June 2010 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

Sinn Féin raises Gaza Flotilla tragedy at Assembly

Under ‘matters of the day’ Sinn Féin MLA’s at the Assembly this morning raised the tragic murder of aid workers travelling on Gaza Aid Flotilla. Read more

Taoiseach should push for trade boycott of Israel at EU level – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on the Taoiseach to initiate a trade boycott of Israel at national and EU level, in response to Israel’s fatal attack on the flotilla of aid for the people of Gaza. Read more

PPS 21 requires further improvement – Sinn Féin

Following the publication today of the final legislation on PPS 21, Sinn Féin Planning Spokesperson, Cathal Boylan, MLA, asked the Minister a number of questions on the subject, commenting he said: Read more

Doherty secures Seanad debate on job creation in Donegal

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has secured a debate in the Seanad today on the need for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and innovation to make towns in Donegal South West a priority for future IDA investment. Read more

Irish Government should actively support Gaza aid ship — Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP today called on the Irish government to actively support efforts to ensure that the Irish humanitarian aid ship the Rachel Corrie is allowed to sail uninhibited into Gaza and unload its cargo of aid. Read more

Ritchie’s public humiliation of O’Loan continues - McKay

Sinn Féin Assembly member for North Antrim Daithí McKay has said that Margaret Ritchie’s public humiliation of Declan O’Loan seems to be continuing apace. Read more

Anger growing amongst the unemployed as government does nothing – Doherty

Speaking today as he delivered more than 16,000 ‘Greetings from the dole’ postcards demanding action to create jobs to Government Buildings, spokesperson for Sinn Féin’s ‘Jobs for the Unemployed’ campaign Senator Pearse Doherty said there was growing anger that the only plan the government had to deal with the jobs… Read more

Live register figures shows Government strategy is failing – Morgan

Speaking today after the Seasonally Adjusted Live Register showed an increase of 6,600 people signing on the dole in May 2010, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment Arthur Morgan has hit out at the Government’s failure to invest in people and create jobs, while pumping billions of euro… Read more

Patients suffer cutbacks while Anglo-Irish Bank get another €2 billion – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson and Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has described as “a danger to the health and safety of patients” today's announced closure of a range of hospital services in Cavan and Monaghan General Hospital over the summer months. Read more

Fine Gael and Labour show true colours at Council level on Gaza - Cllr Brady

At Bray Town Council monthly meeting last night Sinn Fein councillors John Brady and Rossa Murray had planned to table a motion condemning the Israeli attacks on the aid boats on way to Gaza. Chair of Bray Town Council Cllr John Ryan drew a close to the council meeting early… Read more

Sinn Féin delegation to meet with Taoiseach

A Sinn Féin Delegation led by Party President Gerry Adams and including Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Party Vice President Mary Lou McDonald and Dáil Group Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD will meet Taoiseach Brian Cowen at Government Buildings tomorrow. Read more

Adams Gives Justice Minister 10 Specific Proposals to tackle Violent and Anti-Social Crime

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams today met the Minister of Justice David Ford to put to him a series of 10 specific proposals to tackle violent and anti-social crime. Mr. Adams was accompanied by Councillor Marie Cush, Fra McCann MLA and Sue Ramsey MLA. Mr Adams also raised concerns about… Read more

PSNI challenged over parades comments

Sinn Féin north Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has challenged the PSNI to name those politicians they feel should be doing more to calm tensions around Orange Parades. Read more

Adams expresses reservations for McGimpsey Maternity Proposal

Commenting on the announcement by the Minister of Health Michael McGimpsey that he is now looking at options to bring forward the maternity unit on the Royal site, including a review of planned use of the new Critical Care building west Belfast MP Gerry Adams said: Read more

Callely controversy further damaging Irish politics – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Whip in the Dáil Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said the controversy surrounding Ivor Callely is further damaging the perception of politics in Ireland. Deputy Morgan said any inquiry into Senator Callely’s expenses must held in public. Read more

Fianna Fáil abandons south Donegal unemployed - Doherty

Speaking on a motion he secured in the Seanad, Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has said that the Government has failed abysmally to create jobs in south Donegal and that the unemployed people there have been abandoned by Fianna Fáil. Read more

Fearg ar chinneadh an chúirt maidir le hAcht 1737 – Mac Ádhaimh

Ag labhairt dó i ndiaidh cinneadh na cúirte i mBéal Feirste maidir le hAcht 1737 dúirt Uachtarán Shinn Féin Gearóid Mac Ádhaimh; Read more

Adams expresses anger court decision not to overturn 1737 Act

Speaking after a Belfast court decided not to overturn the prohibition of Irish being used in courts here under the Under the Administration of Justice (Language) Act of 1737 Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said; Read more

Adams calls for MV Rachel Corrie to be allowed to reach Gaza

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has today called for the Israeli government “to allow the MV Rachel Corrie to reach its destination and deliver its vital humanitarian supplies”. Read more

DUP Minister fails to deliver on commitment

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has expressed his "anger and frustration at the failure again of the DCAL Minister Nelson McCausland to meet the Assembly Committee and brief them on a draft Irish Language strategy". Read more

Sinn Féin comment on Purvis resignation

Commenting after the resignation of PUP leader Dawn Purvis from the loyalist party, Sinn Féin Assembly member for South Belfast Alex Maskey said: Read more

