Sinn Fein
Week in Review
4-11 March 2015

Murphy sets out Sinn Féin position on welfare – dossier shows `DUP acted in bad faith’
On 11 March, Sinn Féin MP Conor Murphy said documents released that day by Sinn Féin clearly show the DUP `acted in bad faith’ over the Welfare Reform Bill.
Launching the dossier containing exchanges between Sinn Féin and the DUP over the bill, Mr Murphy said it `sets out the documentation which informed the welfare agreement on December 19’. He said `at all times Sinn Féin was absolutely clear, privately and publicly, that the agreement was to provide full protection for current and future claimants of benefits under the control of the Executive’, adding `these documents illustrate that this is the case’.
The Sinn Fein MP went on `this was confirmed by DUP minister Mervyn Storey in the Assembly when he said no one would be adversely affected by the changes. The protection of existing and future claimants was the basis on which Sinn Féin endorsed the Welfare Bill.
`However, three weeks ago the DUP then attempted to roll back from the commitments made in the Stormont House Agreement by attempting to limit protections to existing claimants only. This is a clear example of DUP bad faith as these documents plainly demonstrate.
`We stressed that any movement away from full protection for current and new claimants would not be agreed by Sinn Féin. The dossier also shows that key documents were withheld from Sinn Féin during the negotiations. Despite a series of meetings between Sinn Féin and the DUP to resolve the issue, they continued to act in bad faith.
He said: `We were committed to finding a solution but despite repeated attempts to arrange a meeting between Sinn Féin and the DUP from March 6, the DUP did not make themselves available and in fact failed to turn up.
He concluded: `In face of these blatant displays of bad faith and in order to ensure the protection of the most vulnerable Sinn Féin submitted a Petition of Concern and the Bill had been withdrawn.’ The full dossier can be read here: The facts: Sinn Fein position on welfare.

Sinn Féin oppose passage of welfare bill after DUP renege on Stormont House Agreement commitments
On 9 March Sinn Féin MLA Martin McGuinness said the DUP were `acting in bad faith’ on welfare protections, and that the party would consequently oppose the passage of the welfare bill in the assembly, due to be voted upon that day.
The Deputy First Minister said that the DUP had `reneged’ on its commitments in the Stormont House Agreement to protect the most vulnerable people in society.
Martin McGuinness said `Since the turn of the year Sinn Féin has engaged proactively and positively with the Party Leaders’ group to ensure the full implementation of the Stormont House agreement’.
Sinn Fein had `honoured our commitments and have worked constructively to put in place the welfare protections agreed last December’, he said and that `this package protects children with disabilities, adults with severe disabilities, the long-term sick and children in large families. We have been clear that the enactment of these protections is a red line issue for Sinn Féin.’
Sinn Fein had `faithfully supported the implementation of the agreement on the floor of the Assembly’. He added `At Stormont House the five parties agreed a series of measures to protect the vulnerable and safeguard current and future welfare claimants under the control of the executive’.
However, Mr McGuinness said `the DUP have acted in bad faith and are now reneging on their commitments to protect the most vulnerable. It is their intention to provide only partial protection to current recipients of benefit and no protection whatsoever for future claimants’.
`That is totally unacceptable. If the DUP want to strip benefits from children with disabilities, from adults with severe disabilities, the long-term sick; or push children further into poverty, then they need to explain and justify that. Sinn Féin certainly will not accept that approach.
`Until such times as the minister can produce a scheme for agreement which gives effect to the intent of the Stormont House Agreement by providing full protection for current and future claimants, Sinn Féin will not be in a position to support the Welfare Bill going through the Assembly.
He said that Sinn Fein would be pursuing a Petition of Concern: `The DUP have attempted to effect Tory welfare cuts by subterfuge but at the heart of this crisis is the ideologically driven attack on the welfare state by the Tory-led government in London.’
He concluded: `As we have repeatedly stated publicly Sinn Féin will not be part of any agenda that punishes the most vulnerable in our society.’
Later on 10 March, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams TD was speaking in the Dáil and raised the issue with Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the difficulties in the political process caused by the DUP reneging on commitments in the Stormont House Agreement.
Deputy Adams said the resolution to the present difficulties `will only be found by everyone adhering fully to the terms of the Stormont House Agreement and asked the Taoiseach, `do you agree with me that a resolution to the present difficulties will only be found by everyone adhering fully to the terms of the Stormont House Agreement?’

