October 2009 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

Mary Lou McDonald canvassing on North Earl Street today

Sinn Féín Vice President Mary Lou McDonald will be canvassing on North Earl Street today at 3:30pm. Read more

McDonald appeals to electorate to come out and reject the Lisbon Treaty

Speaking on the eve of poll Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald called on the electorate to come out and reject the Lisbon Treaty as decisively as they did in 2008. She said, “this is a bad treaty negotiated by an incompetent government and if it goes through it… Read more

Unemployed workers suffering as a result of FÁS debacle – Morgan

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise Arthur Morgan TD has said ordinary unemployed workers are suffering as a consequence of the inability or unwillingness of An Tanisate Mary Coughlan TD to sort out the debacle at FÁS. Morgan welcomed the resignation of FÁS chairman Peter McLoone and the announcement that the… Read more

Tonight’s vote is yet another step to ensuring equality in Belfast City Hall – Conor Maskey

Sinn Féin Councillor for Oldpark Conor Maskey has tonight said that the vote on memoribilia and artefacts in Belfast City Council this evening is yet another step in ensuring equality in City Hall. Read more

New Councillor for Andersonstown

At a meeting of Belfast City Council on Thursday 1 October, Andersonstown Republican Caoimhin Mac Giolla Mhin was co-opted on to the council to replace Paul Maskey who will now concentrate on his role as an Assembly member for West Belfast. Read more

Junior Minister launches public consultation on Older People’s Commissioner

Sinn Féin Junior Minister Gerry Kelly today (Oct 1st) launched the public consultation on the Older People’s Commissioner. Read more

Tax returns highlight Government failure to deliver jobs – Morgan

Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Arthur Morgan, responding to the latest exchequer figures which show receipts to be almost €1 billion down on government projections, said tax revenue will continue to fall if the government does not stimulate the economy. Read more

Newry will be connected to Project Kelvin

Sinn Féin MP for Newry/Armagh Conor Murphy has welcomed news that Newry is to be connected to high speed information network, Project Kelvin. Read more

Boylan disappointed no movement in planned housing development in Armagh

Sinn Féin Assembly member for Newry/Armagh, Cathal Boylan, has expressed his disappointment that a plan for social housing in Armagh City has not progressed to any great extent. Read more

Gerry Adams comments on Lisbon result

Speaking from Dublin Castle today following the announcement of the result in the second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: Read more

Sinn Féin to address media from party headquarters tomorrow

Sinn Féin's Lisbon Campaign team will meet tomorrow morning to discuss the outcome of the referendum. Read more

Lisbon will not solve Ireland's economic problems - McDonald

Speaking from Dublin this morning Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald said the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty will not solve Ireland's economic problems. She said Sinn Féin accepts the decision of the electorate to ratify the Lisbon Treaty but said those campaigners who promised jobs on the back… Read more

DUP need to be saying when transfer will happen, not when it won’t – McGuinness

Sinn Féin MP and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has said that outbursts from the DUP are becoming increasingly ‘bizarre’. Read more

No excuse for Ceann Comhairle expenses

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan said there is no excuse that can be made following ongoing revelations around the expenses of John O'Donohue. Read more

Brown Visit an Opportunity which shouldn’t be thrown away - Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams today said that tomorrow’s engagement with the British Prime Minister provides an opportunity which shouldn’t be thrown away because of internal squabbling and political manoeuvring among or within the unionist parties. Read more

Custody death needs full investigation

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has extended his condolences to the family of a local man who died while in custody at the PSNI Strand Road Barracks in Derry yesterday. He also called for a full and speedy investigation by the Police Ombudsman. Read more

EU backing for Leonard’s Ringsend petition

Sinn Féin councillor Billy Leonard has expressed satisfaction with his hearing at the European Parliament Petitions Committee on the contentious issue of four waste management sites in the Ringsend area outside Coleraine. Read more

Maskey welcomes Ulidia traffic-calming site visit

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has welcomed confirmation that Roads Service officials are to hold a site visit with both himself and residents from the Upper Ormeau area to discuss traffic management in the streets running between the Ormeau and Ravenhill Roads. Read more

McLaughlin to host Derry visit by Tourism Ireland CEO

Derry City Sinn Féin Council Leader and Tourism Spokesperson, Maeve McLaughlin will host a visit to Derry tomorrow (Tuesday 6th Oct) of Tourism Ireland CEO, Niall Gibbons. Read more

Regional Development Minister presents new student bursary awards

Sinn Féin Minister Conor Murphy today presented bursary awards to ten university students at an inaugural awards ceremony held at the Department for Regional Development. Read more

Dublin City Council urged to support boycott of Coca-Cola over redundancies

Dublin City Sinn Féin Councillors Larry O Toole and Dessie Ellis will table a motion at tonight’s meeting of the Council urging support for the striking workers at Coca Cola HBC and calling for a boycott of the company’s products while the dispute lasts. Read more

Welcome for Consumer Council’s consultation on Fuel Poverty and Social Tariffs – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin economic spokesperson and member of the Assembly’s Enterprise, Trade and Investment committee Jennifer McCann MLA has welcomed moves from the Consumer Council to open a public consultation on Fuel Poverty and social Tariffs. Read more