Minister must intervene to protect Loughloe House residents - Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described as “an outrage” the HSE policy of bed closures in hospitals across the State, following the latest announcement of 60 beds to close at the Mater Hospital, with over 1,000 now closed throughout the 26 Counties. Speaking in… Read more

Doherty welcomes North West Radiotherapy commitment

Speaking at a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has welcomed the commitment made by the organisation Cooperating and Working Together (CAWT) that the regional radiotherapy service in the North West will be fully operational by 2015. Read more

Fianna Fáil vote for extra weeks holiday in the Seanad - Doherty

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has today slammed the Fianna Fáil Senators who voted to give themselves an extra week off after the bank holiday. Senator Doherty said that in the week that the live register jumped by another 6,600 people signing on such a move by the government senators… Read more

Sinn Féin raise need to expel Israeli ambassador at meeting with Taoiseach

Speaking after meeting with Taoiseach Brian Cowen this evening Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: Read more

Aid ship Rachel Corrie must pass unharmed

Bairbre de Brún MEP has called on the Israeli government not to stop the Irish aid ship MV Rachel Corrie and to allow it to deliver its cargo of humanitarian aid to Gaza unhindered. Read more

Leonard calls on McAusland to bring language strategy before committee ahead of recess

Sinn Féin Culture Arts and Leisure Committee member Billy Leonard has called on Culture Minister Nelson McAusland to appear before the culture committee before the Assembly breaks for summer recess to explain the delay in bringing forward a languages strategy for the north. Read more

Hands off the Mater says Kelly

Speaking after rumours of the down grading of A&E services at the Mater Hospital the North Belfast MLA and Junior Minister said: Read more

Sinn Féin demands firm action against Israel after massacre

Sinn Féin has expressed outrage at the massacre of Gaza Freedom Flotilla aid activists in international waters by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on May 31 and demanded “the strongest possible action” against Israel by the Irish government, United Nations and European Union. Read more

Rachel Corrie must be provided safe passage - McCartney

Sinn Féin MLA and International spokesperson, Raymond McCartney has stated that the aid ship Rachel Corrie must be allowed safe passage to deliver 1,000 tonnes of much needed aid to the people of Gaza. Read more

Current cuts will condemn more children – Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the figures for the deaths of children known to the HSE child protection service in the past decade, Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: Read more

McGuinness comments on Rachel Corrie raid

Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness has said that today’s raid by the Israeli military on the Irish ship Rachel Corrie was ‘a completely unjustified and unacceptable use of force’. Read more

Ó Snodaigh reiterates call for expulsion of Israeli Ambassador following boarding of Rachel Corrie

Sinn Féin TD and Spokesperson for International Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh has reiterated Sinn Féin’s call for the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador following the boarding of the Irish-flagged Rachel Corrie vessel, which is trying to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza. Read more

McGuinness comments on Rachel Corrie raid

Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness has said that today’s raid by the Israeli military on the Irish ship Rachel Corrie was ‘a completely unjustified and unacceptable use of force’. Read more

Mayor fails to respond to constituents request for Book of Condolences

Sinn Féin’s Upper Falls Councillor, Caoimhín Mac Giolla Mhín, is deeply disappointed by the reluctance of Belfast’s new Mayor to respond to a request from a local constituent to provide of a book of condolence in Belfast’s City Hall for the Humanitarian Aid workers, who were illegally massacred on board… Read more

Seolann Mac Ádhaimh comhghairdeas le Laochra Loch Lao

Rinne Uachtarán Shinn Féin agus BP Iarthair Bhéal Feirste Gearóid Mac Ádhaimh comhghairdeas mór le foireann peile na Ceathrún Ghaeltachta, Laochra Loch Lao, a ghlac páirt i gComórtas Peile na Gaeltachta tharr an deireadh seachtain. Read more

Maskey welcomes commitment from Ford on legal services review

Sinn Féin Policing and Justice spokesperson Alex Maskey MLA has welcomed today’s announcement from the Justice Minister David Ford that he is to begin a wide ranging review of substantial elements of the criminal justice system. Read more

Hogan calls for Ministerial intervention in Loughloe House after third resident dies

Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Hogan has called on Health Minister Mary Harney to intervene after a third resident of Loughloe House has died since the HSE's announcement on 6 May of its plan to close the home. He described the tactics being used by the HSE to relocate residents as… Read more

Management must be held accountable for litany of failure at Lourdes Hospital – Ó Caoláin

Management at the Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda and in the HSE must be held accountable for the litany of failures that almost led to the loss of a child, stated Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD. He also said that current Government-imposed health cutbacks could only make the… Read more

IBEC economic forecast irrelevant unless Government tackles unemployment - Morgan

Speaking today after IBEC revised upwards their economic forecasts for 2010 and 2011, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Economy Arthur Morgan dismissed IBEC’s forecast as irrelevant unless the Government tackles unemployment. Read more

Maskey opposes the withdrawal of library services from the Andersonstown area

Sinn Féin west Belfast MLA Paul Maskey today met with Irene Knox, Chief Executive of Libraries NI, to discuss their decision to close the Andersonstown Library in Slievegallion Drive. Read more