Sinn Fein announce Bill on extension of voting rights including for diaspora
On 9 March Sinn Féin Diaspora spokesperson Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh announced the launch of Sinn Féin’s Private Bill calling for a referendum to extend voting rights to citizens in both the north and the Diaspora, as well as enable 16 year olds to vote in presidential elections. The Bill was brought to the Dail last Tuesday evening.
Senator Ó Clochartaigh said he was `delighted that this Bill is being brought in front of the Dáil’, arguing `for too long the government have been vacillating on the issue of voting rights for the Diaspora, those living in the north, as well as those aged 16 and upwards in presidential elections. These measures were advocated in the much trumpeted Constitutional Convention, and it’s now time for the government to practice what they have been preaching.’
He noted that Government ministers would be travelling next week to all corners of the globe `to extend their hand to the Irish community overseas’, adding `the passing of this Bill would enable them to truly engage with the Diaspora in a way which is meaningful and incisive.’
He said `The Irish Diaspora have long deserved representation in the Dáil and Seanad. Sinn Féin is working hard to ensure that the fundamental rights of Irish citizens are recognised, regardless of where they live. We have also persistently campaigned for Irish citizens aged 16 and 17 to have voting rights in presidential elections.’
He concluded: `It is now time for the government to act above and beyond the bandying about of niceties. Representation of the Diaspora in our Houses is long overdue and I sincerely hope that Sinn Féin’s Bill will be passed this week. Our global network of citizens deserve better.’

Sinn Fein reps in London and Manchester for St Patricks engagements
Later, Trevor O Clochartaigh will be in London on 26 March to meet diaspora groups to discuss some of the issues arising from the Bill and wider issues of concern and interest.
Sinn Fein representatives are also active in participating in a number of St Patricks events in London and elsewhere, including Michelle Gildernew who attended the CHAMP St Patrick’s reception in London on 10 March, and the Embassy of Ireland National Day event that evening. This weekend MP Pat Doherty will be in London for the Annual St Patrick’s parade and festival on Sunday, and will join Ministers and the Ambassador and the Chairperson of St Patrick’s Ball committee, at their dinner on Saturday evening. Francie Molloy will travel to Manchester to join their parade on Sunday; and on 17 and 18 March TD Aengus O Snodaigh and MP Paul Maskey will join the All Party Irish in Britain group reception and the Labour Irish Society event, respectively. More details: fisherj@parliament.uk

Over 2,000 at `vibrant’ Sinn Fein Ard Fheis takes place in Derry
The Sinn Fein Ard Fheis took place last weekend on 6-7 March in Derry, with more than 2000 people in attendance. With a huge range of debates, keynote speeches and international guests, the conference under the heading `make the change’ addressed the central issues. Debates included:

* Delivering a fair recovery – anti-austerity, dealing with debate and fair taxation
* Shaping our future through reconciliation
* A republic for all – towards a united Ireland and Building the peace
* A fair recovery – getting Ireland back to work, workers’ rights; investing in public services; rural Ireland; housing and education
* International solidarity
* Political reform and equality
* An Ghaeilge; – Justice and policing

International guest speakers included the Euclid Tsakalotos of Syriza, the Greek Minister for International and Economic Relations, the Palestinian Ambassador to London and representatives from the Basque country and the ANC. The Rev Steve Stockman and Fr Martin Magill spoke on the crucial issue of reconcilliation. During the live session, a guest speaker urged support for Marriage Equality in the upcoming referendum. And ICTU President John Douglas spoke during the Fair Recovery discussion.
In his Presidential speech, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said the party were `ready to lead’, and we reproduce an edited version of his speech below. For full coverage and speeches at the Ard Fheis, visit the Sinn Fein website.

