Sinn Fein
The Week in Review
26 May – 03 June 2015

Tory austerity at the heart of Executive’s difficulties
Sinn Féin MLA Martin McGuinness said this week that the austerity cuts agenda of the British Tory party is `at the heart of the difficulties facing the Assembly’.
Martin McGuinness was speaking after he and Mid Ulster MLA Michelle O’Neill met British Secretary of State Theresa Villiers.
Martin McGuinness said there had been `a very frank and forthright meeting’ and that he had told Theresa Villiers `the present difficulties facing the Executive are the direct consequence of Tory austerity cuts’. He said the British government `needs to tell us how the £25bn of cuts proposed by George Osborne will impact on people in the north and on our frontline public services’.
He said he had asked Theresa Villiers `on three occasions to spell out the impact of those cuts and she has refused to tell us’, and added `I made it clear… that any effort by the British government to take back welfare powers would be a mistake and would be unacceptable to Sinn Féin’.
He concluded that Sinn Féin `would not accept unelected civil servants setting the budgets for our Executive departments.’
Meanwhile Sinn Fein MPs Francie Molloy, Paul Maskey and Mickey Brady were in London over the past week to raise concerns across the political parties, and with the Irish Ambassador, over the British Government’s imposition of cuts and attacks on the welfare state. Mickey Brady said that the party was seeking to make links with those in the parties, the trade unions and social movements who wanted to oppose conservatism and austerity, and the devastating effects `both sides of the Irish sea’.

Villiers denial of cuts agenda not helpful-Murphy
Earlier, Sinn Féin negotiator Conor Murphy today accused British Secretary of State Theresa Villiers of being in denial that it is her government’s cuts agenda, which is the root cause of the current crisis.
Conor Murphy said the present difficulties facing the Executive were `the direct consequence of Tory austerity cuts and their attempts to impose further welfare cuts on the most vulnerable in society’.
He added, `The British government is planning another £25bn of cuts to public services and welfare yet Theresa Villiers continues to refuse to spell out the impact of these cuts on the people of the north. She is clearly in denial of the role of her government’s austerity policies in provoking the crisis and there is no indication she is serious about addressing the key issues.’
He concluded: `The Tories have no mandate in the north for their cuts agenda. The local parties need to make it clear that Tory cuts to public services and the welfare state are unacceptable.’

Assembly will not be a puppet to Tory austerity
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay said British Government resistance to further devolution undermined progress made in the Assembly and devolved institutions in Scotland and Wales.
He was speaking after a series of meetings with Scottish Government officials and Members of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh as part of the Finance Committee’s inquiry into the Barnett formula.
The North Antrim MLA said `the problems we are trying to resolve in the face of Tory cuts to Executive budgets and welfare are made significantly more difficult by the fact we have no control over our own fiscal levers in the Assembly’.
He added, `Without any control over taxation the Tory government is attempting to force us to accept their austerity agenda through reducing budgets.
`This is not sustainable. Scotland will receive some limited fiscal levers in the next couple of years. However, both the Belfast and Edinburgh Assemblies need to receive full taxation powers to work effectively and avoid being undermined by Westminster policy making in the future.
He concluded `It is now clearer than ever before that fiscal levers need to be transferred to the Assembly. Economic policy set in London has fundamentally undermined our political structures. The Assembly cannot and will not be a puppet to the Tory government and its austerity project.’

