Sinn Fein
The Week in Review
18 – 25 June 2014

Villiers `providing cover for unionist intransigence’
On 18 June, speaking from London, Sinn Féin MP Conor Murphy urged British secretary of state Theresa Villiers to `stop providing cover for unionism’s failure to engage in the party leaders’ talks process’.
Speaking after British secretary of state Theresa Villiers called on parties in the north to fix a date for talks, the Newry Armagh MP said that Sinn Féin had been `very clear in calling for talks and we have set aside ten days between now and 3 July to facilitate the party leaders’ talks process’.
He said Theresa Villiers was `well aware that the only blockage to talks taking place is coming from political unionism’ and added, `the DUP and UUP have both been dragging their feet on arranging dates for discussions to take place’.
He described as `disingenuous’ for the British secretary of state `to attempt to distance her government from responsibility for unionist intransigence’. Mr Murphy said that `by failing to endorse the Haass proposals on dealing with flags, parading and the past the British government is continuing to provide cover for unionist refuseniks.’

Sinn Féin must be ready for Government in South – Adams
On 21 June Sinn Féin held a major party conference in Dublin, bringing together many of its recently successful Local Government and EU candidates, from across the island, as well as the party leadership.
In a keynote address, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD set out the party’s priorities, its attitude to participation in government in the South and the current political situation in the North.
He outlined the party’s national strategic objectives and putting in place the political, electoral and organisational strategy and work plan for the next two years.
Sinn Fein’s immediate priorities include:

· Negotiations and dealing with difficulties in the political process and peace process.
· By-elections and Westminster elections.
· Preparations for a General Election and Assembly elections.
· Preparations for the centenary of 1916 with a strong focus on Irish Unity.
· Engaging with unionism in all its forms, on issues of common ground.”

On the issue of government in the 26 counties Mr. Adams said it was `time Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil stopped pretending they are different. They are not. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are conservative soul mates. They should be in government together’.
He said `For our part Sinn Féin needs to be ready for government in this state on our terms, agree our policy priorities and political platform and our commitments need to be deliverable. We are ambitious for change and believe we can deliver on jobs, housing and health. But we will not do what the Labour Party has done — we will not enter government merely to give cover to the agenda of conservative parties. That’s the old failed political system.’
He said citizens wanted `fundamental change’ and Sinn Féin offered `a viable, do-able, political alternative’.
He said this would `not be achieved by the creation of yet another right-wing conservative party offering repackaged versions of past failed policies’ and added `despite the fervent wishes of the conservative media, this state does not need a ‘PDs Mark 2’, led by disgruntled Fine Gael TDs’.
He said `the reality is that some combination of Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil has been in government since the foundation of this state. But just as one-party Orange rule in the North is gone, the failed, two-and-a-half party system in this state is going also.’
He said that Sinn Féin was `now a major player in both states with policies and an expanding organisation, which transcends partition’ and urged `a realignment of politics’. He concluded: `Let those on the Irish left who really believe that a government without Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil is possible begin working together towards that end.’

Widespread concern over situation with DUP

Commenting on events in the north Mr Adams said there was `now widespread concern about the situation within the DUP.’ He said it was `quite clear that the DUP does not appear to have the appetite for the challenge of dealing with the outstanding issues of flags, parades and the past in any serious way.’
Sinn Féin had, he said, `demonstrated very clearly during the Haass negotiations our seriousness and determination to find a way forward’ adding `We made compromises during those talks.’
He said that `For any process aimed at resolving these issues to succeed unionist political leaders need to show a similar willingness. That has not been evident so far. Despite this, there does exist a window of opportunity to resolve the issues of flags, parades and the past.’
Gerry Adams full speech can be found here.

Sinn Féin leadership meets Taoiseach and Tánaiste
On 24 June Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD, Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness met the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Eamonn Gilmore.
The focus of their meeting, which was held at Sinn Féin’s request, was to discuss current efforts to negotiate agreement on outstanding issues arising from the Good Friday and other Agreements, including the issues of flags, parades and the past.
Gerry Adams said `Some weeks ago the Executive parties in the Assembly agreed an intensive round of talks to resolve outstanding issues, including the difficult issues of flags, parades and the past. Today, at a party leaders meeting in Belfast, it was agreed that intensive discussions would begin next week.’
He added, `despite the widespread and justifiable skepticism about these talks Sinn Féin will enter into them constructively as we always do. Key to making progress is a positive engagement by the Irish and British governments on issues which are their direct responsibility. The governments cannot with credibility deplore the lack of progress in the process unless they act to fulfil their obligations.’
He said that without that unionism would `do as little as possible’ and added that the Irish government a co-equal guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, `should act accordingly. In the first instance it needs to hold the British government to account’.
He concluded `Despite the obduracy of unionist leaders Sinn Féin believes there is an opportunity to resolve these matters and that it must be seized by the governments and all of the party leaders’.

Political leaders must do more for reconciliation
On 23 June Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said he would continue to offer positive political leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to reconciliation between the people of Ireland and Britain.
Speaking after meeting Queen Elizabeth at Hillsborough Castle, the deputy First Minister said he was `a proud Irish Republican and as such I am committed to working towards reconciliation and promoting mutual respect and tolerance among all the people of this island’.
He said he had met Queen Elizabeth that evening in his role as Deputy First Minister, `representing the entire community’. He added, `reconciliation requires bold gestures and this is the third time I have met with Queen Elizabeth as part of that continuing process’.
He said the meeting was also `about reaching out the hand of friendship to the unionist community’ and concluded: `Everyone needs to do more of this. There is an onus on all political leaders to take big steps to move the process of reconciliation forward.’

