March 2011 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

Ferris slams last minute decision to approve Corrib pipeline

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on natural resources Martin Ferris TD has slammed the approval given by outgoing Minister Pat Carey to the Corrib gas pipeline. The Minister signed the order on the day of the election last Friday. Read more

Ó Donnghaile welcomes announcement on Housing for Mountpottinger Barracks site

Sinn Féin representative for east Belfast Niall Ó Donnghaile has welcomed the announcement by the Department for Social Development that the land at the former Mountpottinger Barracks site is be acquired and used for the development of family homes. Read more

Report highlights incompetence of outgoing Government - Doherty

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson has said that a report published today indicating that the outgoing Government repeatedly ignored warnings from the Department of Finance in relation to budgetary policy requires a radical change in the Government approach to Budget formulation. Read more

Sinn Féin TDs to meet at Leinster House tomorrow

Sinn Féin’s new team of TDs will all meet at Leinster House tomorrow to discuss the party’s priorities in the 31st Dáil. Read more

Incoming Government must prioritise jobs – Tóibín

Speaking today following the release of the Live Register figures for February, Sinn Féin TD for Meath West, Peadar Tóibín, said that the new Government must put job creation at the top of their agenda. Read more

Maskey announces MTV Awards are coming to Béal Feirste

Sinn Féin Councillor and Chair of Belfast City Council’s Development committee Conor Maskey has welcomed the news that the MTV European Music Awards are to be held in Ireland’s second city this November. Read more

SDLP challenged over NIW inquiry

Sinn Féin Assembly member Willie Clarke has challenged the SDLP to sort out their position with regard to the ongoing inquiry into NIW. Read more

Sinn Féin TDs to meet at Leinster House today

Sinn Féin’s new team of TDs will all meet at Leinster House today to discuss the party’s priorities in the 31st Dáil. Read more

Sinn Féín will be the real coherent opposition in new Dáil - Adams

Speaking this afternoon before entering meetings with the new Sinn Féin Dáil team for the 31st Dáíl, Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams said that Sinn Féin was 'here to do business' and 'put backbone into the Dáil.' Read more

Sinn Féin to push for job creation measures – Crowe

Speaking after yesterday's meeting with the new Sinn Féin Dáíl team, Seán Crowe TD, for Dublin South West said; Read more

McGuinness comments following Budget statement

Speaking after the Budget statement by the Finance Minister at Stormont this morning, Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP said; Read more

Attwoods concerns for Royal Exchange project are another SDLP distraction - Ní Chuilín

Sinn Féin MLA for north Belfast and member of the Social Development Committee at Stormont, Carál Ní Chuilín, has stated that the concerns raised by Alex Attwood into the delay of the Royal Exchange project are a distraction to the SDLP’s failure to endorse the budget. Read more

Kelly and Maskey meet Matt Baggott following his comments on McGurk’s bombing

Sinn Féin MLA’s Gerry Kelly and Alex Maskey this morning met with PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott on his comments after the release of the Police Ombudsman’s report into the investigation into the McGurks Bombing Massacre. Read more

Adams comments on announcement of State visit of British Queen

Responding to the announcement that Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has accepted an invitation from President McAleese to visit Ireland Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: Read more

Call for vigilance after pipe bomb discovery in Portglenone forest

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has called on people to be vigilant after a number of pipe bombs were found in Portglenone forest. The find was made after suspicious activity was reported in the area. Read more

Fine Gael/Labour Programme bad news for low and middle income families — Adams

Commenting on the Fine Gael/Labour Programme for Government, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said the new coalition will broadly implement Fianna Fáil’s four year plan. Mr Adams added that in the new Dáil Sinn Féin will hold the new government to account and stand up for ordinary citizens. Gerry Adams… Read more

FG/Labour job cuts will damage Health — Ó Caoláin

Commenting on the Fine Gael/Labour Programme for Government, Sinn Fein Health & Chlidren spokesperson Caoimhghin O Caolain said: "The Programme promises much on health but Fine Gael and Labour want to axe 25,000 public service jobs and we are not told how many will come from the health services. You cannot… Read more

Dublin Ógra Shinn Féin comment on Fine Gael/ Labour coalition

Speaking after today’s announcements by the Labour Party and Fine Gael that they will enter a coalition government together against the wishes of Labour Youth, Dublin Ógra Shinn Féin Spokesperson, Saoirse Ní Chonaráin said: “When Labour Youth first stated that the Labour Party should not join Fine Gael in a… Read more

FG/Labour Programme short on immigration/integration policy detail - Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Equality Aengus Ó Snodaigh has today criticised the FG/Labour Programme for Government for being 'very short on detail in relation to immigration and integration policy'. Read more

Martin McGuinness comments after meeting leader of the British Labour Party

Deputy First Minister for the Six Counties Martin McGuinness MP this afternoon met the leader of the British Labour Party, Ed Milliband, when he visited the Assembly. Read more

Education Minister agrees establishment of new Irish-medium unit in Castlewellan

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has approved a development proposal to establish an Irish-medium unit at St Malachy’s High School, Castlewellan. Read more

Sinn Féin supports Moy Library - Gildernew

Speaking in support of the Moy Library, Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has welcomed Friday's announcement in the Assembly Budget statement that more money is being made available to Libraries across the north and has called on Libraries NI to bin the idea to close 10 rural libraries including… Read more