Sectarianism alive and well on Newtonabbey Council – Gerry Kelly

Sinn Féin MLA for north Belfast Gerry Kelly has said that “sectarianism is alive and well on Newtonabbey Council”. Mr Kelly’s comments come after the DUP gifted twelve of the forteen important committee posts on the Council to all of their councillors. Read more

Closure of Seanad providing political cover for Fianna Fáil Senators

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has called on the leader of the Seanad Donie Cassidy to explain why the Seanad is not sitting this week. Read more

SDLP need to be straight with public on Israeli blockade of Gaza

Sinn Féin MLA and international spokesperson Raymond McCartney has said that the SDLP need to be honest with the public in regards to their declared opposition of the illegal Israeli blockade on Gaza and the Palestinian people while sponsoring events celebrating Israel and its legacy of oppression against the Palestinian… Read more

Glaxosmithkline review of Irish operations a worrying development – Ferris

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has said the news that multinational pharmaceutical company Glaxosmithkline is reviewing its operations in Ireland is a worrying development. Read more

Adams responds to new Moderator

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has welcomed the comments yesterday by the newly installed Moderator of the Presbyterian Church Rev. Norman Hamilton identifying sectarianism as “this demon in our midst”. Mr. Adams added: Read more

Ferris expresses concern over fall in Farm Income

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD has expressed concern over figures which show another sharp fall in farm income. Farm incomes have fallen by 30% since last year and follow another fall last year. Average income is now just €12,000, their lowest level since 1999. Read more

Ó Caoláin welcomes Sunbeds Regulation Bill

Sinn Féin’s Dáil Leader and Spokesperson on Health and Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has today welcomed the publication of the Irish Cancer Society-initiated Sunbeds Regulation Bill. The bill would make it an offence for a business to allow a child use a sunbed. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes PwC support for transfer of tax-varying powers

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has welcomed the support for tax-varying powers expressed by Esmond Birnie Chief Economist with PwC and former UUP Assembly Member. Read more

Ó Donnghaile: more and more people becoming concerned with low-flying aircraft

Sinn Féin representative for Pottinger Niall Ó Donnghaile has expressed his concern at yet another report of dangerously low-flying planes in east Belfast. Mr Ó Donnghaile comments come after a main claims he was injured by roof tiles dislodging as a result of a low flying plane. Read more

Banking reports an indictment on Government policies – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described the two reports on the banking crisis published today as an indictment of Government policy and of Brian Cowen’s role as Finance Minister, on the financial regulator, on rating agencies and on bankers. Read more

Hogan to meet Harney regarding Athlone’s Health Service

Sinn Fein Councillor Paul Hogan is part of a cross party delegation to meet Minister for Health Mary Harney today in Leinster House at 5pm to discuss the decimation of Athlone’s health service. Read more

Urgent need for HSE to release files on children who died in care – Ó Caoláin

Speaking on the Implementation of the Ryan Report in the Dáil this afternoon Sinn Féin Health and Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said the number of children who died in state care over the past decade makes it all the more important for the HSE to release the files… Read more

Sinn Fein Councillor calls for information hotline and counselling service for mothers who have miscarried or lost children

In the light of the information surrounding the misdiagnosis and failure of child scanning equipment emerging, Tallaght based Sinn Féin Councillor and Dublin Mid Leinster Regional Health Forum Member Seán Crowe has called for the establishment of a hotline and Counselling Service to be made available to women who have… Read more

Disastrous HSE and Government policy must be replaced - Ó Caoláin

Speaking this evening in the Dáil on the Health(Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, Sinn Fein Dáil leader said it was an outrage that the Government would consider implementing a Bill that would give even more responsibilities to the HSE in light of the recent scandals exposed in pre- natal care this week… Read more

Adams comments from London

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness MP and Michelle Gildernew MP were in London today for a series of political engagements, including meetings with the British Secretary of State, Owen Patterson; Harriet Harman, the interim Leader of the Labour Party and a briefing with MPs for all parties. Read more

Government brass neck in putting confidence motion in Taoiseach – Morgan

Speaking today after the announcement by the Tánaiste that the Dáil will schedule a motion of confidence in the Taoiseach Brain Cowen, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Arthur Morgan has hit out at the brass neck of the Government to vote confidence in a man who said that the economy… Read more

Taoiseach must go – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said today that the Government’s proposal to put a motion of confidence before the Dáil next week underlines the fact that Brian Cowen has not fully accepted responsibility for his mistakes as he has claimed. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the people of Ireland… Read more

Progress at DSD Committee say Sinn Féin Social Development Team

Speaking after today's meeting of the Assembly Social Development Committee Sinn Féin’S Cáral Ní Chuilín MLA said; Read more

Criminal Justice Bill addresses none of the causes of begging – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon on the Criminal Justice Public Order Amendment Bill Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson described the legislation as a missed opportunity that does not address any of the many causes which give rise to begging. Read more

Shame on the government that attacks the most vulnerable – Ó Snodaigh

Commenting on today’s announcements that rent supplement is to be cut, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social Protection Aengus Ó Snodaigh has hit out at the government for proposing “yet another cruel and callous attack on the most vulnerable”. Read more

