July 2009 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

Sinn Féin calls for Donegal South West by-election – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin has today tabled a Dáil calling for the Donegal South West by-election writ to be moved to fill the seat left vacant as a result of the election of Pat the Cope Gallagher to the European Parliament. Read more

Doherty calls for by-election writ to be moved

Donegal South West Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has called on the Government to support a Sinn Féin motion in the Dáil to move the writ for the by election to take place to fill the seat left vacant as a result of the election of Pat the Cope Gallagher… Read more

Israeli attack on peace activist boat unacceptable

Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry MacLochlainn who has just returned from Gaza has described the Israeli government’s decision to board and hijack a peace boat en-route to Gaza carrying medical aid as contemptible. Councillor MacLochlainn added; “The piracy of the Israeli Navy in boarding the boat in international waters and towing… Read more

Sinn Féin Equality spokesperson welcomes launch of ‘Access to Air Travel’ booklet

Sinn Féin Equality and Human Rights spokesperson Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has welcomed the launch of a new information booklet by the Consumers Council entitled ‘Access to Air Travel’ Read more

GILDERNEW PRESENTS GREENMOUNT STUDENTS WITH THEIR AWARDS

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has presented the awards and congratulated the students at the recent Annual Awards ceremony at CAFRE’s Greenmount Campus. Read more

Reaction to statement made by Evelyn McDaid regarding the Coleraine Orange Order Parade Wed 1st July

Sinn Féin Coleraine Councillor, Billy Leonard has commented on the statement made by the by Evelyn McDaid regarding the Coleraine Orange Order Parade on the 1st of July stating: Read more

McKay to present Plastic Bag Levy proposals to Environment Committee‏

North Antrim MLA and Sinn Féin Environment Spokesperson Daithí McKay will be making a presentation to the Environment Committee tomorrow morning on his proposal to introduce a Plastic Bag Levy in the North. Read more

Caithfear déileáil le teangacha ar bhonn a riachtanais fhéin – Sinn Féin

Ag labhairt do inniu i ndiaidh tuilleadh eolais ag teacht chun tosaigh fán “Acadamh Ultaise” dúirt Barra Mac Giolla Dhuibh; Read more

Government must demand release of Irish citizens from Israeli custody – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin International Affairs Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called on the Government to demand the release of two Irish citizens and others who were yesterday kidnapped by the Israeli Navy while on a humanitarian mission to Gaza. Read more

De Brún welcomes removal of EU marketing standards for misshapen fruit and vegetables

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed the decision to change EU guidelines on 'knobbly' fruit and vegetables and said that it will benefit both farmers and shoppers. July the 1st is the date on which the EU marketing standards for 26 types of produce will be scrapped. Read more

Minister must ensure reinstatement of cleaning staff - Doolan

Local Sinn Féin representative, Daithí Doolan speaking from a picket at the Department of the Environment in Dublin, has called on the Minister to ensure the reinstatement of cleaning staff after a new contract cleaner failed to live up to an agreement to re-employ them. Read more

Live register figures show result of Government inaction on jobs – Morgan

Speaking today as live register figures showed that unemployment has risen to 11.9% Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD accused the Government of delaying and procrastinating in securing action to get the country back to work. Read more

Ballynafeigh flags divisive

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has said that the erecting of flags in the Ballynafeigh area is divisive and will have a negative impact on community relations in the area. He also stated that a number of residents have contacted him to highlight their concerns that the PSNI… Read more

Sinn Féin TD to draw up jobs report for Oireachtas Employment Committee

Sinn Féin’s Economic spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD was today appointed by the Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment to draw up a report for the committee on ‘What is required to expand employment in the agri-food sector’. Read more

Announcement on Central Mental Hospital welcomed

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has welcomed the announcement in the Dáil this afternoon from Minister of State at the Department of Health John Moloney that the new Central Mental Hospital will not be co-located at the site of the proposed super prison at Thornton Hall. Read more

deBurca & Boyle need to get their heads out of sand on unemployment - Doherty

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has this evening sharply criticised the Green Party during a Seanad debate on unemployment noting, “tonight’s motion put forward by the Green’s is a shameful and inappropriate backslapping exercise that ignores Ireland’s soaring unemployment which today stands at 11.9%.” Read more

Gildernew urges caution on the farm over summer holidays

Farming Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has highlighted the issue of farm safety to farmers and appealed for increased safety at this time of the year. Read more

Ó Snodaigh launches measures to tackle serious crime

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has this morning launched a set of concrete proposals to deal with serious crime ahead of the debate on the Criminal Justice Amendment Bill which will be debated in the Dáil tomorrow. Speaking today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the measures included in… Read more

Ó Caoláin moves Dáil motion on Donegal South West by-election

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD this morning moved a Dáil motion calling for the writ to be moved for the by-election in Donegal South West. Deputy Ó Caoláin said there is a special obligation on the Government to hold the by-election at the earliest opportunity as it… Read more

Sinn Féin motion will see Assembly recalled

Sinn Féin chief whip in the Assembly, Carál Ní Chuilín MLA has stated that the recall of the Assembly is essential in order to question the Finance Minister Sammy Wilson on the June Monitoring rounds and the current budget allocations. Read more

Donegal South West gets slap in the face from Fianna Fáil & the Green’s – Doherty

Sinn Féin Donegal Senator Pearse Doherty has described the government’s refusal to support Sinn Féin’s motion calling on the writ to be moved for the Donegal South West by-election as a slap in the face for people of the constituency. Read more

Environment Committee supports Plastic Bag Levy Bill

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has welcomed the Environment Committee’s decision to support his proposal to move forward with a Private Members Bill to introduce a Plastic Bag Levy. Read more

Gormley must exclude Granny Flats from Second Home levy – Doherty

Sinn Féin Donegal Senator Pearse Doherty has today said that Minister John Gormley can and should exclude Granny Flats from the Second Home levy. Following an exchange with John Gormley on the Granny Flat exclusion amendment tabled by Senator Doherty the Environment Minister accepted that he would have to reconsider… Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes arrest of 80 in Dublin drugs crackdown

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed a Garda operation involving the arrest of eighty people in Dublin over the past forty-eight hours on suspicion of drug offences. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said this is the type of solid, intelligence based police work that is needed to tackle drugs… Read more

Fáilte roimh tuairisc ar an Ghaeloideachas – Sinn Féin

Cuireann John O’Dowd fáilte roimh an scéal inniu go bhfuil tuairisc ó Ollscoil na ‘Ríona i ndiaidh taispeáint na buntáistí a theas le gaeloideachas. Read more