SDLP in danger of making itself irrelevant by its negativity – McLaughlin MLA

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) commenting on the SDLP contribution to the Budget debate has said that that Party is in danger of making itself irrelevant through its persistent negativity. Read more

Ferris calls for clarification on sale of state assets

The Sinn Féin spokesperson on natural resources Martin Ferris TD has called on the new Government to immediately provide clarification on what it defines as ‘non strategic’ state assets. He was responding to the commitment in the Programme for Government to sell off up to €2 billion of state assets. Read more

Sinn Féin to mark International Women’s Day at Stormont

Sinn Fein MLA's Jennifer Mc Cann, Sue Ramsey and Carál Ni Chuilín will host a tribute to the Sinn Fein Councillor Marie Moore at Stormonts Long Gallery on International Women's Day. Read more

Hoax device at West Belfast Social Club slammed

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, Sue Ramsey, has slammed those behind the leaving of a hoax device at the Roddy McCorley social club on the Glen Road last night. Read more

Childcare is crucial to rural inclusion - Gildernew

Families, communities and the local economy in the north of Ireland will benefit from increased availability of registered childcare in rural areas according to Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA. Read more

De Brún urges progress for women's rights on International Women's Day

Bairbre de Brún MEP joined celebrations in the European Parliament, Strasbourg to mark the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. Members and called for progress on the issues of equality between men and women and an end female poverty. Read more

Ferris calls for reinstatement of full third level grants

The Sinn Féin TD for Kerry North/Limerick West Martin Ferris TD has called on the new government to restore the grants for third level students. Kerry Education Service yesterday notified students of cuts made on foot of changes introduced in the last Budget. Many students are particularly affected by the… Read more

No Water Charges Campaign responds to Programme for Government

Spokesperson for the No Water Charges Campaign Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has condemned the incoming government's plan to introduce water charges. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the fact that water charges feature in the section of the programme for government entitled 'Fiscal Policy' speaks volumes. Read more

Sinn Féin will stand up for women in new Dáil – McDonald

Sinn Féin TDs Mary Lou McDonald and Sandra McLellan today announced that women’s rights will be a priority for their party in the new Dáil. Deputies McDonald and McLellan were launching five priorities for Sinn Féin in the new Dáil to mark International Women’s Day. Read more

Sound Bite Economics, will not Produce One Penny for Public Services or Stimulate the Economy

Sinn Fein Economy spokesperson Mitchel McLaughlin, commenting on SDLP statement of intent to vote against the Executive Budget, has said: Read more

Gerry Adams to lead enhanced Sinn Féin team to Leinster House

Sinn Féin’s team of TDs, led by Gerry Adams TD, will arrive at Leinster House at 11am this morning for the first day of business in the 31st Dáil. Read more

Tuffy Opposed Coalition Deal – Will She Oppose Its Implementation - Ó Broin

Sinn Féin Dublin Mid West Representative Eoin Ó Broin has called on Labour Party TD Joanna Tuffy to commit to opposing public sector job cuts, sale of state assets and increases in university fees when they come in front of the Dáil. The call comes after Deputy Tuffy opposed the… Read more

Adams leads enhanced Sinn Féin team into new Dáil

Speaking as the Sinn Féin TDs arrived at Leinster House for the first meeting of the new Dáil today Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said the Fine Gael/Labour Party Programme for Government represents more of the same failed policies which were just rejected by the electorate. Read more

Ó Donnghaile slams second sectarian attack on St Matthews

Sinn Féin representative for East Belfast Niall Ó Donnghaile has slammed those responsible for a second sectarian attack within a week on St Mathews chapel in the Short Strand. Read more

Bairbre de Brún welcomes Newry's Low Carbon City Charter

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún was in Newry today at the official launch of the city's Low Carbon City Charter. Read more

Music therapy must be protected - Ramsey

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Health Committee, Sue Ramsey, has joined protesters today on the steps of Stormont’s parliament buildings to highlight the danger of cuts to the special needs schools' music budget. Read more

Attwood attacks most vulnerable and deprived communities

Speaking from the Assembly this afternoon west Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann has slammed social development Minister Alex Attwood for saying he will be voting against the Social Investment Fund at today’s debate on the Budget. Read more

O'Dowd Budget address 2011: We want an Economy that delivers prosperity and social justice to all of our people equally

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this debate today and to outline the Sinn Féin view. Read more

GAA and Comhaltas need to be included in Tourism Strategy‏

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said that Gaelic Games and Irish culture in the north is not being appropriately marketed to tourists and has called on government departments to ensure that these are included in future tourism strategies. He was speaking after organising a meeting with the… Read more

Adams demands referendum on bank bailout and abolition of Universal Social Charge

Addressing the Dail this evening in his first major speech, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said that while people had voted for change in the General Election, the Fine Gael/Labour Programme for Government will implement a Fianna Fail austerity programme. Read more

Government Programme is dolled up version of FF/Green plan – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, speaking in the Dáil debate on the new Cabinet, said the Fine Gael/Labour Programme for Government is as much the work of Brian Cowen and Brian Lenihan as that of Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore. He said it is a “dolled… Read more