Ó Donnghaile welcomes DSD commitment to housing on Mountpottinger site

Sinn Féin Pottinger representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has welcomed the news that DSD have now committed themselves to seeking to develop social housing on the site of the former Mountpottinger PSNI Barracks. Read more

Cowen and Fianna Fáil ignored all warnings and deserve no confidence – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said that, as Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen ignored all warnings about the damage being done by the property bubble and as Taoiseach he is making the people pay for Fianna Fáil’s disastrous policies. Ó Caoláin urged people to tell Fianna Fáil… Read more

Fianna Fáil sowed the seeds for their political cronies to reap the benefits – Morgan

Speaking today after the meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service with the two authors of the preliminary report on the sources of the Irish Banking crisis, Klaus Regling and Max Watson, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Arthur Morgan said: Read more

People are demanding change – McDonald

Sinn Féin Vice President Mary Lou McDonald has said the Irish Times opinion poll published this morning clearly shows the public appetite for change in Ireland. However Ms McDonald said the reality is that the Labour Party will not deliver change if it continues on its path to coalition with… Read more

Sinn Féin leadership meeting in Dublin tomorrow

The Sinn Féin Ard Comhairle will meet in Dublin tomorrow, Saturday 12 June. The party leadership will discuss the reports on the banking crisis, the increasing lack of confidence of the Fianna Fáil-led government to lead the state out of the current economic difficulties and the upcoming report from the… Read more

McCartney welcomes Ombudsman’s report into Maghaberry complaints

Speaking in the wake of the Prison Ombudsman’s report into conditions in Maghaberry Prison, Sinn Féin Spokesperson Raymond McCartney said: Read more

Fine Gael Labour coalition won’t deliver change Ireland needs — Adams

The Sinn Féin Ard Comhairle is meeting in Dublin today. Speaking during a break in the meeting this afternoon, Party President Gerry Adams said the banking reports published this week exposed the Government’s central role in the creation of the economic crisis. Read more

Irish boxers do us proud in Moscow – Adams

Sinn Féin President and west Belfast MP Gerry Adams has congratulated those from the Irish Boxing Team who won medals at the European Championships taking place in Moscow. He paid a particular tribute to north Belfast Boxer and Olympic Bronze medallist Paddy Barnes on his magnificent achievement at being crowned… Read more

Belfast to show solidarity with the Bloody Sunday families ahead of Saville publication

In supporting the Bloody Sunday families and the protests called for by the Ballymurphy families, Sinn Féin MLA, Jennifer Mc Cann, has urged the people of Belfast to express their solidarity by attending one of the white line pickets on Monday 14th June. Read more

Can Trimble be impartial when Unionists have a “sneaking regard” for Israel? – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin Assembly Chief Whip Carál Ní Chuilín MLA has questioned the Israeli appointment of David Trimble on a panel to investigate the attacks on the aid flotilla to Gaza at the beginning of June. Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes extension of funding for Dial to Stop Drug Dealing

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed today’s announcement that funding for the highly successful Dial to Stop Drug Dealing initiative has been extended till the end of the year and repeated his call for the scheme to be put on a permanent footing. Read more

Sinn Féin Councillors welcome completion of Council investigation into deaths of firemen

Sinn Féin Councillors on Wicklow County Council John Brady and John Snell have welcomed the completion of the Council’s investigation into the deaths of two fire officers in Bray in 2007 which was announced at the Council meeting this afternoon. Read more

South Dublin County Council passes motion calling on Harney to resign

Tallaght based Sinn Féin Councillor Seán Crowe has welcomed the passing of a motion at today’s council meeting which calls on Health Minister Mary Harney to resign or be sacked before another health crisis emerges. Read more

No confidence in either set of incompetents - Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael – Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the Fine Gael leadership battle, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimghín Ó Caoláin TD said: Read more

Poots fails RPA test - Sinn Féin

Speaking this evening after the DUP Minister Edwin Poots failed to deliver on the RPA and a potential saving of £400 million for the public purse, Sinn Féin Minister Conor Murphy said; Read more

Glacann de Brún páirt i ndíospóireacht IFI san Eoraip

Ag labhairt i ndiaidh an vóta ar maoiniú CIÉ i bParlaimint na hEorpa inniu dúirt an Feisire Bairbre de Brún; Read more

De Brún comments during European IFI debate

Speaking following the vote on IFI funding in the European Parliament today, Bairbre de Brún MEP said: Read more

Government voting confidence in itself as it pushes people further into poverty – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking today after the release of the Quarterly National Household Survey for the First quarter of 2010 showed that a further 7,600 people have become unemployed since the end of last year Sinn Féin Social Protection spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the Government will this week vote confidence in itself… Read more

Israeli Ambassador should have been expelled – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed the expulsion of an Israeli diplomat from Ireland today. However, Deputy Ó Snodaigh said recently reported evidence of Mossad operating in Ireland adds to the already well established grounds for the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador and that now needs to happen. Read more

People being made to pay the price for this bankrupt Government – Ó Caoláin

Speaking in the Dáil debate against the Fianna Fáil/Green Government’s motion of confidence in itself, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimghín Ó Caoláin said the Irish people are being made to pay the price for the disastrous failures of successive Fianna Fáil-led Governments. He said that Sinn Féin had consistently advocated… Read more