Orde responds in hurling stick row - it is not an offensive weapon

Chief Constable Hugh Orde has been forced to clarify the position regarding the PSNI’s attitude to Gaelic Games, Policing Board member and Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has revealed. Read more

Welcome for peaceful ‘Mini Twelfth’ - Ó Donnghaile

Sinn Féin’s east Belfast Representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has commended all those responsible for ensuring that last night’s ‘Mini Twelfth’ parade in east Belfast passed off peacefully. Read more

DUP stoking fears over Personal Protection weapons

Sinn Fein Policing Board member Alex Maskey MLA has accused the DUP members of whipping up fears and stoking tensions over the issue of personal firearms for purely selfish political gain. Read more

IMF proposals for Irish economy will made a bad situation worse - Morgan

Speaking ahead of this afternoon’s Dáil debate on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report on the Irish economy Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan said, ‘whilst the reports substantive historic analysis of how the government, the banks and the developers brought Ireland into recession is broadly correct, the IMF’s recommendations… Read more

Mac Adhaimh chun bualadh le Foras na Gaeilge maidir le nuachtseirbhís Gaeilge

Léirigh Uachtarán Sinn Féin díomá ar imeacht Foinse – an nuachtán Gaeilge. D’iarr an tUasal Adams cruinniú práinneach ar chathaoirleach agus ar phríomh-fheidhmeannach an Fhorais le plé ar na céad céimeanna eile atá de dhíth láithreach le nuacht seirbhís úr as Gaeilge a chruthú. Caithfear cinntiú go bhfuil sé I… Read more

Adams to meet Foras na Gaeilge on Irish Language newservice

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP MLA has expressed his deep disappointment at the collapse of the Irish language paper Foinse. Mr. Adams has asked for an urgent meeting with the chair and the chief executive of Foras na Gaeilge to discuss this and what steps are urgently needed to… Read more

Sinn Féin will oppose incinerator at Balltutoag Road between South Antrim/ North Belfast

Sinn Fein MLA for South Antrim Mitchel McLaughlin has stated that Sinn Féin will be opposing the proposal to site an incinerator on the Ballyutoag Road. The proposal was submitted to Planning by Irish Recycling Services for an Energy from Waste facility over a 10 hectare site. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome greater attention to car crime by PSNI

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, Jennifer McCann has stated that she hopes that the operation last night against car crime in West Belfast is the beginning of a concerted focus by the PSNI against this particular crime. Read more

Criminal Justice Amendment Bill a cynical PR exercise – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon on the Criminal Justice Amendment Bill Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said the Bill will do absolutely nothing to reduce gangland crime and absolutely nothing to protect witnesses, their families and communities. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said his party will oppose the… Read more

IMF report like the government has no stimulus plan, just inequitable cuts and bad bank bailouts – Morgan

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon during a debate on the recently published International Monetary Fund (IMF) report on Ireland’s economy Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said; “there is no stimulus plan contained within the IMF report on the Irish economy, just proposals for more inequitable cuts and… Read more

Jobs, investment and education key to economic recovery – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said the Government’s attitude to the economic crisis can be summed up by a Freudian slip in the IMF report which recommends ‘more targeting of the vulnerable’. Speaking during today’s Dáil debate on the IMF Deputy Ó Caoláin rejected the idea… Read more

Adams calls for Mairead Maguire release

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has criticised the actions of the Israeli government in boarding the ‘Spirit of Humanity’ boat, arresting international peace activists including Mairead Maguire, and preventing the cargo of goods and medical supplies reaching the people of Gaza. He called for their ‘immediate release’. Mr Adams who… Read more

Gildernew slams lack of PSNI response to Fermanagh robbery

Fermanagh and south Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has slammed the lack of response from the PSNI to a live robbery of a vital ATM machine used by the community in the Newtonbutler area of County Fermanagh. Read more

It doesn’t come more front-line than ambulance cover – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin health spokesperson and deputy Chair of the Assembly Health committee Michele O’Neil MLA has expressed her deep concern at proposed cuts to ambulance provision in the Six Counties. Read more

Doherty lobbies DSD Minister on suspension of Home Improvement Grants.

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that many elderly constituents have been dealt a double blow by being not only told that Housing Executive Improvement Grants for long awaited improvements to their homes have been suspended but by also being told that they would have to reapply… Read more

Call for review of decision to halt grants to homes in a ‘dangerous condition’

Sinn Fein Housing Spokesperson, West Belfast MLA Fra McCann has called on the Housing Executive to carry out an urgent review of its decision to halt grants to houses in a dangerous condition. Read more

Attacks on Orange Halls must stop.

Sinn Féin representatives have stated that all attacks on Orange Halls must stop. This follows attacks on two Orange Halls over the weekend in Rasharkin and North Belfast. Read more

Newry area missing out on benefits Project Kelvin – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MP for Newry/Armagh Conor Murphy has said that the people of Newry are missing out on the benefits of the transatlantic submarine communications network, Project Kelvin which recently arrived in Portrush and will be housed in Derry. Read more

New EU initiative could help create hundreds of local jobs

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has said that a new proposal to set up an EU micro-finance facility with a budget of €100 million could help create hundreds of new jobs by helping unemployed people start small businesses. Read more

MEP encourages responses to consultation on ‘green’ energy

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has encouraged people to become more involved in the debate about renewable energy and to respond to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) consultation on a more sustainable energy future in the Strategic Energy Framework. Read more

O’Keeffe in need of reality check – Doherty

Speaking as Batt O’Keeffe prepared to present his proposals on college fees to the cabinet this week Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty described as ‘ridiculous in the extreme’, the Minister’s notion that fees will not affect the less well off. Read more

Sinn Féin ensure Assembly is recalled to question Finance Minister

Sinn Féin Assembly Group Leader John O’Dowd MLA has said that he is pleased that the Assembly will have the opportunity to put questions to the Finance Minister at a special sitting of the Assembly tomorrow (Tuesday). Read more

McGuinness comments following NMSC plenary meeting

Sinn Féin Mid Ulster MP, deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness speaking after today’s plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council held in Farmleigh House Dublin has said that a close working relationship between ministers, north and south, is the best way to underpin the response to the global economic… Read more

Joint Business Council statement shows realisation of the benefits of all Ireland single economy approach

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast and deputy chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment committee has stated that today’s comment from the Joint Business Committee points towards a clear realisation that a single island economy is the best model for Ireland. Read more