Ó Caoláin to address media on return of Dáil

Sinn Féin’s Dáil team will meet in Leinster House tomorrow morning ahead of the return of the Dáil. Read more

Anderson accuses Foster of defending the indefensible

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster is guilty of ‘defending the indefensible’ failings of Invest NI, Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has said. Read more

No Eleventh Hour Reprieve for the 11 Plus – O’Dowd

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson John O’Dowd has said that the motion before the Assembly from the UUP on academic selection is ‘an old agenda in an new era’. Read more

Sinn Féin MEP demands end to Basque extradition attempts

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has stated that the attempts by the Spanish government to extradite two members of the Basque community from Ireland should be abandoned and that the men should be free to live their lives in Ireland. Read more

Éilíonn BPE Sinn Féin go gcuirtear deireadh le hiarrachtaí na Bascaigh a eiaseachadadh

D’eisigh Bairbre de Brún BPE ráiteas inar dhúirt sí gur chóir do Rialtas na Spáinne cúlú óna hiarrachtaí chun beirt fhear ón Phobal Bhascach in Éirinn eiseachadadh agus gur chóir deis a thabhairt dóibh cónaí gan srian in Éirinn Read more

Education Minister reinforces position on Transfer 2010

The Education Minister has outlined her position on Transfer 2010 during an Assembly Motion today on Grammar school entrance tests. Read more

Maskey to meet PSNI and Queens Students Union to discuss Holyland problems

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey will next week meet with senior officers from the PSNI in South Belfast to discuss the need for the PSNI to develop a strategy which adequately deals with the ongoing problems caused by anti-social behaviour in the Holyland area. He will also, in… Read more

Fermanagh co-option agreed

Sinn Féin Fermanagh Council Group Leader Cllr Thomas O’Reilly has congratulated Phil Flanagan after he was co-opted onto the Council tonight to replace Domhnaill O Cobhthaigh who resigned from the council recently. Read more

Molloy urges local groups to apply for Rural Challenge Programme

Sinn Féin MLA for Mid Ulster has this week urged all local voluntary and community groups that they have just a few weeks left to apply to the Rural Challenge Programme aimed at tackling poverty and social exclusion. The deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm on 30 October 2009. Read more

Ó Caoláin calls for O’Donoghue’s resignation

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on John O’Donoghue TD to resign as Ceann Comhairle, saying that his position has become untenable given his continued waste of public money since he took the chair of the Dáil. Read more

Ballymaguigan concerns addressed by Minister Gildernew

confirmation from Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew that work is to commence at the mouth of the Moyola river to alleviate issues in relation to ongoing flooding problems and the build up of sandbars. Read more

No work without family consultation at Glasnevin plots – McDonald

Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald has welcomed the passing of a Sinn Féin emergency motion by Dublin City Council last night which called for a halt to work on the Old and New Angels plots at Glasnevin Cemetery. Read more

Urgent action required to assist mortgage holders

A Dublin TD has called for “urgent action” following a report from the ESRI that predicts that 35,000 people will be unable to pay their mortgages by next year. Sinn Féin’s Aengus Ó Snodaigh said it was a “shocking indictment” of Government policies during the Celtic Tiger years. Read more

Proposal on Maternity services needs to be abandoned

Sinn Féin MLA and vice chair of the health committee Michelle O Neill has stated that the proposal to send new mothers home six to twelve hours after giving birth must be abandoned. Read more

Dog control measures most comprehensive and far reaching on these islands

Sinn Féin member of the Agriculture Committee , Pat Doherty MP MLA, has welcomed the bringing forward of new proposals for dog control. The proposals were outlined today from officials from the department of Agriculture and Rural development to the Assembly’s Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. Read more

Dublin Councillor calls for seized drug monies to be redirected into local communities

Speaking after a meeting with the Junior Minister with responsibility for drugs John Curran today, Dublin Sinn Féin Councillor Seamus McGrattan, a member of the Cabra/Finglas Drugs Task Force, called on the Minister to ensure that money seized from drug dealers is re-directed into the communities where the dealers have… Read more

Fianna Fáil bred culture of corruption, cronyism and golden handshakes – Ferris

Speaking during Private Members’ Business on the scandal at FÁS this evening Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris said accused Fianna Fáil of breeding a culture of corruption, cronyism and golden handshakes. Read more

Ó Caoláin welcomes O’Donoghue resignation

Commenting on the resignation of Deputy John O’Donoghue as Ceann Comhairle, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: Read more

Regional Development Minister departs for Boston to address investment conference

Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, departs for the US today where he is due to address the Gateways to Tomorrow Boston-North West Ireland Conference. He will also be holding talks with a wide range of government, business, academic and community leaders in Boston and the surrounding area. Read more

Bomb scare causes traffic chaos in Newry - Curran

Sinn Féin DPP member Brendan Curran has condemned those responsible for a bomb scare at Newry courthouse today. A car was driven into the courthouse last night while a warning was phoned into the PSNI. Read more

Antrim Borough 'Cold House for Nationalists' Councillor Brady

Sinn Féin Antrim Borough Councillor Anthony Brady has raised concerns about increased anti-nationalist activity in Antrim and the perceived institutionalised bias in local government policy. Read more