Immediate investigation of auditors required – Morgan

Speaking today after a meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service with the Governor of the Central Bank Patrick Honohan, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Arthur Morgan said that the investigation into the State’s auditing and accounting firms needs to happen as a matter of urgency,… Read more

Adams comments on Saville Report

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams was in Derry today for the publication of the Saville Inquiry in to Bloody Sunday. Commenting from Derry he said that the report put the "lies of the Widgery Report in the Dustbin of history." Read more

Saville Report vindicates dead of Bloody Sunday and the brave people of Derry – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, in an initial response to the Report of the Saville Inquiry, said it vindicates the dead of Bloody Sunday and exposed the lies of the Widgery Tribunal. Deputy Ó Caoláin secured a commitment from the Taoiseach in the Dáil this afternoon that… Read more

Harney knew of miscarriage misdiagnosis issue since August 2009 – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called for an urgent explanation in the Dáil tomorrow (Wednesday) from Health & Children Minister Mary Harney about why it was only after Melissa Redmond and other mothers went public that the HSE ordered a review of cases over the past… Read more

Cuts to lone parents mean spirited and counterproductive - Ó Snodaigh

Speaking today outside Leinster House at a picket against new cuts in Social Welfare to lone parents and in advance of speaking on the The Social Welfare Bill later this evening, Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Social and Family Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD said that the proposed cuts were a… Read more

Ó Caoláin questions spending on services for former Taoisigh

In a reply to a Dáil Question from Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, the Taoiseach Brian Cowen has revealed that his Department is paying salaries to secretarial assistants employed by four former Taoisigh, including sitting Deputy Bertie Ahern. Deputy Ó Caoláin called for a review of this and… Read more

Social Welfare Bill is unscrupulous penny pinching measure - Ó Snodaigh

Speaking this evening on the Social Welfare Bill Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Social and Family Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh said that the Bill was putting the cart before the horse in its treatment of social welfare recipients, that the Bill did not tackle the real reasons for increasing unemployment and… Read more

SF attack Cameron over McGuinness remarks

Responding to comments made by the British Prime Minister David Cameron in Westminster today in which he talked of Martin McGuinness having been ‘rehabilitated’ as a price for peace and his ‘pain’ of having to work with him, Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone Pat Doherty said: Read more

Ballymurphy and Springhill Families deserve Truth - Adams

Sinn Féin west Belfast MP Gerry Adams this morning hosted a press conference to highlight the demand for truth and justice by the families of those killed in Ballymurphy and Springhill almost 40 years ago. Read more

Attack on Rasharkin GAA Club condemned

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has condemned today’s graffiti attack on a GAA Club in Rasharkin. The initials UFF and LVF were scrawled on the wall of the club. Read more

Civil Partnership Bill must go ahead- Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice and Equality spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has urged the Government to proceed with the Civil Partnership Bill before the Dáil summer recess. He was responding to last night's statement from the Catholic bishops. Read more

De Brún supports report on information to consumers

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún today voted on a new law regulating food labelling and information to consumers. Read more

European Parliament condemns Israeli attack against the flotilla

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún, who co-signed the resolution voted today, welcomed the European Parliament vote condemning the recent Israeli atttack against the flotilla saying that "Israel should take note of the near unanimity on this issue and immediately end the blockade on Gaza" Read more

Government’s failure to protect mentally ill exposed – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil today Sinn Féin Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh called on the Government to take immediate emergency action to relocate mentally ill patients out of three hospitals which have been deemed unfit for human habitation by the Mental Health Commission. Read more

Offences Against State Act should be repealed in its entirety - Ó Snodaigh

Opposing the motion to renew provisions of the Offences Against the State Acts in the Dáil today Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh called on all Deputies to vote against it and urged Government to instead resource the Gardaí, Forensic Laboratory, DPP and the courts. Read more

Head Shop Bill unworkable – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has described the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Bill published today as unworkable and far short of what is needed. Read more

Reasons behind Maisefield's resignation cause for concern - McCartney

Sinn Féin Spokesperson and vice-Chair of the Justice Committee, Raymond McCartney MLA (Foyle) has voiced serious concerns at speculation that the reinstatement of Prison Officers disciplined following the death in custody of Colin Bell is the reason behind the announced resignation of Prison Service Director General, Robin Maisefield. Read more

Orange Order attempt to reignite Drumcree violence

Sinn Féin MLA for Upper Bann John O’Dowd has accused the Orange Order of ‘deliberately raising tensions’ after they failed to file for the outward part of the Drumcree parade, indicating that they would instead organise an illegal march. Read more

MP comments on Aughnacloy bomb attempt

Sinn Féin MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew has called on those behind last nights attempted bomb attack in Aughnacloy ‘to seriously reflect on what they are doing’. Read more

Situation in Roe House needs resolved – Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín (North Belfast) has said that Sinn Féin representatives continue to express serious concerns about the current situation for Prisoners in Roe House, Maghaberry prison. Read more

Kelly comments following ‘Tour of the North’ parade

Sinn Féin north Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly today said; Read more

Towards a New Republic — a United Ireland

Theobald Wolfe Tone Commemoration Bodenstown 20 June 2010 Address by Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA, Minister for Agriculture Read more

Sinn Féin continue to raise concerns on Welfare Reform Bill

Sinn Féin Social Development Committee members Carál Ní Chuilín, Mickey Brady and Fra McCann has once again outlined the party’s deep reservations concerning the Welfare Reform Bill which is currently passing through the Assembly. Read more

New-look bigger and brighter An Phoblacht out NOW!