Government must be forced into u-turn on Donegal Home Help hours – Doherty

Donegal Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has called on the people of Donegal to rally against the proposed cut of almost 30,000 home help hours for the elderly in the County. Senator Doherty raised this issue with the Minister on the floor of the Seanad in May and called on… Read more

Sinn Féin welcome proposals on planning reform

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Planning, Cathal Boylan, has welcomed the announcement from Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, regarding the proposals on the Reform of Planning. Read more

Adams protests to Israeli Ambassador over Corrigan

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams this afternoon spoke with the Israeli Ambassador in Dublin to protest at the arrest of Mairead Corrigan and Derek Graham and others held by Israeli forces after they boarded the ‘Spirit of Humanity’ boat carrying aid to the Gaza Strip. Read more

Gildernew meets Bank Chiefs

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA is meeting with representatives of the five main banks to discuss the impact of the credit crunch on rural businesses and farming. Read more

Call for end to Garda recruitment ban in wake of latest killing

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on the Government to respond to the killing of Wayne Doherty in Hartstown last Saturday by lifting the bans on Garda recruitment, promotion and overtime and by making appropriate training and technologies available to the Gardaí. Read more

Suspicious death in Newry

Sinn Féin MP for Newry/Armagh Conor Murphy has said that police are treating the discovery of a body in Edward St. Newry as ‘suspicious’. Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls for extra Dáil sitting week to discuss crime measures

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called for the Dáil to sit next week in order to better scrutinise the Criminal Justice Amendment Bill. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said if this Bill is passed it will lead to lengthy constitutional challenges at a huge cost to the state. Read more

Empey playing politics with the Institutions

Sinn Féin Assembly member John O’Dowd has accused the UUP leader Reg Empey of playing politics with the political institutions as he seeks to cosy up to Jim Allister and the TUV. Read more

Empey playing politics with the Institutions

Sinn Féin Assembly member John O’Dowd has accused the UUP leader Reg Empey of playing politics with the political institutions as he seeks to cosy up to Jim Allister and the TUV. Read more

McLaughlin welcomes IBEC-CBI Joint Business Council statement on benefits of all Ireland single economy

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has stated that the statement issued by the IBEC-CBI Joint Business Committee (JBC) points towards a clear realisation that a single island economy is the best way to economic recovery. Read more

Margaret Ritchie has got the money, now she needs to act – Ní Chuilín

Sinn Féin MLA for north Belfast and member of the Social Development Committee Carál Ní Chuilín has welcomed the fact that the Minister for Social Development has received an added £20 million for the development of social housing and to implement outstanding Egan schemes across the north. Read more

Employers must pay agreed rate before any new pay arrangements can be talked about – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) and the Association of Electrical Contractors Ireland to pay the increase in wages owed to electricians agreed in April 2008. Deputy Ó Caoláin said only when the terms of the existing agreement have been… Read more

Disappointment at refusal to extend C-Diificile inquiry to South Belfast

Balmoral Sinn Féin representative Vincent Parker has expressed his disappointment at the refusal of the Health Minister Michael McGimpsey MLA to extend the inquiry into the outbreak of C-Difficile in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust hospitals to South Belfast’s Musgrave Park and Belfast City Hospital’s. Read more

Concerns expressed at Credit Union finance proposal for Executive

Sinn Fein MLA Jennifer McCann for West Belfast has expressed concern that the minister for Social Development has not brought forward to the Executive a proposal from the Credit Union organisation to invest up to £100 million into the social housing programme. Read more

Gildernew seeks urgent Health meeting over proposed ambulance cuts

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA is seeking an urgent meeting with the Health Minister to discuss the cuts to ambulance provision proposed by the Ambulance Service and the impact on rural areas. Read more

Disappointment at NIE Pylon decision

Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Assembly member, Cathal Boylan, has said he is disappointed to learn that NIE are proposing to proceed with a planning application for overhead pylons for the northern section of the Cavan – Tyrone Electricity Interconnector. Read more

Homeowners in need of protection as repossessions increase – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on the Government to enforce a moratorium on home repossessions by all mortgage lenders for the duration of the bank guarantee scheme. Deputy Ó Snodaigh was speaking today after a record number of repossession orders were granted by the courts yesterday… Read more

Ó Caoláin welcomes Institutional Child Abuse Bill 2009

Speaking in the Dáil this evening Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin described the Institutional Child Abuse Bill 2009 as a ‘logical and necessary follow-up to the Ryan Report’ and called for all the recommendations of the report to be implemented. Deputy Ó… Read more

Adams welcomes Launch of Féile programme

Sinn Fein west Belfast MP Gerry Adams has welcomed the publication today of Féile 09, the West Belfast Festival programme. Read more

McGuinness challenges Orde on withholding of files

Sinn Féin MP for Mid-Ulster Martin McGuinness has called on the Chief Constable Hugh Orde to end his policy of cover-up and concealment and release files on a number of controversial killings in order to allow Inquests to proceed. Read more

Conor Murphy MP attends NSMC meeting in Dublin

Sinn Fein Minister Conor Murphy, MP, MLA attended today’s All-Ireland NSMC meeting in trade and business sectoral format alongside DUP Minister for enterprise Arlene Foster and Tánaiste Mary Coughlan at Dublin Castle. Read more

“Disaster for health services as HSE gives execution date for Monaghan General Hospital” – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has described as “a disaster for our health services” the announcement by the HSE that the axing of all acute services in Monaghan General Hospital is now scheduled to go ahead on 22 July. He said lives would… Read more

Why is DCAL acting as administrator for the Orange Order? – McElduff

Sinn Féin west Tyrone MLA and chair of the Assembly’s Culture Arts and Leisure Committee Barry McElduff has contacted both Minister Nelson McCausland and the Permanent Secretary of his department, seeking to find out why DCAL feels the need to act as an administrator for the Orange Order. Read more

Government running scared from blasphemy debate – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has accused the Government of running scared of a debate on blasphemy. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the guillotine imposed on the Defamation Bill today is purposely designed to avoid a debate on the blasphemy laws contained in it. Read more

Ferris Welcomes Clarification on Fisheries Body

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Fisheries Martin Ferris TD has welcomed the clarification given today by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority regarding its position in relation to both the Minister and the Oireachtas Committee. The Kerry North TD was speaking following a meeting at which the SFPA board were subject to… Read more