Adams expresses sadness at death of Sean Cronin

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has expressed his sadness at the news of the death of Sean Cronin. Mr. Adams extended his sincere condolences to Sean ‘s wife Reva and family circle. The Sinn Fein President said: “Sean Cronin was a pivotal figure in Irish republicanism for decades but… Read more

Cuts in Ministers’ pay tokenistic – Doherty

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty has described the reduction in Ministers’ pay, announced by the Government today, as tokenistic. Deputy Doherty said his party will be bringing forward a Bill to reduce Ministers’ pay by 40% and TDs’ pay by 20%. Read more

Junior Ministers should not be paid extra – McDonald

Commenting on the announcement of the new Junior Ministries today Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald said the new Ministers should not be paid any more than their TDs’ salaries. Read more

Adams welcomes investment in Casement Park

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has welcomed the announcement from today's Executive meeting that more than £60m is to be invested in west Belfast to reconstruct Casement Park as the provincial headquarters for Gaelic Games in Ulster. Read more

McGuinness welcomes Stadia funding package

Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness MP MLA has welcomed the bringing forward of over £110m for stadia projects in the North at today’s meeting of the Executive. Read more

Sinn Féin Ard Comhairle to meet in Dublin tomorrow

The Sinn Féin Ard Comhairle meets in Dublin tomorrow for the first time since the general election and the return of a greatly strengthened Sinn Féin Dáil team. Read more

Adams Welcomes Congressional Hearing for Ballymurphy Families

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD, who has worked closely with the Ballymurphy Massacre families over many years of their campaign, has welcomed the decision to hold a Congressional Hearing next Wednesday in Washington into the events of August 1971 in Ballymurphy. Read more

New Government neglects the drugs crisis – McDonald

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald has accused the new Government of continuing the Fianna Fáil/Green Party Government’s neglect of the drugs crisis by failing to appoint a Minister with responsibility for drugs. Read more

Kenny must put Irish interests first - Adams

Speaking in Dublin today during a break in a meeting of the party’s Ard Comhairle, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said that Taoiseach Enda Kenny must put the interests of Irish citizens first in any dealings with his European counterparts. Read more

Adams expresses ‘sadness’ at death of Brian Moore

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has expressed his ‘deep sadness’ at the death of Brian Moore and he has extended his condolences to Brian’s partner Máire and their son Cormac, to Máire’s son Conor and Brian’s brothers Gerry and Danny and his sister Maura, and his family circle and… Read more

Adams to attend St. Patrick’s Day events in USA

Sinn Féin President and Louth TD Gerry Adams will represent Sinn Féin next week at a number of events in Washington and New York. Read more

Transport Minister welcomes the first of 20 new trains at Belfast docks

Transport Minister, Conor Murphy, today welcomed the arrival of the first of 20 brand new ‘Class 4000’ trains at Pollock Dock, Belfast Harbour. Read more

Reinvigorating the Task Forces - Building a New Future

This morning a crucial conference was held in St. Mary’s University on the Falls Road – Moving Forward Together: West Belfast Task Force: Ten years on – a community response. Read more

Ramsey: Sinn Féin will block any attempt to increase student fees at the Executive

Sinn Féin MLA and member of the Assembly’s Employment and Learning Committee Sue Ramsey has this morning said her party will block any attempt to lift the cap on student fees that comes before the Executive. Read more

Attwood riding two horses on Fuel Poverty

Sinn Féin MLA Mickey Brady has stated the Social Development Minister Alex Attwood is riding two horses when it comes to announcement of funding to tackle fuel poverty. Read more

Sinn Féin comment on Debt Relief Bill

Commenting on the Debt Relief Bill which is before the Assembly today west Belfast MLA Jennifer McCann said; Read more

Adams expresses ‘deep sadness’ on death of Gerald Barry

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has expressed his “deep sadness” at the news of the death of RTE journalist Gerald Barry. Read more

Sinn Féin to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge at Stormont

Sinn Féin members and support staff with come together on Wednesday 16th March at an event in the Assembly to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge 2011. Read more

Sinn Féin chun Seachtain na Gaeilge a cheiliúradh i gCnoc an Anfa

Beidh Comhaltaí agus foireann Shinn Féin ag teacht le chéile Dé Chéadaoin 16ú Márta sa Tionól chun Seachtain na Gaeilge 2011 a cheiliúradh. Read more

Sinn Féin welcomes £12million funding for childcare strategy - Anderson

Foyle Sinn Féin Equality Spokesperson, Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has welcomed a £12million Childcare funding package included in the Assembly Budget aimed at supporting existing provision of affordable childminding including start-up packages for new childminder projects. Read more

IMC will not be missed

Commenting as the last IMC Report is set to be published, Sinn Féin Assembly member and vice chair of the Justice Committee, Raymond McCartney said the excessive amounts of public money wasted on the IMC should now be redirected to front line service and has further called for no golden… Read more

Kelly: “North Belfast community must know when Girdwood housing will be built”

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA has this evening said; Read more

McCann comments of Housing Bill

Sinn Féin MLA and housing spokesperson Fra McCann has welcomed the final stages of the Housing Bill coming to the Assembly. Read more

