Pueblos (Solidarity between peoples - II-SP) from contesting the elections to the European Parliament. Read more

Sinn Féin to lodge Ombudsman complaint about Coleraine policing response

Sinn Féin MLA Francie Brolly and Councillor Billy Leonard will meet with the Coleraine area PSNI commander Chief Superintendent Alan McCrum tonight (at 5.30pm in Ballymena PSNI Barracks) to raise serious concerns about the policing operation on the day of the brutal murder of Coleraine man, Kevin McDaid. Read more

SDLP challenged to publish MPs expenses

Sinn Fein MP Conor Murphy has reacted angrily to the comments from SDLP Leader Mark Durkan about MPs expenses and challenged the Foyle MP to ‘put up or shut up’. Read more

Adams welcomes Bog Meadows/Milltown Cemetery breakthrough

West Belfast MP Gerry Adams has welcomed the announcement today that the Ulster Wildlife Trust has agreed to transfer 2.4 hectares of land back to the Down and Connor Diocese for Milltown Cemetery as part of the resolution of the grievance of bereaved families. Read more

Burke calls on Government to deploy navy against drug smugglers not fishermen

Dublin Central by-election candidate Cllr. Christy Burke has sharply criticised the Government over its handling of the drugs crisis – in particular its efforts to prevent the importation of drugs on to the Island. Cllr. Burke was reacting to the news that Irish naval services had in the last three… Read more

Sick and tired of the government? Give them a good balloting on June 5th

Dublin South by-election candidate Shaun Tracey was this afternoon joined by Sinn Féin local election candidates and Ógra Shinn Féin to launch the party’s – Sick and tired of the government? Give them a good balloting on June 5th – poster and leaflet campaign. Speaking at the event at Leinster… Read more

Sinn Féin contact Press Ombudsman’s Office in relation to false and malicious reports in a small number of media outlets

Sinn Féin has contacted the Press Ombudsman’s office today in relation to a small number of media outlets, which have published totally false and unfounded allegations in relation to the party. The matter has also been passed over to the party’s solicitors. Read more

Government forcing most vulnerable to pay price of its mismangement of economy

SINN FÉIN President Gerry Adams is in Dublin’s South Inner City today where he is meeting with a number of community groups and supporting the Local Election campaign of Dublin City Councillor Críona Ní Dhálaigh. Read more

Brolly urges mass support for McDaid vigil

Sinn Féin East Derry MLA Francie Brolly has encouraged people from across across the north, and from all sections of the community to support a solidarity vigil for the family of Kevin McDaid organised for Sunday the 31st of May in Somerset Drive at 9pm. Read more

Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann expresses dismay at Electoral Office polling station error in West Belfast

West Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann has expressed her dismay after it emerged that the Electoral Office has issued polling cards with the wrong polling station information to over 1,500 people in the Colin area of West Belfast. Read more

Ferris Stresses Importance of Europe to Farmers

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD has this afternoon stressed the importance of Europe to farmers and the need for European representatives to maintain close contact with the rural community. Deputy Ferris was responding to what he has described as a petty attack by Micheal Martin on Dublin… Read more

Government must stop funding Anglo Irish Bank

Responding to the government’s intention to bail out Anglo most recent losses Sinn Fein Deputy Leader Mary Lou MEP has called on Brian Cowen to let the chips fall where they may with the failed bank. Ms McDonald described Brian Cowen’s decision to put a further 4 billion euro into… Read more

Gerry Adams comments on the murder of Kevin McDaid

Speaking this evening from Coalisland in County Tyrone Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP, MLA said, Read more

Polling station decision is height of nonsense - Ní Chuilín

Sinn MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has described a decision by the electoral office to force more than 400 voters in the New Lodge area to travel past their local polling station in next week's European election as "unreasonable and inflexible" and said it was yet another attempt to rob people… Read more

UDA intimidating Coleraine witnesses – McGuinness

Following the visit by the First and deputy First Minister to Coleraine this morning Martin McGuinness MP, MLA (Mid-Ulster) has accused the UDA of intimidating witnesses to the murder of Kevin McDaid. Read more

Biggest threat to neutrality is this government’s unquestioning approach to the drive towards an EU superstate

Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald speaking at a PANA press conference in Dublin this morning said 'the biggest threat to neutrality today is this Government’s unquestioning approach to the drive towards an EU superstate. In less than six months the Irish government will attempt to force through the… Read more

Adams – there will be strong transfers among the anti-government parties and independents

“Enda Kenny and Dermot Ahern’s comments are completely irrelevant. People want to see a general election and they believe that June 5th can build momentum towards making that happen. It is clear that there will be strong transfers among the anti-government parties and independents.” Read more

May 2009 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

May 1, 2009

May 2, 2009

May 3, 2009

May 4, 2009

May 5, 2009

May 6, 2009

May 7, 2009

May 8, 2009

May 10, 2009

May 11, 2009

May 12, 2009

May 13, 2009

May 14, 2009

May 15, 2009

May 16, 2009

May 17, 2009

May 18, 2009

May 19, 2009

May 21, 2009

May 22, 2009

May 24, 2009

May 25, 2009

May 26, 2009