Díomá faoi cás Mac Giolla Chatháin – Mac Ádhaimh

Dúirt uachtarán Shinn Féin Gearóid Mac Ádhaimh inniu go raibh díomá air cluinstin nár glacadh leis na hargóintí ó foireann dleathach Caoimhín Mac Giolla Chatháin faoi phéindlí Acht 1737. Read more

Sinn Féin will continue to campaign for a better Europe - Ó Snodaigh

Following the government’s announcement that it will re-run the Lisbon Treaty referendum on October 2nd Sinn Féin European Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has accused the Taoiseach of failing the people of Ireland and Europe adding, “Until such time as we have a new Treaty that responds to the deeply… Read more

Adams, McGuinness and Ó Caoláin meet with An Taoiseach in Dublin

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP along with deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP and Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD today held talks with An Taoiseach Brain Cowen and Minister for Foriegn Affairs Micheál Martin at Government Building in Dublin. Read more

Government needs to act on balanced regional development – Doherty

Sinn Féin Regional Development Spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty has welcomed a call for the Government to address the problem of unbalanced regional development in a report from Friend First Chief Economist Jim Power. Senator Doherty, author of the report, ‘Awakening the West: Overcoming Social and Economic Inequality’, said the report… Read more

Doherty to deliver USI proposals on third level fees to cabinet members

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education has today been requested by the Union of Students Ireland (USI) to deliver the student’s alternative to Batt O’Keefe’s proposed student loans system. Senator Doherty said it is a disgrace that the USI was excluded from negotiations on the reintroduction of third level fees. Read more

Anderson comments on UDA statement

Sinn Féin Assembly member Martina Anderson has branded a statement from the UPRG in Derry and Coleraine withdrawing support from the PSNI and the political institutions as ‘a pathetic whinge on behalf of a discredited criminal gang’. Read more

Ferris calls for assurance on Turf Cutting

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD has called on the Minister for the Environment to provide assurances that farmers with traditional turf cutting rights will not be prevented from continuing to do so on the basis of EU legislation being made Irish law. He also called for… Read more

Anti-Catholic remarks fuel Church Attacks

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Antrim Daithi McKay has said that the overnight attacks on three Catholic churches in Ballymena were motivated by the same anti-Catholic sentiment articulated by the Culture Minister Nelson McCausland when he publicly states that he will not take part in events in Catholic churches. Read more

Morgan slams TDs claiming Ministerial pensions

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has severely criticised the Oireachtas Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Bill for allowing serving TDs in receipt of Ministerial pensions to retain a massive proportion of their pensions. Deputy Morgan accused members of the Oireachtas in receipt of Ministerial pensions of feathering their nests… Read more

Ó Caoláin slams FF TDs for saving Government from embarrassment in vote on Monaghan General Hospital

The Fianna Fáil/Green Government scraped through a Dáil division by only two votes this morning in a vote called by Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin in response to the announcement by the HSE yesterday that all acute medical services at Monaghan General Hospital will be axed on 22… Read more

McLaughlin welcomes £9.2 million investment in Crumlin based Randox Laboritories

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel MCLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has welcomed the announced £9.2million investment in Crumlin based Randox Laboratories. Read more

Community concerns over UPRG statement

Coleraine Sinn Féin councillor Billy Leonard has said that “there will be even greater community concerns and tensions” in the Coleraine area because of the UPRG’s statement which claimed that they were withdrawing their support for the police and political institutions. Read more

Doherty secures Seanad debate on Donegal Home Help hours

Donegal Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty, has secured a debate in the Seanad tonight on the cuts been imposed on Home Help services in Donegal. Senator Doherty tabled a motion in the Seanad calling on the government to reverse their decision to cut in the space of a year up… Read more

Ó Snodaigh appeals for more time to debate Criminal Justice Bill

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has appealed again to the Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern to hear the reasoned arguments in opposition to the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill 2009 and at the very least provide more time for a detailed debate on it. Deputy Ó Snodaigh also… Read more

CPI small yearly decline shows wages can’t be cut – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said today that economic indicators revealing that the Consumer Price Index excluding Mortgage Interest fell by only 1.2% between May 2008 and May 2009 shows that wages cannot be cut without risking a complete collapse in consumer spending. Read more

It’s up to the DUP to explain why policing and justice proposal wasn’t discussed at Executive – Murphy

Sinn Féin Minister Conor Murphy has said that it is up to the DUP to explain why the paper on the transfer of Policing and Justice powers was not presented to the Executive today. Read more

Doherty welcomes Rural White Paper and commends Minister Gildernew

Sinn Féin Agricultural spokesperson Pat Doherty MP, MLA has welcomed news from today’s Executive meeting that they are to recommend the proposal for a Rural White Paper from DARD Minister Michelle Gildernew. Read more

Ireland and the EU needs a Treaty that delivers a better Europe – Doherty

Senator Doherty’s full speech is at the end of this statement. Speaking during a Seanad debate on the upcoming Lisbon Treaty referendum re-run Sinn Féin Donegal Senator Pearse Doherty reminded his colleagues of Fianna Fáil’s economic résumé of the last 12 years noting that the “challenge facing Ireland and Europe… Read more

Taoiseach and Health Minister approved fatal date for Monaghan General Hospital – Ó Caoláin

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Health Minister Mary Harney were centrally involved in the decision to axe all acute services at Monaghan General Hospital from 22 July, revealed Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin when speaking in an adjournment debate on the issue this evening. Read more

Minister reveals that he is unaware of extent of jury intimidation – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has revealed that the most basic research to establish the need for the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act has not been carried out by the Minister for Justice. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said Justice Minister Dermot Ahern, in a reply to a parliamentary question,… Read more

de Brún secures role on European Parliament Environment Committee

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has been appointed to the Environment Committee in the new session of the European Parliament. This is particularly important in light of talks to reach a new global agreement to tackle climate change. Read more

Closure of Armagh hospital 'devastating blow'

Sinn Féin MP for Newry/Armagh, Conor Murphy has said that the decision by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey to support the Southern Health Trust’s proposal to close Mullinure hospital within four to six months is a ‘devastating blow for Armagh’. Read more

Disappointment as Government seeks to water down penalties for tobacco companies

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has expressed his disappointment that the Government has sought to water down the penalties for tobacco companies for breaches of law in relation to the sale and advertisement of tobacco. Read more

Environment Minister should respect the decision by Belfast City Council on Incinerator.

