Sinn Fein
The Week in Review
05 – 12 August 2016

Martin McGuinness MLA saddened at the death of Bishop Edward Daly
Following the death of the former Bishop of Derry, Dr. Edward Daly, the Joint First Minister, Martin McGuinness MLA reflected:
“It was with deep sadness that I learned of the death this morning of the much-loved former Bishop of Derry Edward Daly. Bishop Daly is remembered internationally for the iconic image from Bloody Sunday when he was waving a white handkerchief to British soldiers while aiding the dying Jackie Duddy. But he was also an immense figure in the city. He was very forthright in his views at a time when a war was raging in the city but thankfully he also lived to see the peace.”
Mr McGuinness continued: “I met with him on a number of occasions in 1992 and 1993 about the developing peace process and he was always compassionate, honest and backed the efforts of me and others to help bring the conflict to an end. He is a huge loss to the city and its people and I extend my sincerest condolences and those of my party to his family at this very sad time.

Removing walls opens door to a new shared space – Megan Fearon MLA
Junior Minister Megan Fearon highlighted the Executive’s continued commitment to removing interface barriers and structures of division as she addressed an audience at the New Lodge Community Festival on Tuesday.
The Junior Minister said: “Through its Together Building a United Community strategy, the Executive is committed to reduce and remove all interface barriers by 2023.”
Ms Fearon said that: “By removing a peace wall we open a door to a new shared space and I believe we should be ambitious in our efforts. Reconciliation has been hampered by physical divisions so to help build a truly shared, united and reconciled community, we need to put in place the conditions and circumstances to remove these structures.”
The Minister recognised the challenges in removing interface barriers and praised the courage of the community for their efforts. Ms Fearon added: “Taking down these barriers can only happen by engaging with, by building relationships with, and by seeking the consent and support of the people who live in their shadows. It takes courage to engage on such difficult issues, but the courage that many in the community have shown, and continue to show on a daily basis, can, and will change our society for the better. Progress is being made.”
The Minister concluded by saying: “The Executive will continue to support communities on this journey and I commend the excellent work of Duncairn Community Partnership which has been vital in shaping progress in north Belfast.”

Adams appeals to Kenny to intervene in Ibrahim Halawa case
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD welcomed news this week that lawyers acting on behalf of Ibrahim Halawa are to submit a new application for an Egyptian Presidential decree, in spite of comments made in the Egyptian parliament, and has called on An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, to directly intervene on Ibrahim’s behalf.
Teachta Adams said: “Ibrahim Halawa, a twenty year old Irish citizen, has now spent over one-thousand days incarcerated in a filthy and over-populated Egyptian jail. His trial has been postponed an astonishing fourteen times and he has detailed the ill-treatment and torture he has faced, as well as what other prisoners have been subjected to. It is despicable.”
Mr Adams noted the unhelpful comments made in response to the Oireachtas all-party motions calling for Ibrahim’s release that were passed unanimously last month, but welcomed the fact that a new application for his release under a Presidential decree is being made on his behalf.
Mr Adams continued: “The Government’s strategy to date, although very well intended, in attempting to secure his release has been unsuccessful and I would again today appeal to Enda Kenny to exert pressure at the highest levels in Cairo to secure Ibrahim’s release. It is my firm belief that the Taoiseach needs to make direct contact again with the Egyptian President and Prime Minister and demand Ibrahim’s release without delay.”

Sinn Féin will continue to raise the concerns of the Palestinian people
Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has stated dialogue is essential and that Sinn Féin will continue to raise the concerns of the Palestinian people in all forums and at all levels.
Pat Sheehan said: “Sinn Féin’s record of supporting the Palestinian people is clear and consistent. We have highlighted the injustices being inflicted on the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle for freedom, independence and statehood and demand a formal recognition of the State of Palestine on the basis of the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
Mr Sheehan stated Sinn Féin’s belief that inclusive dialogue between the representatives of the Palestinian and Israeli people is the key to resolving the conflict.
Mr Sheehan stated that “Any meetings between Sinn Féin representatives and Israeli political parties are on the basis of critical engagement,” and that, “all such engagements put the concerns of the Palestinian people front and centre whether it be the atrocious conditions faced by the people of Gaza, the ill-treatment of political prisoners, illegal Israeli settlements and building international pressure towards ending on-going conflict in the Middle East. Those who represent the Palestinian people are aware that we raise these issues at all levels and wish us to do so.”
Mr Sheehan also noted the continued imprisonment of Belal Kayed, currently held on Administrative Detention. Mr Kayed is engaged in a prolonged Hunger Strike. Pat Sheehan said: “Belal Kayed began his hunger strike on the 15th June in protest against being held without trial or charges under what the Israeli authorities term ‘Administrative Detention’. This in essence is internment without trial, a policy which many republican prisoners were subjected to during the conflict in the north.”
Mr Sheehan concluded: “The international community must intervene immediately and call on the Israeli government to end the administrative detention of Palestinian prisoners.”

Máirtín Ó Muilleoir MLA calls for stimulus measures
The Finance Minister, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has called on the Treasury to release funds to boost the local economy including capital investment in our infrastructure.
The Minister said: “The Executive’s allocation of capital funding for key infrastructure projects identified in the Fresh Start Agreement will go some way towards providing investment for infrastructure however, in the wake of the EU referendum it is incumbent on the British government to release the necessary funds to stimulate the economy, boost the construction sector, and support local employment.”
Ó Muilleoir concluded “I spoke to the Chancellor recently and urged him to bring forward measures to address the difficulties caused by the referendum result.”

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