Gildernew listens to concerns of fishing industry

Fisheries Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has met with representatives from both the prawn and whitefish sectors to listen to their concerns about the future of the local industry. Read more

Ferris voices support for Aer Lingus workers

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Workers’ Rights Martin Ferris has voiced his support for Aer Lingus workers in the face of large scale threatened redundancies. The company has announced that it plans to cut 676 jobs covering all aspects of its operations. The move has been opposed by IMPACT. Read more

Warning on travel 60+ Smart Pass usage outside of North

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has warned those entitled to free travel on public transport for the over 60s that the scheme does not extend to England, Scotland and Wales or the 26 counties. Read more

Warning on travel 60+ Smart Pass usage outside of North

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has warned those entitled to free travel on public transport for the over 60s that the scheme does not extend to England, Scotland and Wales or the 26 counties. Read more

Adams calls for Republican Participation in Truth Process

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP was joined by party spokesperson on Victims issues Francie Molloy MLA and West Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann at a press conference in Belfast this morning to launch the party proposals on Truth Recovery. Speaking at the press conference Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said… Read more

Stormont policing costs warrant reviewing – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MLA for west Belfast Paul Maskey has said that the £8000 a week to have PSNI personelle in Stormont should be reviewed as a matter of urgency. Read more

Housing bodies need to act on anti-social behaviour

Fra McCann MLA for West Belfast has written to the Housing Executive and Housing Associations to ask what measures they are taking to deal with tenants whose children are continuously involved in vandalism of properties which has left many neighbourhoods suffering from levels of disrepair. Read more

Adams welcomes O’Donoghue’s resignation

Gerry Adams has welcomed the decision by the Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue to resign from his position. Read more

Cost of mortgages in negative equity should be reduced – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil today on the NAMA legislation Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the banks should be given a task of reducing the costs of mortgages for people at risk of defaulting on their payments. Read more

Ó Donnghaile to seek meeting with Odyssey Trust

Sinn Féin Representative for east Belfast Niall Ó Donnghaile has given a ‘cautious welcome’ to plans by the Odyssey Trust to develop a £100 million project close to the Odyssey arena in Belfast. Read more

Hands off rural transport – Doherty

Speaking during a debate on rural transport in the Seanad today, Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has warned that the McCarthy proposals on axing the Rural Transport Scheme will result in massive hardships for the people of rural Ireland. Read more

Schools struggling to stay open while half of education budget rests in O’Keeffe’s piggy bank – Doherty

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Senator Pearse Doherty has expressed outrage and disbelief at today’s revelations that the Department of Education has yet to spend almost half of its budget for 2009, despite there being less than three months left in the year. Read more

Reform of expenses and of Oireachtas Commission itself should be brought forward – Ó Snodaigh

Commenting on the newly revealed resignation letter of Tom O’Higgins as Chairperson of the Audit Committee of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, Sinn Féin Whip Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said: Read more

‘No room at the inn’ – Council won’t fund village Christmas lights

Sinn Féin councillor Terry Hearty has expressed his disappointed after council officials confirmed that Newry & Mourne District Council will not fund Christmas lights for small villages in the area this year. Read more

Ó Snodaigh endorses Disability Federation’s Pre Budget Submission

Speaking at the launch of the Disability Federation of Ireland’s Pre-Budget Submission today Sinn Féin spokesperson on Equality Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD fully endorsed the submission and said the gains made in previous years for people with disabilities are now under attack as the Government seeks to make them pay… Read more

DSD Minister can and should manage budget correctly – McCann

Fra McCann MLA for West Belfast has called on social development minister Margaret Ritchie to develop a strategy to deal with the growing problems within the housing sector. Read more

"It's back to the 1980s as over 700 hospital beds are lost" – Ó Caoláin

Commenting today on the Irish Nurses Organisation survey showing that over 700 hospital beds have been closed due to the cutbacks, Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said: Read more

Conor Murphy speaks at 'Gateways to Tomorrow' conference in Boston

CONOR MURPHY MP, MLA, MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT GATEWAYS TO TOMORROW CONFERENCE BOSTON – NORTHWEST, IRELAND UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2009 Read more

Ó Caoláin to appeal to Greens to pull out of Government

The leadership of Sinn Féin is meeting in Dublin tomorrow to discuss the current political climate, the possibility of a snap general election and the ongoing negotiations on the transfer of powers on policing and justice from Britain to the North. Read more

Maskey calls for full investigation into south Belfast flooding

Sinn Féin MLA for south Belfast Alex Maskey has called for a full investigation into today’s flooding on the lower Ormeau Road. Read more

Still no explanation for delay in mortgage scheme - McCann

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Fra McCann MLA has called on Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie to explain the delay in the much lauded mortgage scheme for people in danger of loosing their homes, particularly given the current economic climate. Read more

Bígí ag céiliúradh na Gaeilge i mBéal Feirste – Mac Adhaimh

Ag labhairt dó roimh cheiliúradh na Gaeilge in Aonach Seoirse i mBéal Feirste Dé Domhnaigh. Dúirt Gerry Adams FP Uachtarán Sinn Féin gur chóir do gach duine atá ábalta freastal air. Read more