Sinn Féin MLA and Belfast City Councillor Paul Maskey has stated that the new Environment Minister Edwin Poots should be supporting the decision not to site an incinerator for the North Foreshore in Belfast instead of undermining the Belfast City Council. Read more

Debtors with an inability to pay must be protected - Ó Snodaigh

Speaking during today’s Dáil debate on the Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Bill 2009 Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD warned that whilst the Bill provides progressive changes to existing draconian legislation that resulted in 276 people being imprisoned for non-repayment of debt last year, it does not… Read more

Ó Donnghaile condemns paint attack on St Matthews Chapel

Sinn Féin Representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has blasted those responsible for an overnight paint attack on Saint Matthews Chapel in the Short Strand. Read more

Bomb alert at AOH Hall in Rosnashane

Sinn Féin north Antrim MLA Daithí McKay has condemned those responsible for leaving a suspicious device at the Ancient Order of Hibernian Hall in the Rosnashane area close to the village of Rasharkin. Read more

Gildernew comments after Tyrone traffic tragedies

Sinn Fein MP for Fermagh and South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew has said her thoughts and prayers are with those families affected by tragic accidents on our roads over these past two days. Read more

Retention of Data Bill falls short on safeguards for citizens privacy – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has said the Communications (Retention of Data) Bill, published by the Minister for Justice this morning is short on safeguards for the privacy of citizens of the state. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the measures included in the Bill such as access to… Read more

Shame on Eamonn Ryan for Betraying Third Level Students – Doherty

Responding to Green Party Minister Eamon Ryan’s comments that he would back the return of third level fees, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Pearse Doherty has described his comments as yet another reversal of Green Party policy and a betrayal of third level students across the state. Read more

McGuinness challenges Orange Order over parades

Commenting after trouble flared in a number of locations last night in the wake of several controversial Orange parades, Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness appealed to the leadership of the Orange Order to finally step forward and deal with the issue of parades through communities where they are… Read more

de Brún supports milk farmers' demands

Six County MEP Bairbre de Brún has once again reiterated the need for action to help the struggling dairy sector. Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes reversal of decision to close Cherry Orchard Alzheimer’s Unit

Dublin South Central Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed the announcement that the decision to close the Alzheimer’s Unit and Cherry Orchard Hospital has been reversed. Speaking today Deputy Ó Snodaigh described the news as a victory for the local community and the patients and families involved. Read more

Who fears to speak of Irish Unity? – Doherty

Speaking today after a Seanad debate with the Taoiseach and representative from all parties Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty criticised all party’s for fearing to speak of a United Ireland. Senator Doherty said a British MP is due to Chair a debate on Irish Unity this evening in the Grand… Read more

De Brún expresses concern at new Lithuanian "anti-gay" law

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has expressed concern at a new anti gay law set to come into force in Lithuania in 2010 which is the same as Margaret Thatcher's Section 28 which even the current Tory leader David Cameron has disowned. Read more

Ó Donnghaile condemns east Belfast violence

Sinn Féin representative for east Belfast Niall Ó Donnghaile has condemned the violence that broke out at the Bryson Street, Newtonards Road junction last night. Read more

Israeli war criminals must be prosecuted – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin International Affairs and Human Rights Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has called for the establishment of an International trial for the prosecution of Israeli Army commanders for genocidal war crimes against the Palestinian people after thirty Israeli soldiers today exposed outrageous and criminal targeting of civilians in the… Read more

de Brun calls for a new Treaty for a new time

Speaking in Strasbourg today Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brun called on European leaders to deliver a new Treaty for a new time. Read more

McKay condemns Dunloy bomb alert

Sinn Fein MLA for north Antrim Daithí McKay has condemned those people responsible for a bomb alert outside the Catholic Church in Dunloy. The alert is ongoing, with PSNI at the scene. Read more

Moves on sheep-tagging "'important": de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has said the moves to allow greater flexibility in how sheep are electronically tagged "is very important and will come as a relief to sheep farmers". Read more

Ó Snodaigh to give Sinn Féin response to An Bord Snip Nua report

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh will give his party’s response to the report from An Bord Snip Nua this afternoon at 3pm at the Kildare Street entrance to Leinster House. Read more

Largest cuts to social welfare reveal Bord Snip’s political agenda

Responding to the contents of ‘An Bord Snip Nua’ report published today, Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the government has made a conscious and motivated decision to bail out the banks, indebting taxpayers for decades to come, but refuses to stimulate the economy to keep people employed and… Read more

Sinn Féin calls for retention of Ombudsman for Children Office

Speaking following the disclosure that the report of the so-called An Bord Snip Nua has proposed to merge the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) with the Office of the Ombudsman, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children, Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin stated that such a proposal would be “completely unacceptable” and would… Read more

Health cuts worthy of Thatcher at her worst – Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the proposals in the Bord Snip report regarding health Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: Read more

‘They need to justify their actions to the people of Ardoyne’ Kelly

Sinn Féin north Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has this afternoon, again called on the spokespeople from various so-called dissident organisation, to come forward and explain the rationale for a third night of violence in Ardoyne. Read more

Ferris slams McCarthy's proposals for rural Ireland

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development Martin Ferris TD has said condemned the proposed cuts in the budgetary allocations to the rural economy, and claimed that they will devastate public services and rural communities. Read more

Government sentences children to rot in inadequate schools – Doherty

Commenting on the proposed cuts to contained in the Bórd Snip Nua report regarding the education sector Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson Senator Pearse Doherty said: Read more

Proposed Social Welfare and Community Employment cuts will devastate many communities – Ó Snodaigh

Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has accused the Government of getting An Bord Snip Nua to do its dirty work. Deputy Ó Snodaigh described the proposed welfare cuts, the cuts to Community Employment schemes and destruction of RAPID programmes across the city as a “serious assault on working… Read more

Irish society cannot afford An Bord Snip Nua report – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has said Irish society cannot afford to implement the proposed cuts contained in the report from An Bord Snip Nua. Deputy Morgan criticised Colm McCarthy for proposing cuts to the lowest earners in society while earning €1,000 a week for preparing the report. Read more

Leas Cross Report "released under a smokescreen"

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caolain has described as "cynical in the extreme" the decision of the Health Minister Mary Harney to publish the report on the Leas Cross nursing home on the same day as the publication of the 'Bord Snip' report. Read more

‘An Bord Snip’ plan would have huge social consequences — Adams

Commenting today on the report by the so-called 'An Bord Snip Nua' Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said that if implemented its proposals would have devastating social consequences. Read more

British cover-ups increase inquiry costs

Responding to reports that the Inquiries into the murders of Robert Hamill, Rosemary Nelson and Billy Wright have so far cost £95m, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Truth issues Francie Molloy said that ‘it is not the inquiries themselves which have cost money, it is the British government policy of concealment… Read more