A new-look bigger and brighter An Phoblacht is out now. Challenging the establishment view the new 32 page monthly paper will carry national and international news and in depth political analysis from an Irish republican perspective. Read more

Joint meeting on north-south Parliamentary Forum held at Stormont

Sinn Féin’s Pat Doherty MP and Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD have both attended a joint meeting between representatives from the Assembly and Oireachtas, on progressing the north-south Parliamentary Forum, which was held at Stormont this afternoon. Read more

Fine Gael needs to prove it can be trusted on North - Adams

Speaking prior to a meeting with a Fine Gael delegation at Stormont today, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said that national and democratic rights have to be central to the agenda of any Taoiseach Read more

“Implications of British Budget a cause for serious concern”

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has voiced serious concern about the implications of the British Budget due to be announced tomorrow (Tuesday 22nd June). Read more

Ferris calls for reinstatement of sacked workers

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Workers Rights Martin Ferris TD has called on Connolly Shoes to reinstate four workers who have been sacked from their jobs at the firm’s Dun Laoighaire outlet. Two workers were originally sacked for refusing to sign up to arbitrary changes in their terms of employment. Read more

Fine Gael/Labour coalition would be more of the same – Ó Caoláin

Responding to the confirmation by Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore that his desired outcome of the next General Election is a Fine Gael/Labour Government, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said that a Fine Gael/Labour government would be more of the same. Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes withdrawal of Government appeal in Lydia Foy case

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has welcomed the news that the Government has withdrawn its appeal in the Lydia Foy case. Ms Foy, a transgendered woman, won a High Court decision in 2008 that the state’s refusal to issue a new birth certificate… Read more

Fine Gael not trusted on National Question and the north

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP this afternoon led a leadership Sinn Féin delegation in a meeting with a visiting delegation from Fine Gael led by Party Leader Enda Kenny TD. Read more

New banking supervision strategy a step in the right direction – Morgan

Speaking today after the publication by the Central Bank of their new strategy on banking supervision in Ireland, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Economy Arthur Morgan described the new strategy as a step in the right direction to correct the severe discrepancies in governance and risk management, lending standards and… Read more

Community United against Attacks says Sinn Fein

Speaking today after the latest in a series of attacks on community workers in North Belfast Sinn Fein local MLA Gerry Kelly said... Read more

DUP simply not coming clean on Assembly Allowance Reform – Ní Chuilín

Sinn Féin Chief Whip Carál Ní Chuilín has today said that the arguments put forward by the DUP in relation to reforming MLA’s allowances simply aren’t true. Read more

Sinn Féin comments on British Budget announcements

Sinn Féin Economic Spokesperson Mitchel McLaughlin MLA commenting on today’s British Budget announcement by Chancellor George Osborne said; Read more

Boycott campaign must continue until siege of Gaza is completely lifted – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking after attending a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs which was attended by the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland and his Palestinian counterpart Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel must continue until the siege of Gaza is completely… Read more

Is ag cur daonlathas ar fionraí atá sa leasú ar Bille Um Údarás na Gaeltachta – Doherty

Tá sé ráite ag an Seanadóir Pearse Doherty nach mbeidh Sinn Féin ag tacú le leasú ar Bhille um Údarás na Gaeltachta. Leasú atá ann a chuirfeas síniú ama le treimhse Bhord an Údaráis ó 5 bliana go leith go dtí 7 mbliana go leith. Read more

Government’s position on banking sector expenditure astonishing - Morgan

Speaking today after the admission by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen that the €22bn of taxpayers' money pumped into Anglo Irish Bank will not be returned or make a profit, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Arthur Morgan has lashed out the Government’s ineptitude to deal with the crisis. Read more

Government putting democracy on hold for people of Dublin South – Tracey

South Dublin Sinn Féin Representative Shaun Tracey has called on Government TDs Tom Kitt and Eamon Ryan to support the move in the Dáil today for the by-election in Dublin South to take place. Read more

McGuinness Attacks British Budget

Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness has described yesterdays Tory/Lib Dem budget as ‘damaging to the economy, with a devastating impact on front line services’. Mr McGuinness dismissed the notion that the Tory/Lib Dem administration had no other option. Read more

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael both have poor in their sights to fix economy

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social Protection Aengus Ó Snodaigh said today that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are both willing to target vulnerable sectors in society to fix the economic crisis. Ó Snodaigh was responding to an exchange in the Dáil today where Brian Cowen refused to speculate on the… Read more

Cowen neglects collusion victims but welcomes Commander-in-Chief of British Army – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described as “totally unacceptable” the Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s welcome for a visit to Ireland by the Queen of England, Commander-in-Chief of the British Army. The Taoiseach’s welcome came on the day he refused in the Dáil to give a commitment to… Read more

IBEC Dinner at the Mansion House an insult to members of An Céad Dáil Éireann – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking at the Right to Work protest outside the Mansion House this evening where An Taoiseach Brian Cowen is attending the annual IBEC dinner Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh said the €1,200+ meal is an insult to the members of An Céad Dáil Éireann who first met in the… Read more