Concern at possible delay in Nelson Inquiry

Sinn Féin MLA for Upper Bann John O’Dowd has raised concerns that the findings from the Rosemary Nelson Inquiry could be delayed until after the May 5th elections. The British Secretary of State, Owen Patterson, had initially stated that the report would be released by the end of April 2011. Read more

McLaughlin – SDLP deputy Leader compromises PAC Investigation into NI Water procurement procedures

Sinn Féin Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Member Mitchel McLaughlin MLA (South Antrim) has said that the actions od SDLP Deputy Leader, Patsy McGlone in his capacity of a PAC Member raises serious questions. Read more

SDLP’s big idea on car parking is to privatise it – Boylan

Sinn Féin MLA for Newry & Armagh and DRD Committee member Cathal Boylan has today said that the SDLP are simply playing politics with the issue of parking charges. Read more

McCann –Device has caused massive disruption

Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, Fra McCann, along with local Councillor Jim McVeigh, have visited the Ardmoulin Place, in the Divis Area area which has been severely disrupted by the discovery of a suspicious object. Read more

Ní mór don aire oideachais nua stad a chur ar mhéadú chóimheas daltaí le múinteoir sna gaelscoileanna – Tóibín

Thug Teachtaí Dála Shinn Féin tacaíocht d'agóid eagraithe ag Gaelscoileanna i gcoinne an mholta le cóimheas daltaí le múinteoir sna gaelscoileanna a mhéadú ar aonchéim leis na scoileanna Béarla. Ghair an t-úrlabhraí Peadar Tóibín ar an Aire Oideachais nua Ruairí Quinn a sheas suas agus a chinntiú go gcuireann sé… Read more

ASDA engaged in Bully Boy Tactics says Kelly

Gerry Kelly has slammed ASDA's bully boy tactics as they announced they are pulling out of a proposed North Belfast development when their drinks licence was rejected. The Sinn Fein MLA said; Read more

Education Minister approves £2.8million investment in disadvantaged communities

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has announced total funding of £2.8million for two programmes serving disadvantaged communities in Belfast. Read more

Ruane – Lisanelly Shared Educational Campus moves a step closer

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has welcomed confirmation that a former military site at Omagh will be transferred into the ownership of the Department of Education for the development of a new educational campus in Omagh. Read more

Adams Raises Sellafield threat in Dáil

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and TD for Louth today raised the issue of the Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant during the first Leaders’ Questions of the 31st Dáil. Read more

Adams secures Dáil debate on Irish language

I rith Ord Gnó na Dála inniu, d'ardaigh Gerry Adams, TD ceist maidir leis an reachtaíocht a bhaineann leis an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge agus fuair sé geallúint ón Taoiseach go mbeadh díospóireacht ar an ábhar a Dáíl an tseachtain seo chugainn. Read more

Adams Speech on Programme for Government in Dáil

Speech by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD in the Dáil on the motion on the government’s Programme for Government. Read more

Insurance-based healthcare hugely problematic – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health & Children spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, speaking in the Dáil debate on the Programme for Government, stated that the insurance-based model of healthcare in the Fine Gael-Labour Programme is “highly problematic” and is in deep trouble in the Netherlands. Read more

Jobless figures highlight urgent need for jobs fund – Peadar Tóibín

Speaking today after new figures showed that unemployment has risen to 14.7% Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín called for the jobs fund to be urgently set up and sufficiently resourced. Read more

Ellis raises concern over sale of state assets

The Sinn Féin TD for Dublin North West Dessie Ellis this evening raised concerns over the proposed sale of up to €2 billion in state assets by the new Government. Deputy Ellis was speaking during a debate on the new Programme for Government. Read more

Sinn Féin to stand four candidates in Seanad election

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has announced that Sinn Féin will be standing four candidates in the Seanad elections. Read more

Government must challenge European partners – MacLochlainn

Speaking this evening against the Programme for Government, the newly elected Sinn Féin TD for Donegal North East Padraig MacLochlainn said that the people who voted in their masses in the February election had done so with hope in their heart and in the belief that they were voting for… Read more

McLellan pledges to hold Government to account

Speaking this evening on the motion for the Programme for Government Sinn Féin’s TD for Cork East Sandra McLellan said that it was her intention to put forward proposals that are credible, to stand up for what is right for the ordinary person and make this Government work for the… Read more

Ferris condemns charging of Dublin dock worker

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on workers rights, Martin Ferris TD, has strongly criticised the decision to charge a former Dublin dock worker over his involvement in a picket during a 2009 dispute. 63 year old Gerard McDonnell is to appear in court this morning charged with an offence under the… Read more

Ferris condemns charging of Dublin dock worker

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on workers rights, Martin Ferris TD, has strongly criticised the decision to charge a former Dublin dock worker over his involvement in a picket during a 2009 dispute. 63 year old Gerard McDonnell is to appear in court this morning charged with an offence under the… Read more

Government must defend ordinary people in IMF negotiations – McDonald

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald has said Ministers Michael Noonan and Brendan Howlin must defend ordinary people in their meeting with IMF chief Ajai Chopra today. Read more

Ferris Welcomes Positive meeting with Investors in GPCE

North Kerry/West Limerick TD Martin Ferris has said described today’s meeting with potential investors in the Global Pharmaceutical Centre of Excellence in Tralee as extremely positive and he said that the prospects of nearly 300 jobs being created in the first phase of the project looked very good. Deputy Ferris… Read more