Adams comments on Orange Order failure to engage

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has described Orange Order Grand Secretary Drew Nelsons rejection of talks with Sinn Féin as ‘disappointing’. Read more

Gildernew provides Farm Nutrient Management Scheme payment progress update

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has announced that just over £100million has now been paid out in grant aid under the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS) to date. Read more

Government has no mandate to implement McCarthy report – General Election should be called – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said that the Fianna Fáil/Green Government has no mandate to implement the sweeping measures in the McCarthy report which would “devastate healthcare for the sick, education for children, care for older people and social supports for all those who need them”.… Read more

McCarthy and Government cronies are far removed from reality

Donegal Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has said Colm McCarthy and the members of Government are so far removed from the reality facing the hundreds of thousands of people dependent on social welfare that they are unqualified to recommend cuts to social welfare payments. Senator Doherty said the Government has… Read more

Serious concerns expressed after PSNI shooting

Sinn Fein Assembly member for Upper Bann John O’Dowd has expressed serious concerns after the PSNI shot the occupant of a stolen range rover in Gilford last night. It is reported that the range rover was stolen from a house in Craigavon in the early hours of this morning. Read more

Comhghairdeas Tír Eoghain

Sinn Féin MLA for west Tyrone Barry McElduff has congratulated the Ulster championship winning Tyrone side. Read more

Díomá faoi tuarascáil deireanach an Choimisinéir um Athruithe ar Theorainneacha an Rialtais Áitiúil – Sinn Féin

Ag caint dó i ndiaidh foilsiú tuarascáil deireanach an Choimisinéir um Athruithe ar Theorainneacha an Rialtais Áitiúil, dúirt Séanna Breatnach, ar cathaoirleach é ar Roinn Cultúir Shinn Féin, dúirt sé: Read more

Sinn Féin express disappointment at failure of local government boundary review to recognise Irish language rights

Speaking after the publication of the final report of the Local Government Boundaries Commissioner, Séanna Breatnach, Chairperson of Sinn Féin’s Cultural Department, said: Read more

Hamilton comments entirely motivated by party political considerations – McElduff

Sinn Féin west Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff has branded comments from DUP MLA Simon Hamilton in yesterday’s Irish News as ‘entirely motivated by party political considerations’. Read more

Fourth report this year slams conditions at Maghaberry

Sinn Féin MLA and spokesperson on Human Rights Martina Anderson has stated that the publication of a report into Maghaberry prison today is the fourth report this year to focus on the need for a serious overhaul of practices and conditions at the prison. Read more

McCarthy must meet INOU and MABS - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Dublin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has today called on Colm McCarthy and his co-authors of the Report of the Special Group on Public Services Numbers and Expenditure to meet with organisations such as the Irish National organisation of the Unemployed (INOU) and Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)… Read more

Workman Avenue attack condemned

Commenting after the home of an elderly couple on Workman Avenue was attacked last night by stone throwers, local Sinn Féin Councillor Tom Hartley said: Read more

Conor Murphy announces the preferred route for A5 Western Transport Corridor

Transport Minister Conor Murphy and his southern counterpart Minister Noel Dempsey TD, today announced the preferred route for the A5 Western Transport Corridor, the proposed 86 kilometre long dual carriageway from Derry to Aughnacloy, estimated to cost between £650million and £850million. Read more

Gildernew hosts double NSMC at Greenmount

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has hosted the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) Sectoral meetings on Aquaculture and Marine on Monday 20 July and Agriculture and Rural Development on Tuesday 21 July at CAFRE's Greenmount Campus. Read more

Sinn Féin encourage people to take part in C Diff inquiry

Sinn Féin MLA and deputy chair of the health committee Michelle O’Neill has said that anybody who was in affected by C-difficile outbreaks or have concerns around the infection sites should come forward to take part in the inquiry that began its first stage today. Read more

Adams expresses sadness at death of Frank McCourt

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA has expressed his deep sadness at the death of Frank McCourt and has extended his condolences to Frank’s wife Ellen, his daughter Maggie and his brothers and family circle and friends. Read more

Minister must intervene to avert pharmacy chaos - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and spokesperson on Health & Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on the Minister for Health & Children Mary Harney to intervene directly to avert what he called “looming pharmacy chaos” as over 1,100 pharmacists prepare to discontinue filling prescriptions under the medical card and… Read more

Dual carriageway announcement pivotal turning point in re-dressing infrastructure imbalance

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP MLA Pat Doherty says today’s announcement of the preferred route for the A5 Western Transport Corridor Dual Carriageway represents a pivotal turning point in terms of re-dressing the infrastructural imbalance west of the Bann and in the north west region of Ireland. Read more

Financial Regulator needs to acknowledge its mistakes

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan has welcomed the announcement by the Financial Regulator on the publishing of its Annual Report today that the body now takes a more intrusive and intensive hands-on approach to its work. However the Louth TD warned that the Chairman of the Financial Regulators statement… Read more

‘UDA publication an incitement to murder’ - Anderson

Policing Board member and Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson is calling on the PSNI to investigate under incitement legislation a Derry UDA magazine which she branded a ‘blatant and sinister incitement to hatred’. Read more

22 July 2009 – a terrible day for health services as axe finally falls on Monaghan General Hospital – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader and Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has described today, 22 July 2009, as a terrible day for public health services as the axe finally falls on all acute medical services at Monaghan General Hospital, the blueprint for the removal of services from similar hospitals… Read more

A thriving rural economy unachievable if McCarthy proposals implemented – Morgan

Speaking to the media today Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson and Louth TD Arthur Morgan said that the government had to recognise the real and damaging implications for rural Ireland of implementing large parts of the McCarthy report. Morgan, who is drafting a report on creating jobs in the agri-food sector… Read more

Reducing the minimum wage is not an option - Ó Snodaigh

Responding to the Finance Minister’s suggestion that the minimum wage could be reduced Sinn Féin Dublin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said that any such move is simply not an option and noted, “the minimum wage has played an important role in keeping Ireland’s lowest paid workers out of the… Read more

"Dairy farmers need a fair price now!" : de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has said that the EU needs to take action to ensure that the current problems that are forcing farmers out of the dairy industry can be resolved. Read more

No acting the goat on King Puck - Gildernew

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Minster Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has stated that the goat at the centre of the Puck Fair’s 'King of the Fair' event in Killorgan, Co Kerry will get to the festival on time. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome moves towards new Irish medium newspaper

Sinn Féin MLA and Irish language spokesperson, Francie Brolly, has welcomed the news that Foras na Gaeilge are now advertising for tenders for a new weekly Irish language newspaper. Read more

Cuireann Sinn Féin fáilte roimh phróiseas úr Foras na Gaeilge le nuachtán seachtainiúil nua a bhunú.