Adams encourages attendance at Acht na Gaeilge celebration

Speaking ahead of this Sunday's celebration of the Irish Language at St George's Market in Belfast, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP encouraged as many people as possible to attend. Read more

Greens acting in their own selfish interests – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has described this evening’s decision of the Green Party to endorse a new programme for Government as a missed opportunity to do the right thing by the Irish people and turf Fianna Fáil out of Government. Read more

Adams briefs Sinn Féin leadership on policing negotiations

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams yesterday gave a briefing to a meeting of the party's Ard Comhairle on the ongoing negotiations around the transfer of Policing and Justice powers from Britain to the North of Ireland. Read more

No one must be left behind - Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP speaking on the eve of the visit by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said that: Read more

Adams welcomes INLA statement

Speaking in advance of an expected statement today by the INLA, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: Read more

Anger at PPS after arrest of notorious West Belfast criminal

Speaking after the arrest yesterday, in a stolen vehicle, of a person who was released last month after being convicted for his role in the murder of respected West Belfast man Harry Holland, West Belfast Sinn Fein MLA Paul Maskey said: Read more

Coleraine needs ‘special effort’ from all – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin councillor Billy Leonard has said that all sectors of society in and around Coleraine need to make a special effort to move the district ahead in a positive manner. Read more

Committee gains assurances from Fisheries Commissioner

South Down Assembly Member Willie Clarke, who is a member of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development, was part of a delegation that travelled last week to Brussels. During the visit with senior officials, they received assurances from the EU Commissioner for Fisheries, Mr Joe Borg that he will… Read more

Firework safety appeal from MLA

Sinn Féin MLA, Cathal Boylan has urged people to continue the trend of last year and ensure that injuries caused by fireworks over the Halloween period follow a downward pattern. Read more

Anderson calls on Arntz Management to come clean with workers

Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has called on Arntz management to come clean with the workers about its future plans for the Derry plant. Read more

Hospital network must be defended – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has called for unity across the political spectrum and among healthcare providers to defend the network of public hospitals against centralisation and cutbacks. Deputy Ó Caoláin was today visiting South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel. Read more

Greens must give guarantee on registration fees – Doherty

Welcoming the commitment in the new Programme for Government not to introduce third level fees, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Senator Pearse Doherty has challenged Green Party leader John Gormley to guarantee that his party will not support further increases in the registration fee – third level fees by stealth. Read more

Maskey to meet DRD Minister to raise Lower Ormeau flooding concerns

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey will tomorrow afternoon meet with Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy MP to raise concerns about the recent flooding in the Lower Ormeau area and to seek answers as to why this has happened again. Read more

Ferris voices support for farmers

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD has voiced his support for farmers who are engaged in a series of protests around the country this afternoon in relation to falling incomes and other problems affecting the sector. Read more

Doherty expresses condolences to family of Senator Peter Callanan

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has expressed condolences to the family of Senator Peter Callanan after his passing over the weekend. Read more

Ard-mholadh tuilte ag pobail na Gaeilge arís eile – Sinn Féin

Ag déanamh tagairt ar an ócáid iontach a shocraigh Pobal in Aonach Seoirse inné mhol an Ball Tionóil Barra Mac Ghiolla Dhuibh Janet Muller agus an fhoireann as ceist Acht na Gaeilge a choinneáil i mbéal an phobail. Read more

Adams and Ó Caoláin to set out Sinn Féin position on new programme for Government

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams will meet with the party’s Dáil Deputies tomorrow to discuss the new programme for Government. Read more

Budget of Cuts will be the real Programme for Government – Ó Caoláin

Speaking ahead of the resumption of the Dáil this morning, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD called for a full debate on the Revised Programme for Government which he said was “a face-saver for the Green Party” full of aspirations but with few hard and fast commitments. He… Read more

Programme for Government gives a green light for attacks on the most vulnerable – Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said the new Programme for Government, agreed by Fianna Fáil and the Green Party at the weekend, means that the Green Party has signed up for savage cuts in public spending, NAMA and more attacks on working people and disadvantaged citizens. Read more

Sinn Féin Officer Board Concludes Policing and Justice Discussions

Speaking after a meeting of the Sinn Féin Officer Board in Dublin today, party President Gerry Adams said: Read more

Gildernew discusses challenges ahead for the egg producing sector

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has met with a range of representatives from the local egg producing industry. Read more

Hands off Child Benefit – McDonald

The proposal made by the ESRI to cut child benefit by 20% has been described as outrageous, unfair and a scape-goating of children by Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald. Read more

Practices of Irish Credit Bureau must be reviewed – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD today called for a review of the practices of the Irish Credit Bureau. Deputy Morgan said he had a significant number of representations from people complaining that after they missed a small number of debt payments they were blacklisted on the Bureau’s records… Read more

Ardoyne shooting: Those responsible are living in the past

Sinn Féin councillor for Ardoyne Margaret McClenaghan has stated that those behind the so called punishment shooting in Ardoyne on Monday night are living in the past and have no support. Read more