Ó Caoláin welcomes commitment to abolish prescription charges for medical card patients

Sinn Féin Health and Children Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has welcomed the statement from Health Minister James Reilly that he is to abolish the prescription charge for medical card patients. Read more

Government must prioritise protection and development of Irish language – Tóibín

Speaking today to mark Seachtain na Gaeilge Sinn Féin TD for Meath-West, Peadar Tóibín, said the government must prioritise the protection and development of the Irish language and Gaeltacht communities. Read more

Ó Snodaigh to make the case for a 1916 Cultural Quarter

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh will tomorrow make the case for a cultural 1916 quarter in Dublin encompassing the GPO and the historic buildings 14 to 17 Moore Street, which includes the final headquarters of the 1916 leaders. Read more

Crowe highlights undocumented Irish

Speaking this afternoon in advance of the annual St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Sinn Féin’s TD for Dublin South West Sean Crowe said he was hopeful that the Obama administration would review the US immigration policies and has called on Taoiseach Enda Kenny to raise the issue directly with President Obama… Read more

Ó Snodaigh calls for establishment of 1916 Quarter in Dublin

Dublin Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called for the establishment of a 1916 Quarter encompassing the GPO and the historic buildings on Moore Street 10-25 and for a Ceathrú Gaelteachta to develop the Irish language in the city. Speaking today Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the global interest in… Read more

Adams welcomes Obama's decision to visit Ireland

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD who is in Washington today for a series of St. Patrick’s Day events, including the Speakers lunch with President Obama and An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, and the White House event this evening, has welcomed President Obama’s decision to visit Ireland in May. Read more

Sinn Féin Dáil team to hold Stormont meeting

Sinn Féin’s newly strengthened Dáil team of fourteen TDs will tomorrow travel to Stormont for a series of meetings with the party MLAs. Read more

Gildernew sets out vision for the countryside

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has unveiled an action plan which sets out a vision for the development of rural areas throughout the north over the next 10 years. Read more

O’Dowd comments on Educational Underachievement Report

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education John O’Dowd MLA, commenting on today’s report into Educational Underachievement, with particular emphasis on the underachievement of Protestant boys from socially deprived, working class areas. Read more

Ferris: leaked report confirms fears over Coillte

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on natural resources Martin Ferris TD, has said that a media report based on a leak from the McCarthy Group on State Assets confirms fears over the future of Coillte and Bord na Mona. According to a piece by Brendan Keenan in today’s Irish Independent the… Read more

McCann welcomes continuing funding for Playboard

Sinn Féin MLA for west Belfast Jennifer McCann has welcomed today’s announcement from OFMdFM that they are to continue funding for Playboard scheme across the north for the next twelve months. Read more

Gerry Adams: Sinn Féin = All-Ireland Politics in action!

Speaking after a joint meeting between the Sinn Féin Stormont and Dáil teams, held at the Assembly today, Party President Gerry Adams TD said; Read more

Mitchel Mc Laughlin calls for Environmental Levy on alcohol containers

Sinn Féin Economy Spokesperson, Mitchel Mc Laughlin MLA (South Antrim) has called for the introduction of a refundable levy on all alcohol containers. Read more

De Brún: No to austerity Treaty Amendment

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún called on the governments and on fellow MEPs to reject the proposed amendment to the Lisbon Treaty saying it will lead to "the imposition of further austerity measures". Read more

MEP’s support to the legalization of Sortu

The MEPs endorsing the following statement welcome Sortu the “new political and organizational project” presented 7th February and whose statutes reject all kind of violence, ETA´s included. Such an announcement takes us closer to a lasting and sustainable peace in the Basque Country. Read more

Adams announces party portfolios

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has announced the portfolio responsibilities for each of his party’s TDs. Read more

Ferris calls for radical changes to oil and gas terms

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on natural resources Martin Ferris TD, has called on the Government to reverse Pat Carey’s election day approval for the Corrib gas pipeline and to introduce changes to the licensing and revenue terms governing oil and gas exploration. The Kerry North/Limerick West TD was speaking at… Read more

McGuinness promotes our ‘creative industries’ sector

Speaking at the Arts Council Headquarters in Belfast this morning deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA said; Read more

Patterson move a bad decision for policing – Maskey

Sinn Féin Policing spokesperson Alex Maskey MLA said; Read more

SDLP need to come clean on Denis O’Brien donations in wake of Moriarty Tribunal

Sinn Féin Assembly member Daithi McKay has challenged the SDLP to come clean on the nature of their financial relationship with business tycoon Denis O’Brien. Mr McKay’s call comes after the publication today of the Moriarty Tribunal into political donations made by Mr O’Brien in return for political favours in… Read more

Adams calls for Urgent Dáil debate on Moriarty Report

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has welcomed the publication of the Moriarty report today. Read more

Thousands face removal from housing waiting lists as a result of new income thresholds

Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Dessie Ellis has today called on Minister Willie Penrose to reverse the new income thresholds for social housing brought in by former Minister Michael Finneran in one of his last acts as Minister. Read more