DUP blocking of RPA will directly impact Tory frontline services cuts - Maskey

Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey MLA has said that a DUP decision to block local government reform, and with it up to £400m of savings, will directly impact on efforts to protect frontline services from the proposed Tory cuts. Read more

Morgan criticises Ernst and Young Report

Speaking today following the release of the Ernst and Young quarterly eurozone forecast which predicts Irish GDP performance will leap from its current position of 15th this year to 2nd in 2011, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Arthur Morgan has criticised the positive outlook for the economy being taken by… Read more

EU economic policies leading to harsh austerity measures - Morgan

Speaking today in the Dáil during the course of the European Financial Stability Facility Bill 2010, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Arthur Morgan has said that increasing debt for European taxpayers, while cutting Government spending, will create a new European economic crisis. He said that policies being adopted at EU… Read more

Leonard welcomes Parades Commission determination on Coleraine march

Sinn Féin east Derry MLA Billy Leonard has welcomed the decision by the Parades Commission to prevent a Orange Parade from passing the spot where Kevin McDaid was murdered last year. Read more

Divisions within the DUP about the approach to MLA expenses claims – Ní Chuilín

Commenting after the DUP removed from the Assembly Commission Stephen Moutray the MLA who had negotiated and agreed with all the other parties a new transparent expenses regime in Stormont which would have seen cuts in the claims of individual MLAs before the rest of the DUP party blocked the… Read more

Fianna Fáil playing blame game to avoid general election – Doherty

Responding to the tug of war that is ongoing between the Minster for Finance and his Department, Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty has said that the government is playing a blame game in order to avoid a general election, which he said, would ultimately give the final verdict of how… Read more

Sinn Féin delegation to visit prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol

A Sinn Féin delegation which recently met with the prisoners and administration in the Maghaberr will return to the gaol tomorrow (Friday 25th). Read more

Poots defence of RPA decision ‘laughable’

Sinn Féin Assembly member Alex Maskey has described efforts by the Environment Minister Edwin Poots to defend his decision to squander public money through his failure to move on the RPA as laughable. Read more

King elected Sinn Féin Deputy Mayor in South Dublin

Sinn Féin Councillor Cathal King has been elected Deputy Mayor of South Dublin County becoming the first Sinn Féin Councillor to hold a mayoralty in Dublin ever. Read more

Government doing nothing to address youth unemployment – Adams

Speaking at a community centre in Dublin’s Inner City today where he addressed a Sinn Fein youth conference entitled ‘Our Future – the Republican Alternative’, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said that the Government was doing nothing to address youth unemployment. He called for a halt to cuts in training… Read more

Sinn Féin delegation return to visit prisoners in Maghaberry Gaol

A Sinn Féin delegation met with the prisoners in Roe House Maghaberry Prison yesterday. Read more

Ó Snodaigh welcomes massive drug seizure

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice and TD for Dublin South Central, Aengus Ó Snodaigh has welcomed the news that €10 million worth of cocaine and two handguns have been seized by the Gardaí in an operation in Terenure this morning. Read more

Banks must be prevented from making any attempts to change tracker Mortgages

Responding to reports that Permanent TSB is going to try and change the terms and rates of its tracker mortgages Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Dublin South Central TD, Aengus Ó Snodaigh has described the move as 'blatant banditry' Read more

Ó Snodaigh to propose Groundhog Day Clause for Social Welfare Bill

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social Protection Aengus Ó Snodaigh will today argue for a ‘Groundhog Day Clause’ to be inserted into the Social Welfare Bill which would trigger the automatic repeal of the Bill at the end of the year if the government have failed to put certain things in… Read more

Disgraceful decision to impose prescription charges on medical card holders – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Dáil leader and Health & Children Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described as “a disgraceful decision” the Government’s move to impose prescription charges on medical card holders. He said it is unnecessary in cost terms and undermines the medical card scheme. Read more

Ó Snodaigh condemns Clondalkin double shooting

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called for a significant increase in Garda resources for the Garda Drugs Squad after a double shooting in Neilstown tonight. Read more

de Brún: EU must end funding of Israeli military research

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún today called on European Commissioner, Maire Geoghagan-Quinn, to "not provide research funding for Israeli companies which engage in research on technologies which have military applications." Read more

Austerity measures are choking potential for economic growth says Sinn Féin

Speaking in reaction to the outcomes of the G20 summit where too much emphasis was put on austerity rather than stimulus, and reports that too much austerity is choking off economic recovery in Ireland, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Economy Arthur Morgan has said that tightening our belts fiscally will… Read more

Sinn Féin today held a photo-opportunity outside Leinster today as part of its campaign of opposition to the introduction of water charges

Speaking at the event Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South Central, Aengus Ó Snodaigh has said that the party “will mount a vigorous campaign of opposition” to any attempts by the FF/Green Government to introduce charges, which he described as a “regressive” form of double taxation. Read more

HSE cuts attack patient safety in North East – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson and Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has said the HSE is attacking patient safety in the North East region with the closure of the Emergency Department at Louth County Hospital in Dundalk and the removal of both the Rapid Response Vehicle and the Patient… Read more

Empty home rates plan welcome - McLaughlin

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaugthlin MLA (South Antrim) has welcomed the announcement by Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson in regards to rating of Empty Houses but voiced concerns about the number of exemptions attached to the proposals. Read more

Increase in A&E waiting times begs the question – Why shut A&E’s?