SF all-Ireland electoral gains creates new political landscape
Conor Murphy was in London on 17-18 June for a series of meetings, including a public meeting in the British House of Commons and to brief the London-based Embassies and the Foreign Press Association. He was joined by Sinn Fein councillor Rose Conway Walsh.
A packed public meeting heard Mr Murphy and Ms Conway Walsh discuss current political developments, and the impact of the previous month’s European and local government elections which `saw a significant change to the political landscape on the island of Ireland. Sinn Fein’s electoral gains seen the party emerge as the largest party on the island of Ireland’.
Sinn Fein had topped the poll in a number of areas, electing all four of its MEP candidates, tripled its number of council seats in the south becoming the dominant party in many Councils, including the Cities of Derry, Cork, Belfast and Dublin, Mr Murphy said.
Sinn Fein had, he said, `fought the elections on an alternative to austerity and cuts platform, putting the needs ordinary people first’ he said, adding `we stood clearly in support of the peace process and continued positive change. We stood for equality for all. We stood against racism, bigotry and sectarianism’.
He said the party’s `enhanced mandate’ was a response to the positive and clear message – `that a better way is possible’.
Referring to the `serious and difficult challenges ahead’, Mr Murhpy said that `making progress on the issues of flags, parades and the past will not be easy’ and that `addressing all of the outstanding issues of the Good Friday and subsequent agreements will be crucial’.
He urged the British government to `positively engage with the Parties to re-instil momentum in the peace process. Its disengagement in recent times has been detrimental to the efforts to create a society built on equality and inclusivity’.

MPs’ concern at Government failure over Ballymurphy massacre
On 25 June, speaking from Westminster, Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey welcomed the tabling of an Early Day Motion, by British Labour MP John McDonnell, which raises concern over the British Government’s decision not to establish a review panel to assess the evidence relating to the massacre in Ballymurphy in 1971.
The full text of the EDM, number 82, signed by 17 cross-party MPs states: `That this House is deeply concerned by the Government’s decision not to establish a review panel to assess the evidence relating to the massacre in Ballymurphy, Belfast in August 1971; is dismayed that the families of the victims continue to be denied justice; is further concerned that the decision runs contrary to the spirit of the peace and reconciliation process in Ireland; and calls on the Government to issue a statement of innocence, to issue an apology to the families and to deliver an independent international investigation, modelled on the Hillsborough Independent Panel, examining the circumstances surrounding these deaths.’
Mr Maskey reiterated his full support for the families’ in their campaign for truth and justice and urged those in Britain to encourage their MPs to sign the motion. Mr Maskey met Mr McDonnell during his visit and campaigners in Britain who were supporting the families’ campaign.

Call to public to shape new Racial Equality Strategy
On 19 June Martin McGuinness the consultation on a Racial Equality Strategy was launched today by Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson.
Martin McGuinness said `I unreservedly condemn the recent race hate crimes and all forms of intimidation.’ He said the Executive was `determined to promote equality, mutual respect and tolerance for all people in society’.
He added `we must develop a society where racial equality and diversity is supported, understood and respected. Social, cultural and religious diversity should help build bonds between people not create conflict.’ He said the Executive was `determined to tackle racial inequality head on, however, we can’t do this alone’.
He said that the consultation document sought `to gather a wide range of views from anyone with an interest in racial equality’, adding `consultations like this are so important because they provide an opportunity for all of us to share our knowledge and experience in a way in which we can make a difference in people’s lives.’
He concluded `If we are to combat racism and racial inequalities we need the support and participation of all sections of society and I urge you to make your voice heard.’

Racism `cannot be fostered or accommodated’
Meanwhile on 18 June, Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey called on the First Minister Peter Robinson to clarify remarks he made after a Nigerian man was intimidated from moving into a house in East Belfast.
Speaking today Mr Maskey said `We, as political leaders need to be unequivocal about racism. It is wrong, it is dangerous and cannot be fostered or accommodated’.
He said it was `now unfortunate that Peter Robinson, by stating he wasn’t sure if the protestors outside the home allocated to Michael Abiona had racist intentions, has in my view muddied the waters.’
`Stating the same protest would have occurred if someone moved in from ‘up country’ is incredulous. Does Peter Robinson know of any ‘up country’ people who have been allocated more points on a housing waiting list who have had protests outside their homes? I am quite sure the answer is no.’
He concluded: `Those within political unionism who call for local homes for local people, justify posters targeting overseas workers or fail to condemn racist actions or comments outright are clearly not being unequivocal against racism.’
Elsewhere Sinn Féin Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile called on the Ulster Unionist Party to clarify its stance on racist intimidation in relation to the same incident. He said the Ulster Unionist Party `recently distributed a leaflet in support of one of its election candidates, which included the slogan ‘Supporting local homes for local people’.
He said `This same slogan is being used by racists in east Belfast who have now forced Michael Abiona, a Nigerian charity worker, from his home.’
He added `The Ulster Unionist Party needs to clarify where it stands on this disgraceful and shameful intimidation. The use of such inflammatory slogans only serves to fuel racial hatred and create an atmosphere of fear.’
He said Sinn Féin `will be arranging a meeting with the PSNI to discuss this matter and wider issues around intimidation of foreign nationals and ethnic minorities’ and added `This is not an isolated incident. We are also aware of other cases of intimidation where people have been forced out of their homes in other parts of East Belfast in the course of recent days.’

Adams shocked and saddened at death of Gerry Conlon
On 21 June Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams expressed his `shock and deep sadness’ at news of the death of Gerry Conlon.
Gerry Adams said `Gerry Conlon and his father Giuseppe were two of the most infamous examples of miscarriages of justice by the British political and judicial system. Their story was told graphically in the film ‘In the name of the father’.
He said `To his family and friends I want to extend my sincere condolences.’

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