Disadvantaged communities will welcome additional funding from the Executive

Sinn Féin junior Minister Gerry Kelly MLA has welcomed the news from today’s Executive meeting that the £80 million Social Development Fund is to be rolled out across some of the most deprived areas in the Six Counties. Read more

End the EU/IMF betrayal of Irish people – MacLochlainn

Speaking in the Dáil this evening on Statements on the EU Council meeting Sinn Féin’s Padraig MacLochlainn called on the Government to stop the betrayal of the Irish people that is the EU/IMF deal. Read more

New Government must lead in call for Palestinian state - MacLochlainn

Speaking today in the Dáil Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Pádraig MacLochlainn TD pressed Minister Eamon Gilmore for a real commitment from the Irish Government to recognise Palestine as an independent state and said it was paramount that he champion at EU level the Palestinian people’s right to real… Read more

Taoiseach’s refusal to drop by-election appeal case a waste of time and money – Doherty

Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty has described Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s refusal to withdraw the State’s appeal against his High Court victory in the Donegal by-election case as a waste of time and money and an affront to democracy. Read more

Ferris slams Government over refusal to revoke pipeline approval

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources Martin Ferris TD, has strongly attacked Minister Pat Rabbitte’s refusal to reverse the order made by former Minister Pat Carey approving the gas pipeline in Mayo. The former Minister made the order on the day of the general election. In his reply Minister… Read more

Coalition Parties Fall at first Hurdle over Openness in Government – Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has criticised Taoiseach Enda Kenny for refusing to allow a debate today on the Moriarty Report. Read more

McGuinness pays tribute to Assembly members and Staff

Joint First Minister Martin McGuinness MP speaking in the Assembly today on the last day of this mandate said: Read more

Adams attacks British Government decision on 50-50 Recruitment to the PSNI

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD this morning attacked the ‘unilateral decision by the British Secretary of State on Tuesday to scrap the 50-50 recruitment procedure to the PSNI”. Read more

Adams welcomes Taoiseach’s Agreement to Meet Ballymurphy families

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has welcomed this mornings commitment by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny to meet with the Ballymurphy Massacre Families. Read more

Anderson slams incompetent Health Minister

Sinn Fein Equality Spokesperson, Martina Anderson MLA (Foyle) has slammed the announcement by Michael McGimpsey not to proceed with the Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin. Read more

Japan disaster show need for nuclear free Europe

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún today said that the disaster in Japan "shows the importance of moving to a nuclear free Europe" Read more

Caithfimid bogadh chuig Eoraip neamhnúicléach

"Ba mhaith liom mo chomhbhrón a dhéanamh leis na daoine sin ar bhain an tragóid dóibh sa tSeapáin, tragóid atá ag dul ar aghaidh go fóill. Is gá dúinn gach rud is féidir linn a dhéanamh chun cuidiú le muintir na Seapáine. Read more

Ruane announces £6million for sports coaching in primary schools

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has announced funding totalling £6million for soccer and Gaelic games coaching in local primary schools. Read more

Adams welcomes Taoiseach’s Agreement to Meet Ballymurphy families

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has welcomed this morning’s commitment by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny to meet with the Ballymurphy Massacre Families. Read more

Ba chóir go raibh Gaeilgeoirí ó Thuaidh ábalta an Daonáirimh a líonadh as Ghaeilge

Ag labhairt inniu dúirt Cathaoirleach an Choiste Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta Barra Mac Giolla Dhuibh CTR; Read more

Minister Reilly must act urgently on North West cancer care – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has said the postponement of plans for the promised new radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry is a “critical setback for cancer services” and he urged Health Minister James Reilly to take immediate action to avert this postponement. Read more

More austerity on the cards as Minister announces €1.5billion counter balancing measures

The Minister for Finance Michael Noonan, under questioning from Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty today, indicated that he will bring forward revenue raising measures to the tune of €1.5 billion. Read more

Debt sustainability the key issue at EU Summit – MacLochlainn

Responding to news that the interest rate on the EU/IMF loan will not be discussed at tomorrow’s EU Summit meeting Sinn Féin Foreign Affairs spokesperson Padraig MacLochlainn has said the real issue is the affordability of the loan and the sustainability of the debt. Read more

Ferris to raise apparent contradiction regarding proposed sale of Coillte

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources Martin Ferris TD, raised the issue of a possible sale of Coillte in the Dáil this morning. The Kerry North/Limerick West TD has tabled a motion under standing orders highlighting the apparent contradiction between the position of An Taoiseach and that of his… Read more

Government must address fuel poverty crisis – Ó Snodaigh

Speaking in the Dáil this morning Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social Protection Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on the Government to take urgent action on the fuel poverty crisis which has seen thousands of families struggling to pay bills. Read more

Maskey: “Policing Plans important but community support is vital”

Sinn Féin Policing spokesperson Alex Maskey MLA commenting after the publication of the PSNI’s three year policing plan has said that regardless of what plans are put in place, they must be firmly based in garnering community support. Read more

Action needed on hospital super-bugs – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called on Health Minister James Reilly to take immediate action to address the growing menace of drug-resistant hospital-based infections, commonly known as super-bugs. Read more

Kenny must explain why Ireland’s issues have been taken off EU agenda – Adams

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said Enda Kenny must explain to the Irish people why he has not stood up for Ireland’s interests at the EU Summit meeting today after the issue of the interest rate on the EU/IMF loan was taken off the agenda. Read more

