Sinn Fein
The Week in Review
2-9 April 2015

Unionist campaign in Fermanagh South Tyrone entirely negative
Sinn Féin national chairperson and South Antrim election candidate Declan Kearney has said unionists are basing their electoral campaign entirely on negative politics. This follows reports in the Impartial Reporter that DUP MLA Maurice Morrow told Tom Elliott’s Election Launch that ‘We want rid of the girl from The Brantry’.
Mr Kearney has said; ‘Comments attributed to Maurice Morrow at the UUP’s Tom Elliot’s election launch has exposed a campaign based entirely on negative politics. Launching the unionist pact election campaign in Fermanagh South Tyrone with an objective ‘to get rid of the girl from the Brantry’, speaks for itself. No political vision is being advanced by either Tom Elliott, or his cheer leader, Maurice Morrow.’
Mr Kearney suggested that ‘The unionist pact against Michelle Gildernew, which is now supported by David Cameron’s Tory Party, has clearly exposed itself as a negative, sectarian and now also chauvinist and pro-austerity campaign. That is the agenda which the unionist and British Tory parties’ electoral pact is offering citizens in Fermanagh South Tyrone. The wrong-headed approach of the SDLP in fielding its candidate in these circumstances makes it complicit in the promotion of this totally negative agenda.’
He said that Sinn Féin provides an ‘alternative to the unionist/British Tory alliance in Fermanagh South Tyrone.’
He concluded, ‘Michelle Gildernew provides the only progressive choice for voters in this constituency, as a representative with a track record in standing up for all citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds, gender or sexual orientation, and opposing inequality.’

Sinn Féin commemorates the 1916 Easter Rising
In Fermanagh Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams told an Easter Commemoration that ‘Ireland today needs another Rising – a peaceful rising to take control of the ideals of the Proclamation and to put them into practice.’
He outlined how partition had ‘retarded and distorted the political, social and economic life of this island.’ He argued that Ireland, north and south, is experiencing a period of influx; and from this people are increasingly realising that ‘it makes no sense to have two economies, two education systems, two health systems, two tax codes, two currencies on one small island.’
Gerry Adams appealed directly to working class unionists, asking them to examine the social and economic price of the union; ‘Austerity policies imposed by an Eton-educated English elite is no more in the interests of people of the Shankill Road than it is for residents of the Bogside.’
Mr Adams concluded by calling for a referendum on Irish Unity; ‘so that each and every one of us, working together, can build a new, dynamic country.’
Meanwhile, deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness told a gathering in Carlow that austerity represents a form of politics completely at odds with the principles of the proclamation of 1916.
He said; ‘The ideals of those who fought in 1916 for the establishment of a republic are completely at odds with the tenants of austerity. The principles underscored in the proclamation provide sound evidence that the legacy of the Easter Rising is one which puts equality, freedom and social justice above all else.’
He pledged that ‘Sinn Fein will continue to resist and oppose these failed policies right across the island of Ireland. Sinn Féin will continue the work of building a new republic. We will continue to fight for a fair recovery.’
Elsewhere, Irish Republicans in London remembered 1916 by organising a walking tour of sites connected to Irish Revolutionary and Social history in the City. The Event was hosted by the ‘London Easter 1916 Centenary Committee’ who will be organising a series of commemorative and educational events in the run up to the Centenary. They can be reached via their facebook page here.

Sinn Féin committed to equality and opposing austerity
Sinn Féin MLA and North Belfast Westminster Candidate Gerry Kelly has said Sinn Féin is committed to equality and opposed to all forms of discrimination.
Speaking on the topic of the Westminster Election Mr Kelly stated that ‘The mandate Sinn Féin is seeking in the upcoming Westminster election is for equality and against austerity. We want the economic levers to create sustain growth. The Tories and the alliance of the DUP and UUP however, are seeking to continue with austerity policies, which will cut our public services, destroy the welfare state and force citizens into deeper hardship.’
He concluded that Sinn Féin offers progressive politics which focus on ‘protecting the most vulnerable and putting the needs of people first.’

Government have failed to protect Dunnes Workers
Sinn Féin Workers Rights Spokesperson and Senator David Cullinane has condemned the news that Dunnes Stores workers who participated in strike action last week are being dismissed from their positions.
The Senator was speaking following reports of discriminatory action against Dunnes Stores striking workers. These Reports have now been verified by Mandate Trade Union.
Senator Cullinane said; ‘Though management and owners of Dunnes Stores are responsible for this deplorable treatment of staff, the government have also had a part to play. The absence of collective bargaining and strong anti-victimisation in the workplace legislation has allowed unscrupulous employers such as Dunnes Stores to treat workers in this fashion.’
He added that, ‘This sort of bullying and harassment from an employer has no place in 21st century Ireland. These are low paid workers who were shabbily treated by their employer. Having stood up for their rights, they are as a consequence being targeted and victimised by their employers. On several occasions Sinn Féin has brought forward legislation, including in this Dáil term, to protect workers and to have proper trade union representation. However such legislation was voted down by this government and previous governments.’
He concluded by reiterating that while primary responsibility lies with the management and ownership of Dunnes Stores; ‘the government must also bear responsibility for their failure to protect workers.’

Sinn Féin Westminster 2015 Election
The Westminster election is taking place on 7th May and Sinn Féin will be standing candidates in all 18 constituencies. The Sinn Féin candidates for each constituency are;
East Derry: Caoimhe Archibald
Derry: Gearóid Ó hEára
Mid Ulster: Francie Molloy
North Belfast: Gerry Kelly
West Belfast: Paul Maskey
South Antrim: Declan Kearney
South Belfast: Máirtín Ó Muilleoir
East Belfast: Niall Ó Donnghaile
West Tyrone: Pat Doherty
East Antrim: Oliver McMullan
North Antrim: Daithi McKay
Newry / Armagh: Mickey Brady
Upper Bann: Catherine Seeley
South Down: Chris Hazzard
Fermanagh / South Tyrone: Michelle Gildernew
North Down: Therese McCartney
Strangford: Sheilia Baille
Lagan Valley: Jacqui McGeough
Sinn Fein has argued that its progressive politics and commitment to the rights of citizens is the only alternative to the extreme austerity agenda of the British government. You can view Sinn Fein’s Westminster Election Broadcast here:

Week in Review is circulated by the Sinn Fein London office. Until May 7, you can reach us at irishunityconference@yahoo.com or follow the news on Twitter @sinnfeinireland or at www.sinnfein.ie.