Sinn Féin welcome Independent Working Group report publication into planning

Cathal Boylan MLA, Sinn Féin spokesperson on planning,commenting on the report of the Independent Working Group into outstanding issues relating to Draft PPS 21,which has been posted on the Planning Department website said; Read more

Sinn Féin Children’s Spokesperson welcomes Ombudsman’s Report

Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Children Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin today welcomed the report of the Children’s Ombudsman Emily Logan on the provision of housing for children with special needs. Read more

Academic selection meeting a publicity stunt

Sinn Féin MLA and education spokesperson, John O’Dowd has today dismissed the meeting of several of the political parties on academic selection as a publicity stunt by some of the parties involved and as an attempt at levering some amount of credibility on their failed positions in terms of academic… Read more

HSE Board approves massive bonuses while patients suffer from cutbacks – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described as “nauseating” the decision of the Board of the HSE to approve a €70,000 bonus payment for HSE Chief Executive Brendan Drumm. Read more

Sinn Féin statement on Legg expenses inquiry

On Monday Sir Thomas Legg pigeon-holed letters at Westminster for all MPs. The Sinn Féin Finance Department today issued the following statement. Read more

Taoiseach’s response to Dell scandal is a travesty – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described as a travesty the response of Taoiseach Brian Cowen in the Dáil today when Deputy Ó Caoláin challenged him on the approval given by the European Commission for a €54.5 million grant from the Polish government to Dell to facilitate… Read more

Government must re-focus energies in fight against drugs – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking after attending the launch of a Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign today Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the Government must re-focus its energies in the fight against drugs. He said it is economically wise to invest in drug rehabilitation programmes as it reduces the justice spend. Read more

Arrest of Batasuna leader Arnaldo Otegi is a step backwards – de Brún

Sinn Fein MEP Bairbre de Brún has stated that the arrest of Batasuna leader Arnaldo Otegi and nine other members of the party is a step backwards and will ultimately impact on the task of rebuilding the peace process and dialogue. Read more

Maskey expresses concern on Whitefort Inns receivership development

West Belfast MLA Paul Maskey has expressed concern at reports that a Belfast business which owns licensed premises in west and north Belfast has gone into receivership and says that everything possible must be done to retain the jobs affected by this development: Read more

Ferris supports Coca-Cola Workers

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Workers Rights, Martin Ferris TD, today raised the issue of the threat to Coca-Cola workers in the Dáil. The workers have been on strike for almost two months as part of their campaign to stop the company outsourcing their distribution section which will result in… Read more

West Belfast shooting will achieve nothing - Maskey

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast Paul Maskey has stated that the shooting of a 28 year old man in West Belfast will achieve nothing and has called on those responsible to deist from these actions. Read more

Children must be at the centre – not institutions

We need to put children’s needs at the centre – it is our duty, our responsibility and we must rise to the challenge. That was the message from the Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane as she made a keynote speech to the education community in the Titanic Pump House today. Read more

Deputy First Minister launches Integrated Services for Children and Young People

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA today launched a major programme designed to tackle disadvantage among young people and children in the West Belfast and Greater Shankill area. Read more

NAMA business plan grossly over ambitious – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD has described the NAMA Business plan, published by the Government last night, as grossly over ambitious. Speaking today Deputy Morgan accused the Government of massaging and manipulating figures and said, like the forecasts of the Department of Finance in recent years, the figures… Read more

Grossly excessive bonuses must be abolished – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh called for legislation to bring an end to self assessed performance related bonuses such as the €70,000 awarded to HSE Chief Executive Brendan Drumm. Read more

‘Cost of contentious parades unsustainable’ - Anderson

Sinn Féin Policing Board Member, Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has said that the cost of contentious parades are clearly unsustainable and the organisers of such events should be required to take out public liability insurance. Read more

NIO proceeds of crime should be given back to the community

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Culture, Art’s and Leisure Committee Raymond McCartney has stated that monies received through the proceeds of crime by the NIO should be distributed to communities who are affected by crime in the form of aid and assistance to sporting, arts and community groups. Read more

De Brún health strategy could save millions

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Health Committee has stated the that the Investing for Health strategy that was brought forward by Bairbre de Brún when she was Health minster could potentially save millions of pounds in the long run for the health budget if implemented. Read more

Lenihan promises protection for the super-rich and cuts for the low-paid – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Arthur Morgan has described Finance Minister Brian Lenihan’s preview of the forthcoming Budget at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce as a promise to protect the wealthiest from paying their fair share while making low-paid workers and their families pay most for the recession by cutting the… Read more

McGuinness comments on east Belfast bombing

Sinn Féin MP and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has condemned those responsible for this morning’s bomb attack in east Belfast. Read more

FÁS loses last remaining shred of dignity – Morgan

Commenting on the latest scandal at FÁS Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Arthur Morgan said the state training agency has now lost its last remaining shred of dignity. Deputy Morgan said the fabrication of results by a FÁS contracted company could have ramifications for the reputation of FÁS trained Irish workers… Read more

Kenny’s proposals distract from Fine Gael contradictions on cuts – Ó Caoláin

Commenting on Enda Kenny’s proposal to reduce the numbers of TDs in the Dáil and to abolish the Seanad, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the reduction of TD numbers would limit the democratic choice of voters and ensure “the continued domination of Tweedle-dum/Tweedle-dee Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael politics”.… Read more