Sinn Féin candidates to campaign for radically reformed Seanad

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has today formally launched the party's candidates for the upcoming Seanad elections. Read more

Cap on Special Needs Assistants a travesty – Crowe

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education Sean Crowe has called on Labour Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn not to implement the proposed cap on Special Needs Assistants. Read more

Tóibín welcomes commitment on leaving cert Irish

Sinn Féin TD Peadar Tóibín has welcomed a commitment he received from the Minister for Education Rúairí Quinn that Irish will remain a compulsory subject for the Leaving Cert. Read more

Kenny’s EU Summit U-turn will prove costly – Doherty

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty has said Ireland cannot afford to wait until the next EU Summit meeting to deal with the debt crisis. Deputy Doherty said the markets have already predicted the results of the stress tests as yields on ten year Irish bonds passed the 10% mark… Read more

Labour and Fine Gael renege on Waterford University commitment – Cullinane

Sinn Féin Seanad candidate Councillor David Cullinane has accused Fine Gael and the Labour Party of reneging on their commitment to granting university status to Waterford IT. Read more

Taxpayers’ money should not be used to bail out gamblers – Doherty

Speaking today as Irish Nationwide makes a settlement to bondholders after its buyback of subordinated debt which is unguaranteed, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty said that taxpayers’ money should not be used to bail out gamblers. Read more

Ferris criticizes decision to award foreshore license to Corrib consortium

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources Martin Ferris TD, has strongly criticised the granting today by Environment Minister Phil Hogan of a foreshore license to allow the completion of the gas pipeline to the refinery site at Bellanaboy. Read more

Government must stand up for the Irish language and stand up for gaelscoileanna – Tóibín

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on the Irish language and the Gaeltacht Peadar Tóibín has called on the Minister for Education and the Government to stand up for the Irish language and to stand up for gaelscoileanna. Read more

Kenny’s Brussels u-turn is a violation of his mandate — Pearse Doherty

Speaking after the conclusion of the summit of EU leaders, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty has said that the statement by the Taoiseach that 'burden sharing' in relation to Ireland's debt crisis would not be considered until the result of bank stress tests were known was "another violation… Read more

Sinn Féin publish Dáil motion calling for abolition of Universal Social Charge

Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald TD has today published the text of a motion which will be laid before the Dáil next Tuesday during Private Members’ Time. Read more

‘Leadership across Ireland’ - 'Ceannasaiocht ar fud na hEireann'

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD this morning launched the party’s election poster for the upcoming Assembly and Local Government elections. Read more

Ó Donnghaile: Campaign for alley-gates in Short Strand goes on

Sinn Féin candidate for Pottinger Niall Ó Donnghaile has said his party’s campaign to secure alley-gates for a number of streets in the Short Strand will continue. Read more

Murphy comments following British Government apology to the O'Hare Family

MP for Newry Armagh Conor Murphy has welcomed the unreserved apology from the British Government to the family of Majella O’Hare. Read more

Mickey Brady: 'High-5 campaign a vital platform for our older people

Sinn Féin Newry & Armagh election candidate Mickey Brady has thrown his support behind the initiative to recognise the needs of our older citizens during and after the election campaign. Read more

Patterson move on 50/50 a bad decision for policing - Maskey

South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey has criticesed the move by Owen Patterson which will today see the ending of 50/50 recruitment to the PSNI. Read more

Sinn Féin comment on Grosvenor Road security alert

Sinn Fein’s Fra McCann has hit out at those responsible for causing a security alert today on the Grosvenor Road. The area is currently sealed off and widespread disruption is being caused to the local community. Read more

Serious concern over census company link to Abu Ghraib abuse scandal - MacLochlainn

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pádraig MacLochlainn TD, has expressed serious concern after it emerged that a company awarded a six million euro contract to work on the production and compilation of the Irish Census 2011 was also contracted to conduct interrogation services in Iraq's Abu Ghraib… Read more

Urgent action needed to address unacceptable living standards in Dolphin House – Ó Snodaigh

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social Protection Aengus Ó Snodaigh has called on the Government to take urgent action to address the unacceptable living standards in Dolphin House. Read more

Sinn Féin calls for children’s rights referendum

Speaking today following comments by the Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald that the government will hold a referendum on children’s rights during 2011, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin urged the Minister to hold the referendum sooner using the wording contained in the Final Report of the… Read more

Sinn Féin leadership to engage at annual ‘Town Hall’ meetings

Sinn Féin’s Alex Maskey has today announced a series of ‘Town Hall’ meetings due to take place in a number of areas across the Six Counties over the next few weeks. Read more

Sinn Féin launch postcard campaign against Universal Social Charge

Sinn Féin has today launched a postcard campaign against the Universal Social Charge. Speaking from the launch at Leinster House Sinn Féin President and Louth TD Gerry Adams encouraged as many people as possible to use the postcard to make their voices heard. Read more

Sinn Féin reps currently meeting with PSNI on Oldpark bomb alert

Sinn Féin representatives including Gerry Kelly have this afternoon met with the PSNI in relation to the ongoing security alert in the Oldpark area of north Belfast. Read more