GERRY ADAMS PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH 2015

Mar a déarfadh Bobby, “It’s good to be back home in Derry”. Taoiseach, if you’re watching – Dia duit – greetings from the north. Taoiseach, mar eolas duit, this is not a foreign country.
This is Ireland. Derry is a special place. The attack on the Civil Rights march at Duke Street 1968, the Battle of the Bogside, and Bloody Sunday are key events in the history of modern Ireland. Comhghairdeas daoibhse agus buíochas do mhuintir Doire Cholmcille; and in particular to the representatives of Bloody Sunday families who are with us this evening.
I extend best wishes also to the representatives from the Londonderry Bands Forum. You are also very welcome at this Ard Fheis. The accommodation on loyal order parades here stands out as an example of what can be achieved when citizens have the will to solve problems. Let’s see the same approach to contentious parades in Belfast and elsewhere.
Best wishes also to another son of Derry, John Hume who was central to the peace process.
To Mitchel McLaughlin who recently became Ceann Comhairle of the Assembly. And to Martin McGuinness for his continued courageous and visionary leadership. These qualities were demonstrated again during the negotiations that led to the Stormont House Agreement.
Despite the negative approach of the British and Irish governments, and a reluctance by some of the local parties, progress was made. And agreement was achieved. I want to commend the hard work and dedication of Sinn Féin’s Executive Ministers and our MLAs and Assembly team.
Tá an-áthas orm go bhfuil moltaí faoi choinne Acht na Gaeilge foilsithe ag Caral Ní Chuilin, go bhfuil Michelle O’Neill ar chamchuairt faoin tuath ag buaileadh le muintir na feirme, go bhfuil John O’Dowd fós ag athchóiriú scoileanna, agus go bhfuil Jennifer McCann ag cosaint cearta daonna agus cearta leanaí.
During the Stormont House talks this party put in place additional protections for children and adults with severe disabilities, and the long term sick. We succeeded in protecting those on benefits. We negotiated that there will be no reductions to any benefits under the control of the Executive. That is fundamental to this Agreement and Sinn Féin will hold to that and hold other parties to that commitment.
Progress was also made on the issues of Parades, Flags and Emblems and the Past. Dealing with the past is very difficult.
Every day marks an anniversary for someone, for some family, for some community. I hope the Stormont House Agreement will bring closure to victims. That is the intention. I want to extend solidarity to all of the victims groups campaigning for truth and justice. I welcome to this Ard Fheis the representatives of the Ballymurphy Massacre families. Failte fosta roimh Liam Shannon, one of the Hooded Men.
There are those who attack the Stormont House Agreement. They attack Sinn Féin. Let us be clear that Agreement did not resolve the issue of British Tory cuts to the block grant. Over one and a half billion pounds has been stripped away by London. Those who opportunistically attack us should focus on that. Why should a British government of millionaires have the authority to impose economic punishment on citizens here.
Sinn Féin will continue to oppose austerity – north and south. Those who argue that power should be handed back to London need to get real. That would be the road to disaster.
Instead there needs to be an island wide campaign to promote progressive policies and Sinn Féin will build a positive alliance with everyone who has this position, including other parties, the community and voluntary sector and the trade union.
Austerity is not the solution. It is part of the problem. Sinn Féin is not the problem. We are part of the solution.
Supporting austerity in the north is a logical extension of Fine Gael and Labour’s policies. Their budgets have been among the most regressive in the State’s history. There has been a huge growth in social inequality. A third of our children now live in consistent poverty. Public money which should be used to end the scandal of patients lying on trolleys; to house our citizens; and to create jobs is being used to repay private bank debt. That’s Labour’s Way. That’s Fine Gael’s way. That’s Frankfurt’s way. That’s not the Sinn Féin way.
During the boom Sinn Féin called for the wealth to be invested in public services. We called for the wealth to be socialised. We were accused by the establishment parties of ‘fairy tale’ economics. They have delivered nightmare economics. They refused to socialise the wealth. But they have no problem socialising the debt.
Fianna Fáil wrecked the economy, drove hundreds of thousands out of work, and forced many of our young people to emigrate. Fine Gael and Labour made things worse by delivering Fianna Fáil policies. They made working people, senior citizens, patients and children pay the price for private banking greed. To add insult to injury, hard-pressed citizens were told that the crash happened because “we all partied”. The Taoiseach said people went mad. Raiméis atá ann.