Chuir Urlabhraí Gaeilge agus BT de chuid Sinn Féin, Francie Brolley fáilte inniu roimh an nuacht go bhfuil Foras na Gaeilge ag fógairt tairiscintí do nuachtán seachtainiúil Gaeilge. Read more

Ormeau Park Stadium report a costly academic exercise

Sinn Fein MLA Barry McElduff, who is Chair of the Assembly's Culture, Arts and Leisure committee, has stated that the main focus any stadium proposlas shoulb be to meet the the strategic requirements of the three sporting bodies, the GAA, IRFU and IFA, who would have been involved in the… Read more

Maskey voices opposition to Ormeau Park stadium

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, speaking after consultants hired by Belfast City Council recommended Ormeau Park as the site for a new sports stadium, has said that Sinn Féin will continue to do all it can to support local residents in the Ballynafeigh area in their campaign to… Read more

Energy efficiency can help strengthen the economy

Bairbre de Brún MEP has called on the Executive to set energy efficiency measures among its top priorities as the new Swedish EU Presidency moves the issue up the political agenda. Read more

Sinn Fein welcome possible cut in gas prices

Sinn Féin MLA and vice chair of the Assembly Committee for Enterprise Trade & Investment Jennifer McCann has welcomed the news by Phoenix that gas prices may be set to fall in the autumn. Read more

Ombudsman report into TASER incident ‘most disappointing and flawed’

Sinn Féin MLA for Foyle and member of the Policing Board, Martina Anderson, has stated that the findings from the Ombudsman on the use of TASER are most disappointing and flawed and that Sinn Féin believe the Ombudsman carried out a weak investigation. Read more

Finance Minister doing a bum job – Morgan

Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has this morning slammed both the government and Permanent TSB for the lenders intention to hike up its interest rate on Monday noting, “did Finance Minister Brian Lenihan know about this decision and if not what exactly is the point of having government… Read more

CCTV being checked to determine cause of bloodstains in Newry

Sinn Féin deputy mayor of Newry and Mourne Charlie Casey has appealed to anyone who was at Sugar Island/ Hill Street area of Newry last night to come forward. Read more

Keep number of TDs ~ just pay them less – Doherty

Sinn Féin Donegal Senator Pearse Doherty has refuted Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny’s proposal to reduce the number of TDs by 24 arguing instead that the level of representation needs to remain as is but TDs and Senators should be paid substantially less. Read more

Minister Ritchie must deliver on promises to the Market community

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has called upon Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie to deliver on her promises to the Market community. Read more

Parker calls for speedy completion of Myrtlefield Park traffic-calming work

Balmoral Sinn Féin representative Vincent Parker has called for work to install traffic calming measures in Myrtlefield Park to be completed as speedily as possible. Read more

Finance Minister refusal to stop Permanent TSB interest rate hike breathtakingly arrogant – Morgan

Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has described Finance Minister Brian Lenihan’s comment that the increase reflects commercial market realities as breathtakingly arrogant. Read more

Doherty to meet Goggins on Lisanelly Transfer progress

West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty is to meet with NIO Minister of State Paul Goggins at Stormont later today with the transfer of the former military site at Lisanelly, for the purpose of developing an Educational Village Campus in Omagh, at the top of the talk’s agenda. Read more

Equality measures secure under Good Friday Agreement - Anderson

Speaking after a statement from DUP leader Peter Robinson, criticising the make-up of the Equality Commission, Sinn Féin’s Equality and Human Rights spokesperson Martina Anderson MLA said; Read more

Gildernew comments following British Government announcement

Commenting on the statement by the British government expressing its regret at the murder of Aiden McAnespie in Aughnacloy in 1988, local MP Michelle Gildernew, who accompanied the family to last weeks meeting with Shaun Woodward said: Read more

Sinn Féin call for robust system of child protection

Speaking in advance of the publication of the Government’s implementation plan for the recommendations of the Ryan Report, Sinn Fein spokesperson on Justice Aengus Ó Snodaigh said that the Minister for Children must take this opportunity to fix a child services system that is fundamentally broken. Read more

Drainage Improvements to resolve Ballynafeigh flooding problems

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, speaking after contacting the Department for Regional Development about recent flooding in the Ballynafeigh area, has said that the Drainage Improvements Scheme currently being carried out in the area should, when completed, prevent further flooding in the Ballynafeigh area. Read more

Doherty calls on government to reopen REPS

Sinn Féin Donegal Senator Pearse Doherty has called on the Agriculture Minister to reopen REPS noting that “the measures implemented by Brendan Smith earlier this month wrongly target new entrants into the sector and ignores the hardship this decision will cause farmers completing five-year contracts.” Read more

Plan for Whitehouse Primary School well advanced - Ruane

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has said that plans for the new Whitehouse Primary School are progressing well. Read more

British expression of regret on murder of Aidan McAnespie "highlights years of lies" - Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the expression of regret by British Secretary of State Shaun Woodward and the British Defence Minister on the shooting dead by the British Army of Aidan McAnespie at Aughnacloy in 1988, Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin called for the publication of the special Garda enquiry into… Read more

Disgust at Nigel Dodds comments regarding McAnespie announcement

Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew has rounded on comments made by DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds on the media this evening saying that the British Government had ‘nothing to be sorry about’ in relation to the murder of Aiden McAnespie. Read more

Sinn Féin slam Eire Og robbery

Sinn Féin MLA for Upper Bann John O’Dowd has called those responsible for tying up a 70 year old man and robbing a Craigavon GAA club as nothing more than cowards. Read more

Parker calls for NI Water meeting after sewage overspill

Balmoral Sinn Féin representative Vincent Parker has requested a meeting with representative of NI Water to discuss a sewage overspill occurring at the back of homes in Orchardville Crescent. Read more

Quarterly Housing Bulletin highlights serious failure in housing provision and home owner protections

Sinn Fein MLA for West Belfast Fra McCann has said the recent release of the Quarterly Housing Bulletin highlights once again the serious problems we face in the provision of social housing. Read more

Sainsburys announce 200 new jobs at Newry call centre

Sinn Féin MP Conor Murphy was welcomed an announcement that Sainsbury’s is creating up to 200 new jobs at the Newry based Teleperformance Call Centre. Teleperformance which recently secured hundreds of jobs from the Swine Flu helpline has now been awarded the Sainsburys contract which will provide helpline and customer… Read more