Sinn Féin MLA for Mid Ulster and health spokesperson Michelle O’Neill has stated that the increase waiting times for A&E departments highlights that the decision to close many A&E departments is not the way forward and that the Health Minister must now re-evaluate this policy. Read more

SF to raise Maghaberry situation with Justice Minister

A Sinn Féin delegation will meet with the Justice minister David Ford tomorrow morning. The delegation lead by party President Gerry Adams will also include Martin McGuinness and Alex Maskey. Read more

Sinn Féin meet with Health Minister over Mid Ulster Hospital‏

Sinn Féin MLA Michelle O'Neill has met with Health Minister Michael McGimpsey as part of a delegation to discuss the future of the mid Ulster hospital. Read more

Concerns over constraints on the Education budget

Sinn Féin Education spokesperson John O' Dowd has said that it is clear from the Ministers statement today that without an injection of cash by the Executive there will be no new schools built in this financial year as a result of the constraints on the Education budget. Read more

Extension of Bank Guarantee will penalise taxpayers – Morgan

Responding to the news that the European Commission has today extended the State’s guarantee over the liabilities of Irish banks until the end of December, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Arthur Morgan has hit out at the measure that will further expose Irish people to debts that they did not… Read more

Murphy comments on Meigh injured police officers

Sinn Féin MP for Newry Armagh commenting on the incident at Low Road in Meigh in which two members of the PSNI were injured has said: Read more

Dodds hypocrisy over expenses claims

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has accused Nigel Dodds of ‘staggering hypocrisy’ after he placed a motion before Westminster calling on constituency services to be denied to those citizens who elect Sinn Féin MPs. Read more

Economic growth means nothing if dole queues continue to grow – Morgan

Speaking today after the release of the Live Register figures for June that showed an extra 5,800 people have joined the dole queue in the last month, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment Arthur Morgan has said that economic growth in the absence of jobs is insignificant particularly… Read more

Suggestion for Alternative Funding for Upkeep of Dublin Swimming Pools

Cllr. Larry O’Toole has co sponsored a motion to Dublin City Council, which if successful may save the three Dublin Swimming Pools (Coolock, Seán McDermott St, and Crumlin) which are under threat of closure. Read more

Statements on Saville Report

Speaking during statements on the Saville Report in to Bloody Sunday in the Dáil today, Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has urged the Irish Government to support calls for an international investigation in to killings by the same Parachute Regiment of the British Army of 11 civilians… Read more

DART underground plans - Local communities must be respected and jobs secured says McDonald

Commenting on the application by Iaranrod Eireann for a Railway Order to allow work on the Dart underground to go ahead, Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald has insisted that the project ‘cannot be steamrolled through local communities and must be value for money’. Read more

Sinn Féin meet Justice Minister

A Sinn Féin delegation led by party President Gerry Adams including Justice spokesperson Alex Maskey and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness this morning met with the Justice Minister David Ford. Read more

Minister once again fails to bring language strategy forward.

Sinn Féin MLA, Barry McElduff, who is also the Chair of the Culture, Arts and Leisure committee has slammed the Culture Minister, Nelson McCausland, for devising ‘a charter to do nothing’ in relation to the Irish language. This follows a three year period of total inaction with regard to developing… Read more

MP comments on MI5 Court Case

Commenting after recent media reports about the activities of South Armagh man Declan Gregory and his conviction today for gun running, including an Irish News interview with Colm Murphy, part of which contained a handwritten confession from Gregory detailing his role as an MI5 agent, Sinn Féin MP for Newry… Read more

Victims Commissioners proposals – missed opportunity

Responding to the Victims Commissioners proposals on the issue of Truth recovery, Sinn Féin spokesperson on victims issues Francie Molloy said that their report was ‘a missed opportunity to recommend a process that respects the rights and needs of all victims and survivors’. Read more

DUP and UUP refuse to support extra money for new school builds

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Education Committee, Michelle O’Neill, has put a proposal to the Assembly’s Education Committee calling for the committee to support the Department of Education’s bid to the Department of Finance and Personnel for more money for school builds. Read more

Sinn Féin’s Cora Harvey elected as Mayor for County Donegal

Speaking today upon her election as mayor for County Donegal in the County House in Lifford, Sinn Féin’s Cora Harvey said that Donegal has been faced with many challenges and difficulties over the past year but that her election today signified to her hope and change for the new political… Read more

Ó Snodaigh launches Sinn Féin campaign against water charges

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh this evening launched a campaign against the proposed introduction of water charges. Read more

June 2010 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

June 1, 2010

June 2, 2010

June 3, 2010

June 4, 2010

June 5, 2010

June 6, 2010

June 7, 2010

June 8, 2010

June 9, 2010

June 10, 2010

June 11, 2010

June 12, 2010

June 13, 2010

June 14, 2010

June 15, 2010

June 16, 2010

June 17, 2010

June 18, 2010

June 19, 2010

June 20, 2010

June 21, 2010

June 22, 2010

June 23, 2010

June 24, 2010