MacLochlainn raises concerns over Census company in Dáil

Speaking in the Dáil today Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pádraig MacLochlainn TD, raised the issue of links between the company awarded a six million euro contract to work on the 2011 Census and human rights abuse in the Abu Ghraib detention centre in Iraq. Read more

Fine Gael must publish list of corporate donations – Ferris

Sinn Féin’s Martin Ferris has called on Fine Gael to publish a full list of their corporate donations over the past number of years. Deputy Ferris said that if Fine Gael is serious about political reform and an end to cronyism they will publish the list. Read more

No review necessary – Abolish the Social Charge now – Ó Caoláin

Speaking during the Private Members’ debate in the Dáil this evening on the Universal Social Charge Sinn Féin Health and Children Spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said that despite the rhetoric from Fine Gael and Labour they both accept the basic Fianna Fáil/Green Party economic strategy and continue the folly of… Read more

Abolish Universal Social Charge – Adams

Speaking in the Dáil on the first day of a two-day debate on a Sinn Féin motion calling for the abolition of the Universal Social Charge Party President Gerry Adams said: "The Universal Social Charge is basically a flat tax: everyone with an income above €16,000 pays it at the… Read more

Adams calls for services to be returned to Louth County Hospital

Sinn Féin leader and TD for Louth and East Meath Gerry Adams secured an adjournment debate in the Dáil this evening on the future of Louth County Hospital. Read more

Government must abolish grossly unfair Universal Social Charge – Doherty

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty has tonight moved the Sinn Féin Private Members motion which seeks the abolition of the Universal Social Charge. Read more

Adams welcomes Taoiseach’s willingness to consider motion of censure in Michael Lowry

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has welcomed Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s willingness to consider a motion of censure in Michael Lowry to be taken in Government time today. Read more

Rise in unemployment a national emergency – Tóibín

Speaking today following the release of the Live Register figures for March which saw an increase of 1,100 people, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation Peadar Tóibín has described the rise in unemployment as ‘a national emergency’. Read more

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin statement on the Moriarty Tribunal Report

Speaking from the Dáil Sinn Féin TD for Cavan/Monaghan Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: Read more

McDonald calls on Minister Hogan to make a statement on Moriarty Report

Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on the Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan to clarify issues relating to his role in the events covered by the Moriarty Report. The Dublin Central TD was speaking during the continued debate on the Moriarty Report this afternoon. Read more

Peadar Tóibín statement on Moriarty Report

Speaking in the Dáil Sinn Féin’s Peadar Tóibín said that the Lowry affair highlights a number of major problems that demand immediate resolution. Read more

Adams welcomes all-party motion of censure

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has welcomed the agreement by all parties in the Dáil on a motion of censure of Michael Lowry. Read more

Doherty raises issue of Mortgage defaults in Dáil

Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty today questioned the Taoiseach in relation to bringing forward legislation to deal with mortgage default and debt relief Read more

Ó Snodaigh accuses Fine Gael of mud-slinging

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social Protection Aengus Ó Snodaigh has accused Fine Gael’s Brian Hayes of resorting to a mud-slinging exercise in an effort to muddy the waters on his party’s stance on the disgraceful Universal Social Charge. Read more

Government needs to act in the interests of people, not banks - Doherty

Speaking today in advance of the stress tests results, Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Finance Pearse Doherty has set out his party’s position. Read more

Reilly commitment to Altnagelvin welcome but he must press McGimpsey to proceed – Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has welcomed the reiteration by Health Minister James Reilly of the Government’s commitment to the promised radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. Deputy Ó Caoláin said the Minister must now press Northern Health Minister Michael McGimpsey to reverse his decision to… Read more

Ferris claims postal bill lays basis for breaking up and selling off of An Post

The Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Communications Martin Ferris has claimed that the Postal Services Bill before the Dáil will if passed lay the basis for the breaking up and selling off of An Post. The Kerry North/Limerick West TD was speaking during the debate on the Bill which was introduced… Read more

Government Minimum Wage commitment worthless

Sinn Féin President and TD for Louth and East Meath Gerry Adams is demanding that the Government stand up to the EU/IMF and honour its commitment on reversing the cut to the minimum wage introduced by the Fianna Fáil/Greeen Party Government. Read more

Worrying trend developing in Tallaght Live Register figures – Crowe

Sinn Féin’s Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has said that there is a worrying trend developing in the Tallaght Live Register figures. Deputy Crowe made his comments after CSO figures revealed that the number of people signing on nationally rose by 1,100. Read more

Ordinary citizens suffering for the failings of Government to deal with bank debt – Doherty

Speaking in the Dáil after the Minister for Finance announced that there is to be a further €24 billion pumped into the defunct banking system Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty has said that it is the ordinary people who are suffering for the failings of Government to deal with… Read more

March 2011 Archives (An scéal is deireanaí)

March 1, 2011

March 2, 2011

March 3, 2011

March 4, 2011

March 5, 2011

March 6, 2011

March 7, 2011

March 8, 2011

March 9, 2011

March 10, 2011

March 11, 2011

March 12, 2011

March 13, 2011

March 14, 2011

March 15, 2011

March 16, 2011

March 17, 2011

March 20, 2011

March 21, 2011

March 22, 2011

March 23, 2011

March 24, 2011