191 individuals held €62 billion of the banking debt. 50% of the Irish loan book of Anglo Irish bank was held by just 20 greedy people. Bankers and their political cronies are the golden circle. It is corrupt bankers and corrupt politicians who should be in jail, and not water charge protestors. When I suggested to the Taoiseach on numerous occasions that he should stand up for Irish people at EU summits he said, “We will not have the word defaulter stamped on our forehead”.
He refused to negotiate on bank debt. Neither the Taoiseach nor the Minister for Finance have ever asked for retrospective recapitalisation of the pillar banks.
If and when Sinn Féin have the mandate we will work with others across the EU to find a sustainable long-term solution to the Eurozone debt crisis. It took the government of Greece to break the conservative pretense that austerity is the only way.
Failte romhat Euclid Tsakalotos of Syriza, the Greek Minister for International and Economic Relations. Venceremos.
Sinn Féin is the effective voice of opposition in Leinster House. We offer constructive and sustainable solutions and have held the Government to account. The Government claims that a recovery is underway. If there is, it’s an unequal and unfair two tier recovery.
Sinn Féin wants to deliver a fair recovery. The cost of the recession has been borne by those who played no part in the economic disaster and who are least able to pay. The economy should serve the people – not the other way around. Sinn Féin is pro enterprise. We believe in a strong, competitive economy which creates real jobs with decent pay and conditions.
A strong economy is required to pay for public services and a living wage for workers. To combat poverty, and to support those with disabilities. For that reason Sinn Féin advocates a model of fair and progressive taxation and stable public finances where everyone pays their fair share.
And where wealth is used to fund social equality. That means that in government Sinn Féin will abolish water charges. We will scrap the Property Tax. Sinn Féin will introduce a Wealth Tax. We will bring in a third rate of income tax for those individuals earning over one hundred thousand euro; that’s seven cents on every euro over One Hundred Thousand Euro. And Sinn Féin will take a further Two Hundred Thousand people out of the Universal Social Charge.
A fair recovery must be built on real investment in real jobs. Foreign direct investment is an important part of the economic mix for the island of Ireland. So are the arts – so is the social economy. But the biggest employers on this island are Small and Medium enterprises.
They are the greatest source of future job growth. Tá Sinn Féin tiomanta do na daoine seo a chuidiú.
We are also for the exploitation of our natural resources for the common good and not merely the profits of multi-nationals. The economic crisis and austerity policies of Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil have forced half a million of our people to leave. It’s time to bring our emigrants home. But emigrants should not be denied a voice in our democracy.
Next week Sinn Féin will introduce legislation to extend the right to vote in Presidential elections to Irish citizens in the north and overseas as recommended by the Constitutional Convention. Impím go láidir ar gach ball den Oireachtas tacaíocht a thabhairt don Bhille seo.
The Fine Gael/Labour Government has been a disaster for rural Ireland. Rural Ireland needs a new deal. A new deal that will create and retain jobs in rural communities, protect rural schools and services, ensure access to health services and maximise support for hard pressed Gaeltacht and island communities.
That’s the thing about rights. You have rights no matter where you live. These have to include the right to a health service, to an education system, to quality childcare, to a home, to a job, to a clean environment and to civil and religious liberties.
Sinn Féin will invest in local authority housing and introduce rent controls to help stem the rising tide of homelessness. Families in mortgage distress need to be able to remain in the family home. Last year Sinn Féin introduced legislation to curb repossessions and to give other protections to families in mortgage distress. The Government rejected our proposals.
Instead they gave the banks a veto. Sinn Féin will end that veto.
All citizens whether they live in the Bogside or Baile Mhuirne, or on the Shankill or Southhill are entitled to equality before the law, regardless of background, sexual orientation or gender. That is why Sinn Féin supports marriage equality for LGBT citizens. Most people know a family member, work colleague or a neighbour who is gay, and we love them for who they are. Tá na saoránaigh seo i gceart Chothrom na Féinne. On May 22nd I am calling for a resounding YES vote.