Seanad in its current form must be abolished - Doherty

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has accused Fine Gael of making up their policy on Seanad reform as they go along. Senator Doherty described the Seanad as elitist and undemocratic and said it should be abolished in its current form. However Senator Doherty said Fine Gael has had three different… Read more

Cruinniú Gaelach don Bhoird Póilíneachta

Tá ball Sinn Féin ar an Bhord Póilíneachta agus Cathaoirleach ar an Choiste um Fhruiliú Chomhphobail, Alex Maskey i ndiaidh pobal na Gaeilge a spreagadh freastal ar chruinniú speisialta Ghaeilge den Bhord Póilíneachta. Beidh sé lonnaithe san Óstann Hilton Dé Chéadaoin 21 Deireadh Fómhair ar 7.00 a’ chloig. Read more

Belfast’s Irish speakers encouraged to hold PSNI to account at public meeting

Sinn Féin Policing Board member and chair of the board’s Community Engagement Committee Alex Maskey has encouraged the Irish speaking community in Belfast to attend a special meeting of the Policing Board, through Irish, in the Hilton Hotel on Wednesday 21st October. Read more

Cuidíonn teicneolaíocht úr le forbairt teanga – Ruane

Chuir an tAire Oideachais Caitríona Ruane béim ar an ról a d’fhéadfaí bheith ag an teicneolaíocht i bhforbairt teanga. Read more

Oireachtas reform must also look at Cabinet and Committees – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said that Dáil and Seanad reform needs real action and not rhetoric. He said that the verbal commitments to reform from both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil ring hollow given their long years of dominating Irish politics and setting in place the… Read more

Blaney should listen to what people say not what he thinks they said – Martin McGuinness

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA has dismissed comments attributed to him by Fianna Fáil TD, Niall Blaney. Read more

MEPs call for progress on Irish Language Act

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will speak later today in the European Parliament in Strasbourg regarding the need for the urgent implementation of an Irish Language Act in the North of Ireland. Read more

Issuing of weapons is not something to be taken lightly - Martina Anderson MLA

Supporting an amendment to a motion on personal protection weapons in the Assembly today Sinn Féin Policing Board Member, Martina Anderson said: Read more

de Brún welcomes progress towards package for Dairy industry

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has welcomed the signs of progress on agreement for a support package, including additional money, for the dairy industry at the Council of Ministers meeting in Luxembourg today. Read more

Changes are required within Invest NI – McCann

Speaking ahead of today's Assembly Motion on Invest NI Sinn Fein MLA Jennifer Mc Cann has called on the Minister of Enterprise Trade & Investment to make the necessary changes within Invest NI: Read more

No deal without finance for developing countries

Sinn Féin's Climate Change spokesperson Bairbre de Brún MEP has called for substantial aid for developing countries in the crucial upcoming climate change talks in Copenhagen. Read more

Parker welcomes City Council's 2020 cycle strategy endorsement

Balmoral Sinn Féin representative Vincent Parker has welcomed last week’s endorsement of the Belfast Cycle City 2020 campaign by the City Council’s Development Committee. Read more

Trí bliana i ndiaidh Comhaontú Chill Rímhin, tá sé thar am go mbeadh Acht Gaeilge sa Tuaisceart – de Brún

Ag caint di inniu, agus tacaíocht faighte aici do Acht na Gaeilge ó thíortha eile san Aontas Eorpach, dúirt BPÉ Shinn Féin Bairbre de Brún; Read more

Education Minister Attends Launch of Road Safety Initiative

The Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has attended the launch of the Western Education and Library Board’s Pupil/Road Safety Initiative. Read more

Anderson welcomes First Source Jobs Announcement

Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has said that the creation of 100 new jobs at First Source in Derry is a welcome boost to the local economy just weeks before Christmas Read more

Anderson to launch drugs awareness booklet

Sinn Féin Equality and Human Rights spokesperson, Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) is to launch an information booklet which looks at a number of specific drugs in popular usage and the tell tale signs of abuse. It will also provide contact details of local support services in the Derry area Read more

Ramsey Supports Right to Read campaign

Sinn Féin Employment and Learning Spokesperson, Sue Ramsey MLA (West Belfast) has voiced strong support for the ‘Right to Read’ campaign following a reception for RNIB in Stormont today. Read more

Achieving Irish Reunification

Remarks by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA to the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Swansea today: Read more

Call for Oireachtas boycott of Coca Cola products

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh called for a boycott by the Houses of the Oireachtas of Coca-Cola products. Deputy Ó Snodaigh called on Taoiseach Brian Cowen to join with him in supporting a boycott of Coca Cola products in response to the company’s… Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes conclusion to Dublin Docklands dispute

Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed the decision of management at Marine Terminals Limtied to accept the recommendations of the Labour Court bringing an end to the industrial dispute at the Dublin Docklands. Deputy Ó Snodaigh congratulated the workers for standing up for their themselves in the… Read more

Current electoral system failing voters – Sinn Féin

Speaking at the Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution today, which was debating the effect of Ireland's current electoral system on Irish society Sinn Féin’s representative Robbie Smyth said the current system is failing voters, candidates and those elected to the Dáil. Mr. Smyth said larger constituencies with more seats would… Read more

