Sinn Fein
The Week in Review
22 July – 29 July 2016

North to lose billions from Brexit’ – Martin McGuinness MLA
The North stands to lose billions from its economy if forced out of the European Union, Sinn Féin MLA and Joint First Minister Martin McGuinness has said.
Mr McGuinness, speaking after the British Irish Council summit in Cardiff last week, said:
“The meeting heard how our economy was set to receive €3.5 billion in European funds between 2014 and 2020. A sizeable portion of that will be at risk if we are forced out of Europe. Such funds will, of course, not be available at all in the years following 2020 and I don’t think anyone seriously believes that the British Government will reimburse these losses.”
Mr McGuinness stated that the north also risked losing “an unquantifiable amount of private investment as foreign direct investors turn their attention to regions which can guarantee access to the European market.”
Mr MrcGuinness criticised the British Government’s handling of the situation, saying:
“We are in this mess because the previous British Government called the referendum in a foolish attempt to placate racist and loony right wing elements within both UKIP and the Tory Party. And, rather than respect the democratic wishes of the people here who voted to remain in the EU, it seems the new British Government is determined to drag us out against our will.”

Brexit would cause serious damage to agri-food industry – Linda Dillon MLA
Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has said that leaving the European Union would cause serious damage to the agri-food industry.
The Agriculture Spokesperson said:
“Key players from within the sector have expressed their concern about the impact that Brexit will have on the agri-food sector. They have expressed concern about their workers, many of whom are from European countries and play a pivotal role in the success of the industry. They have also expressed concern over funding for the industry and the trading implications that may be put in place as a result of Brexit.”
Ms Dillon added: “The Brexiteers never had plan and have offered no long-term or short-term guidance to people within the industry. I will continue to meet with people from within the agri-food regarding their concerns. Sinn Féin will continue to fight to have the decision of the people North to remain in the EU respected.”

Border communities would be hit hardest by Brexit – Martina Anderson MEP
Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has said that being dragged out of the EU would hit border communities particularly badly.
Ms Anderson commented: “The border region has suffered immensely as a result of partition and any hardening of the border will only have a negative impact on the lives of people who live, work and study in the area.
“The people of the North voted to reject that and I would encourage all interested groups to raise their voices to ensure the democratic wishes of the majority who voted to remain are respected.”

Sinn Féin calls on Brokenshire to release legacy inquest funding

Sinn Féin MLA Martin McGuinness has called on the newly appointed British Secretary of State James Brokenshire to release funding for legacy inquests.
Mr McGuinness said:
“James Brokenshire has made positive comments in Derry on dealing with the legacy of the past following his meeting with the Pat Finucane Centre, including the family of Paul Whitters, who was 15 years-old when he was killed by a plastic bullet. Now it is incumbent on James Brokenshire to follow these words up with positive actions and for his government to provide funding for legacy inquests.
“He can do that by changing the policy of his predecessor and putting the needs of grieving families ahead of bogus national security concerns by immediately approving the Lord Chief Justice’s request for funding to enable him to fast-track some 56 inquests involving up to 100 deaths.”

Why is Fianna Fáil keeping Fine Gael in government? – Gerry Adams TD
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has accused the Fianna Fáil leadership of “putting narrow party self interest above the needs of citizens” and he has asked Micheál Martin “what is the point in keeping Fine Gael in government?”
Deputy Adams said: “As the Cabinet meets for the last time before its summer break, the big question is what is the point of Fine Gael in government? It is constantly looking over its shoulder seeking approval from Fianna Fáil for every decision it takes. The Taoiseach has been gifted his office by Fianna Fáil who were unwilling to go into government themselves after the last election but who play at being in government and opposition at the same time.”
Deputy Adams criticised Fianna Fáil noting that: “They have obliged the Government at every turn, or every U-turn; on bin charges, on the national monument in Moore Street, and on the issue of Banded Hours Contracts. Last October, Fianna Fáil called for a Commission of Investigation into the sale of NAMA’s Northern loan book – Project Eagle. This was repeated in the Dáil by Micheál Martin. Then Fianna Fáil did another U-turn and now opposes the establishment of a Commission.”
Deputy Adams concluded: “It’s all about political power. It’s nothing to do with so-called ‘new politics’

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