The centenary of events from 1912 to 1922 – from the signing of the Ulster Covenant to the Civil War – provides a unique opportunity for all our people, north and south, nationalist and unionist, to critically examine our past. The fact is that the revolutionary period was followed by a counter revolution. That’s why Ireland is partitioned. Two conservative states with narrow minded, mean spirited elites were created. Our people suffered, emigrated and died as a result. Our potential is stunted – our communities divided. It’s little wonder that the response of the Irish Government to these centenaries has lacked ambition and substance. It is little wonder they don’t want to celebrate the Proclamation. For their part they are embarrassed by its relevance for Ireland today.
For our part the 1916 Proclamation remains the mission statement of modern Irish republicanism. The Government’s failure to protect the National Monument in Moore Street has also been shameful. “Mór mo náire. Mo chlann féin a dhíol a mháthair”.
In the year ahead, Sinn Féin will celebrate at home and abroad the courage and vision of those who participated in the Easter Rising. Sinn Féin’s goal, like theirs is to build a real Republic. But Sinn Féin cannot transform politics or the social and economic conditions on our own. There are strong elements in both parts of the island who are against positive change. These include unionists who see no alternative to the union; but there are others who are not so sure. They too have been politicised by recent developments.
In particular the peace process. They are also learning that austerity is the price of the union. Republicans have to listen and pay heed to constructive criticism of our alternative.
The Unionist parties say they are against Irish unity but will support measures that are to the mutual advantage of both sections of our people.
That’s welcome and sensible. We have to build and hold them to that. Politics in both parts of this island is in flux. Many people now realise that that it makes no sense to have two economies, two education systems, two health systems, two tax codes, two currencies on one small island. The sense of one island, one Ireland can work for everyone. I believe we need a national conversation on all of this. A conversation about the future.
I believe all genuine progressive social and political forces across this island, including unionists and working class loyalists, should develop a common platform for political progress. A new Citizens’ Charter, encapsulating fundamental principles could take us towards a citizen-centred, rights-based society. It could be a new departure in Irish politics.
The people of this island, whether urban or rural, from whatever background or tradition, share a common history and our futures are bound together. We need reminded again and again that our flag is Orange. Orange as well as green. Orange is part of what we are.
That is our potential. And our challenge. To unite Orange and Green in equality and mutual respect.
The immediate period ahead will see elections to the Dáil, Westminster, the Assembly and a by-election in Carlow/ Kilkenny. So let’s be ambitious not just for ourselves but for our people. On May 7th the people of the north will go to the polls. Good luck to all our candidates here.
The imposition of an unfair water charge has been the final straw for many families in the south. The huge demonstrations are proof of that. The water charge protestors should be released.
Sinn Féin has seen unprecedented growth in the last European and local government elections thanks to the work of our activists and especially our voters.
Sinn Féin wants a mandate for government. I believe we can win that mandate. Sinn Féin will not prop up either a Fine Gael or a Fianna Fáil government. Sinn Féin wants to lead the next Government. I am confident that when it comes to making a choice, the people will make the change. The future hasn’t been written yet. Let’s write it together. Let’s make it happen! Make the change. Ar aghaidh linn le chéile.

Sinn Fein join Colombia Peace Talks initiative in Westminster
On 10 March, Sinn Fein MP Conor Murphy addressed a packed House of Commons meeting with a high profile, cross-party platform and FARC negotiators at an event in Parliament to debate the country’s historic peace talks. The meeting was the first time the FARC addressed MPs on the subject.
The meeting was organised by Parliamentary Friends of Colombia, the All Party Group on Conflict, and the NGO Justice for Colombia are hosting the event at which both negotiators from the FARC insurgency and the Colombian Government have been invited to discuss the progress of the talks.
Chaired by Seumas Milne of The Guardian, other speakers include Jeffrey Donaldson MP and Mark Durkan. Conor Murphy said he and Sinn Fein had been engaged in experience sharing with the other parties and Colombian negotiators since 2012.
The head of the FARC negotiating team, Ivan Marquez joined the discussion via a live video link. Organisers, Justice for Colombia said `the Good Friday Agreement has been an object of study by both sides. This event will allow a fascinating insight into the negotiations and the role of Northern Irish politicians in helping to bring peace to Colombia.’

Week in Review is circulated by Sinn Fein MPs. Email fisherj@parliament.uk to join the list. For further information visit www.sinnfein.ie or follow us on twitter @sinnfeinireland