An MEP should only be an MEP – Cllr Maskey

Sinn Féin Belfast City Councillor Conor Maskey has questioned when Democratic Unionist MEP for the Six Counties Diane Dodds will adhere to her frequent, and very public promises to give up her council seat if elected to the EU Parliament. Read more

Sinn Féin NAMA amendments will seek bailout for low and average income homeowners

Speaking on the eve of the commencement of the Committee stage debate on the National Assets Management Agency (NAMA) Bill, Sinn Féin’s Finance spokesperson Arthur Morgan TD said his party would continue to give voice to the widespread public opposition to what was a fundamentally flawed proposal. Morgan reiterated Sinn… Read more

Taoiseach must confront British Government on Dublin Monaghan bombings – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil this morning Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh called on the Taoiseach to confront the British Government on its refusal to comply with a request from the Dáil to release all relevant documentation regarding the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of May 1974. Read more

FG policy on Seanad abolition abandoned by FG Senators

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has accused Fine Gael of abandoning its policy on Seanad reform for the third time this year. Senator Doherty was speaking today after Fine Gael Senators voted in favour of not only retaining the Seanad but of increasing the number of Senators from 60 to… Read more

Government lying on budget solutions – Morgan

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Arthur Morgan has accused the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan of lying about the solutions to financial crisis, after the Minister said that the only tax he would introduce in the budget would be a carbon tax and that he would cut social welfare and salaries.… Read more

Sinn Féin meeting to be briefed on progress policing negotiations and on TDs plans to fight cuts

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness will tomorrow brief a large gathering of Sinn Fein party activists on the successful conclusion of negotiations around a financial package from the British Government to support the transfer of Policing and Justice powers from Britain to the North. Read more

Students will be forced to drop out of college due to grants chaos – Doherty

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has criticised the Minister for Education and Science Batt O’Keeffe for failing to intervene in the situation whereby, due to the unprecedented number of student grant applications, many third level students in Donegal will now have to wait until January to receive their student grant… Read more

Francie Brolly to retire

Sinn Féin East Derry MLA Francie Brolly has confirmed his decision to retire from the Assembly before the end of the year. Read more

North Belfast bomb attack reckless

Sinn Féin Councilor for Castle Ward Tierna Cunningham has stated that bomb attack on a British Territorial Army base was reckless and endangered families living nearby. Read more

North Belfast bomb attack reckless

Sinn Féin Councilor for Castle Ward Tierna Cunningham has stated that bomb attack on a British Territorial Army base was reckless and endangered families living nearby. Read more

Doherty outlines Sinn Féin approach to NAMA and Budget at party leadership meeting

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty, briefing the party's Ard Comhairle this evening on the Oireachtas team's strategy for the coming term, said his party will be focussing on increasing pubic awareness on NAMA and opposing the Bill, as well as opposing cuts to public services in the savage and contractionary… Read more

McCausland must outline language strategy without any further delay – Sinn Féin

Speaking after the weekly meeting of the Assembly Committee of CAL, Committee Member and Irish language spokesperson Francie Brolly MLA expressed his disappointment on two levels regarding the actions of the DUP minister McCausland today. Read more

Lagmore shooting could have killed children

Sinn Fein MLA for West Belfast Jennifer McCann has stated that those behind a shooting incident in White Rise in the Lagmore area could have killed children. Read more

Fleming welcomes creation of 75 new jobs in Waterside

Sinn Féin Councillor for the Waterside area Lynn Fleming has welcomed the news that 75 new retails jobs will be created at Crescent Link Retail Park with the opening of new stores by Next Home, Mothercare and Dreams Read more

Delay in John Lewis development is a delay in jobs

Sinn Féin MLA for Lagan Valley Paul Butler has stated that the delay in the public inquiry into the proposed retail development at Sprucefield, which will be anchored by John Lewis, is a delay in job provision. Read more

Conor Murphy welcomes investment in Newry based company

Welcoming the news that locally based company, EIMCO Water Technologies, has received several major waste-water treatment contracts in Ireland, local MP Conor Murphy has said; Read more

McCartney welcomes new Inquest into Motorman killing

Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney has welcomed the announcement of a new inquest into the death of Derry youth, Daniel Hegarty who was shot dead by British troops during Operation Motorman in 1972. Read more

Anderson urges groups to access anti-poverty funds

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson is urging anti-poverty groups in the city to apply for new grant funding which has become available. Read more

Dairy Farmers in the North unlikely to receive any funding from the Milk Fund.