"McHugh’s Derry City Airport comments reflects Fine Gael partitionism" - MacLochlainn

Derry Sinn Fein Councillor, Gerry MacLochlainn has slammed comments by Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh who is calling into question all-Ireland investment in vital infrastructure for the North West. Read more

Sex Offender case poses questions about PSNI’s ability to manage sex offenders

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has welcomed the news that convicted sex offender Paul Hunter Redpath has been apprehended in Wicklow. However, he has said that this issue has raised serious questions about the large number of sex offenders who are being housed in the South Belfast area… Read more

Anderson welcomes moves to create Derry Science Park

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has welcomed the latest moves towards the establishment of a science park in Derry in partnership with Magee University. Read more

St. Andrews Agreement Review Group report deadline must be met - Ó Snodaigh

Speaking at today’s Good Friday Agreement Oireachtas Committee meeting Sinn Féin Dublin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh welcomed the initial finding of the St. Andrews Agreement Review Group but warned against any delay to the end of year deadline for completion of its work. Deputy Ó Snodaigh was joined at the… Read more

Mary Harney must reverse decision to close Cancer Care Services at Sligo General Hospital - Doherty

Sinn Féin Donegal Senator Pearse Doherty has today called on Health Minster Mary Harney to reverse her decision to close all cancer care services at Sligo General Hospital from August 6th. Senator Doherty was speaking at a demonstration held by the Save Our Cancer Services North West Group where hundreds… Read more

Sinn Féin’s response to the Government’s Implementation Plan on the Recommendations of the Ryan Report

Following the publication of the Government’s Implementation Plan on the Recommendations of the Ryan Report, Sinn Fein Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said that while he welcomed the report he stressed that it needed to be adequately resourced. Read more

Ferris Calls for Full Payment of REPS III

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture and Rural Development Martin Ferris TD has called on the Minister for Agriculture to ensure that all farmers who are part of the REPS III scheme receive their full entitlements in the current year. He was responding to a report that some payments might… Read more

Ó Caoláin: Harney must protect children from dangerous sunbeds

Sinn Féin’s Dáil Leader and Health and Children Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has renewed his calls for legislation to prohibit sunbed use by under-18s in the wake of a new study showing it to be much more dangerous than previously suggested. Read more

Holland Case highlights Serious Flaws with the PPS and Judiciary

Sinn Féin west Belfast MP Gerry Adams will meet the Holland family next week to discuss and agree what representations we make to the British Attorney General. Read more

Sinn Féin react to revelation that PSNI spent £300,000 on informants

Commenting on figures showing the PSNI spent almost £300,000 on informers in the last financial year, Sinn Féin Policing Board member Martina Anderson said: Read more

Counselling service available to all post-primary schools - Ruane

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has announced the award of a £1.8million contract to three local organisations to provide counselling services to all post-primary schools in the north. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome decision to allow Guantanamo detainees to live in Ireland

Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brún has called for all parts of Ireland to be opened to allow for Guantanámo Bay detainees to be given humanitarian access and has welcomed the Irish governments commitment to allow two of the detainees to travel to the south of Ireland to live. Read more

Attacks on schools are attacks on our childrens future.

Sinn Féin MLA for North Belfast Gerry Kelly has slammed the latest attack on St Mary’s star of the sea. The school was targeted in a second asron attack within two weeks. Read more

Sinn Féin demand end to repressive legislation

Sinn Féin Assembly member John O’Dowd today met the Independent Reviewer of the Justice and Security (NI) Act 2007 Robert Whalley. Speaking after the meeting Mr O’Dowd said that the retention of so called security provisions was completely unacceptable. Read more

School arson a sickening sectarian attack

Sinn Féin Councillor Tierna Cunningham today described the early morning attempt to burn classrooms at St Mary's Star of the Sea Primary School on the Shore Road as a "sickening sectarian attack". Read more

Urgent swine flu vaccination programme needed for vulnerable groups

Sinn Féin Dublin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on the Department of Health to deliver a targeted swine flu vaccination programme for drug users and front line health workers. Read more

Planning service figures under PPS21 not a true reflection

Cathal Boylan commenting on planning approvals in the countryside under draft PPS21, has stated: Read more

Sinn Féin calls on Government to address high costs of childcare in Dublin

Speaking following the release of CSO statistics that childcare costs for parents in the Dublin area are significantly higher than other areas of the state, Sinn Féin Dublin TD Aengus O Snodaigh called for the Government to address their failed childcare policies. Read more

NAMA: Crime of the century – Morgan

Giving his initial response to the National Assets Management Agency (NAMA) legislation published today Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD charged the government and the banks with perpetrating ‘the crime of the century’. The Louth TD noted that ‘every euro of the ten billion already pumped into Anglo, AIB… Read more

Today is a significant step closer to Policing and Justice transfer – Sinn Féin

Commenting after the Bill to allow for the transfer of powers on policing a justice passed through the Executive today, despite opposition from the SDLP, Sinn Féin Junior Minsiter Gerry Kelly said: Read more

Full disclosure should be forthcoming for McGurks Bar victims and families

Sinn Féin MLA for north Belfast Gerry Kelly has stated that a full disclosure from the British Government and acknowledgement that the British army were involved in a cover up in the McGurk’s Bar bombing should now be forthcoming. Read more

Gildernew announces opening of €36 million European Fisheries Fund

Sinn Féin Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has announced the opening of the first three measures under the current European Fisheries Fund (EFF). Read more

Adams Open Letter to Orange Order

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams today issued an open letter to the Orange Order Grand Secretary Drew Nelson. The letter published in the Belfast Telegraph challenges the Order to talk to Sinn Féin and also details links between the Order and loyalist paramilitaries. Read more

SDLP in disarray over policing

Sinn Féin Assembly Group Leader John O’Dowd has accused the SDLP of being in complete disarray and confusion about their approach to the Assembly and Executive. Mr O’Dowd’s comments come after the SDLP have now decided to oppose the transfer of powers on policing and justice away from London and… Read more

July 2009 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

July 1, 2009

July 2, 2009

July 3, 2009

July 5, 2009

July 6, 2009

July 7, 2009

July 8, 2009

July 9, 2009

July 10, 2009

July 12, 2009

July 13, 2009

July 14, 2009

July 15, 2009

July 16, 2009

July 17, 2009

July 18, 2009

July 20, 2009