Sinn Féin’s Agricultural spokesperson Pat Doherty MP MLA has raised concerns that dairy farmers in the north of Ireland are very unlikely to receive anything from the recently agreed €280 million Milk Fund. Read more

Ag tacú le Ghaelscoil Bharra

Agus é ag scríobh ar bhlag s'aige 'Léargas' ( www.leargas.blogspot.com )léirigh Uachtaráin Shinn Féin Gearóid Mac Adhaimh tacaíocht s'aige do Ghaelscoil Bharra sa Chabhrach. Read more

Supporting Gaelscoil Bharra

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has expressed his support for the pupils and parents and staff of Gaelscoil Bharra. Writing in his blog at www.leargas.blogspot.com/ the west Belfast MP said: Read more

De Brún represents GUE/NGL in climate and energy delegation to Washington DC

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún is in Washington DC (Monday 26th to Thursday 29th) as part of a cross-group European Parliament delegation of MEPs from the Environment and Industry committees. The delegation will meet with members of Congress and other stakeholders ahead of the Copenhagen Climate Change summit. The… Read more

Minister Murphy launches Corporate Social Responsibility Policy

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy today pledged his Department's commitment to helping staff make a personal contribution to the community. Read more

Harney must provide essential ICU beds for Crumlin – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has demanded that the Minister for Health & Children Mary Harney release the funding necessary to provide the additional ICU beds required at Crumlin Children’s Hospital to ensure that children can have life-saving operations. Read more

Hospital Bed announcement ‘welcome news’ – Michelle O’Neill

Sinn Féin’s deputy Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, Michelle O’Neill MLA, has welcomed this evening’s news that plans to cut 150 beds in the Belfast Health Trust area are to be shelved. Read more

"No amount of motions from unionist politicians will resolve the issue of contentious parades." -O'Dowd

Commenting on a DUP motion in Westminster today on the parading issue, Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd said that ‘no amount of motions from unionist politicians will resolve the issue of contentious parades’. Mr O’Dowd went on to say that what was required was the Loyal Orders stepping forward for… Read more

Maskey comments on Holyland Stakeholders meeting

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, speaking after today’s reconvened Holyland stakeholders meeting, has welcomed the work done by the Employment and Learning Minister in trying to tackle the problems in the Holyland area but added that if the root causes are to be tackled then a cross-departmental approach… Read more

de Brún visits Washington DC in advance of Copenhagen Climate Change Summit

Sinn Féin's Bairbre de Brun MEP has joined other MEPs as part of a European Parliament delegation who are visiting Washington DC this week (Mon-Thurs) ahead of the Copenhagen Climate Change summit Read more

Auditor General to rule on InvestNI £1m Campsie rent on empty building’ - Anderson

The Auditor General is expected to criticise InvestNI over the investment body's record in the North West, Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has revealed. Read more

Gildernew takes conacre and Inheritance Tax fight to London

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, along with Minister Sammy Wilson MP MLA, have met with the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Mr Stephen Timms MP to discuss the application of Inheritance Tax to land let in conacre. Read more

Minister seeks assurances on pupil assessments

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has expressed her disappointment that a second error has been discovered in the InCAS pupil assessments. Read more

Murphy - Public Transport must be responsive to local and regional needs

Transport Minister Conor Murphy today said he wants to make public transport people’s first choice and not last resort. Read more

Maskey comments on Holyland Stakeholders meeting

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, speaking after today’s reconvened Holyland stakeholders meeting, has welcomed the work done by the Employment and Learning Minister in trying to tackle the problems in the Holyland area but added that if the root causes are to be tackled then a cross-departmental approach… Read more

Onus is on Orange Order to engage - Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA has called on the ‘Orange Order to engage in dialogue with local residents to resolve the small number of remaining contentious parades’. Read more

Progress on £13.2million investment in Belfast

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £13.2million in the Belfast area this year. Read more

Doherty calls for development of all Ireland economy

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has said differing tax regimes, currencies and labour laws across Ireland are hampering the development of a real all Ireland economy. Read more

DUP need to stop grandstanding

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams speaking at a press conference said: Read more

Quinlivan elected Vice-Chair of Limerick City Joint Policing Committee

Sinn Féin Councillor Maurice Quinlivan was this afternoon elected Vice-Chairperson of the Limerick City Joint Policing Committee. Councillor Quinlivan immediately took the opportunity to announce that he will be proposing that the Committee hold a series of public meetings in communities throughout Limerick to give local people an input into… Read more

Anderson meets with striking Postal workers in Derry

Sinn Féin MLA Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has said failure to reach a resolution in the dispute between Royal Mail and the CWU (Communication Workers Union) will cause serious financial burdens for postal workers and their families and could have devastating consequences for small businesses in Derry and across the… Read more

Support for ‘Ryan Report’ style investigation in the North – Sue Ramsey

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Assembly’s Health, Social Services and Public Safety Committee Sue Ramsey has supported the calls from those victims of abuse in Catholic and State run institutions in the Six Counties, for a ‘Ryan Report’ style investigation into abuse here in the Six Counties. Read more

Corporation Tax surcharge a cop-out – Doherty

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has described the Finance Minister's decision to introduce a corporation tax surcharge over a levy on banks as a cop-out. Senator Doherty said the surcharge would allow banks to continue to pay CEOs and board members exorbitant salaries before they ever had to pay the… Read more

October 2009 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

October 1, 2009

October 2, 2009

October 3, 2009

October 4, 2009

October 5, 2009

October 6, 2009

October 7, 2009

October 8, 2009

October 9, 2009

October 10, 2009

October 11, 2009

October 12, 2009

October 13, 2009

October 14, 2009

October 15, 2009

October 16, 2009

October 18, 2009

October 19, 2009

October 20, 2009