Workers’ rights must be protected
Sinn Féin Employment and Learning Spokesperson, Browyn McGahan MLA said last week that the British government was clearly signaling its intent to attack the hard-won rights of workers.
The South Tyrone MLA was speaking following the announcement of British government proposals in the Queen’s Speech to limit trade union rights.
Bronwyn McGahan said that instead of reducing trade union rights `what is required is legislation to strengthen workers’ rights to engage in collective bargaining to ensure compliance with European Court of Human Rights judgments.’
She said that `vulnerable workers now more than ever need their rights to collective bargaining enshrined in law and protected,’ adding `this right-wing Tory government, which is hell-bent on further draconian cuts to public services and the welfare state, is now intent on attacking the protections provided to workers with its so-called Trades Union reform.’
If the Tory plans went ahead she warned it could result in `exploitative employers demanding more zero-hour contracts, lower pay, poorer working conditions, and lowering of health and safety provision
The proposed legislation `should act as a wake-up call to the Trades Union movement to stand with those of us who are fighting the Tory attacks on everything from the Welfare State, the Health Service and now the Trades Union Movement’, she said, concluding: `it is time for the political parties, trades unions and civic society to stand together against the failed policies of austerity.’

British Bill of Rights `can’t replace European Convention on Human Rights’
Sinn Féin MLA Caitriona Ruane said Sinn Féin would `reject any attempt to replace the European Convention of Human Rights with a British Bill of Rights’.
Referring to the announcement in the Queen’s Speech to `unveiled to introduce a British Bill of Rights’, Ms Ruane warned that `Britain is attempting to remove itself from the ECHR’ which would be `a further erosion of peoples’ right’.
She said `any moves by Britain to roll back from human rights commitments are unacceptable’.
As well as `denying people access to this essential human rights body, it would also mean that Britain would be in breach of the Good Friday Agreement’, she added, pointing out `the British Government has failed to implement a Bill of Rights or Acht Na Gaeilge, commitments made under the Good Friday and other agreements’.
She concluded: `Rather than eroding people’s rights they should live up to their responsibilities and implement the outstanding issues outstanding under the Good Friday Agreement.’

Process agreed to deal with the past must be delivered
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly this week called for the process to deliver mechanisms agreed at Stormont House to deal with the legacy of the past to be speeded up.
Speaking after a Panorama programme revealed large-scale collusion between British Military Intelligence and the RUC’s Special Branch and loyalist gangs, Gerry Kelly said the programme was `the latest contribution to what is now a wide body of evidence of systemic British state collusion in a murder campaign against the nationalist community’.
He added, `this includes the activities of the so-called Glenanne Gang, who were responsible for more than a 100 killings in Mid Ulster and in Dublin and Monaghan, and a whole series of UDA and UVF gangs across the Six Counties who were armed, trained and directed by British Military Intelligence and the RUC’s Special Branch.’
He said the Police Ombudsman was also `currently working on an inquiry into a shadowy Special Branch forensic team which misled inquiries and the courts on inquiries into up to 60 murders’.
The British government was `still refusing to honour its commitment to hold an independent inquiry into the murder of human rights solicitor Pat Finucane and the PSNI is still continuing to frustrate and delay inquests and investigations into the murders of victims of state and state-controlled death squads’, he added.
He concluded: `This points up the need to speed up the process to deliver the architecture to deal with the legacy of the past agreed at Stormont House.’

Uncomfortable Conversations – panel meeting. Sinn Fein Chairperson Declan Kearney will be joined by a panel of speakers including Lord John Alderdice at a meeting to discuss `Uncomfortable Conversations – a process of reconciliation’ at a Westminster Meeting on Tuesday 14 July, 6.30pm in the Macmillan Room, Portcullis House. Further details: jayne.fisher@parliament.uk

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

Sinn Fein
The Week in Review
08-14 May 2014

Adams thanks Sinn Féin candidates representing ‘progressive message of equality and Irish unity’
On 9 May Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams TD paid tribute to Sinn Féin’s 18 candidates in the Westminster elections who he said represented a `progressive message of equality and Irish unity’.
Gerry Adams said the party had run `a positive, forward looking campaign’ and that the 18 candidates across the north of Ireland `represented the progressive politics of Irish unity and equality for all citizens’.
He added, `we are, of course disappointed with the loss of the Fermanagh/South Tyrone seat’, and paid particular tribute to Michelle Gildernew `for her service to Sinn Féin and to the people of Fermanagh/South Tyrone’.
He praised all of the Sinn Féin candidates who `performed extremely well and the party is confident and energised as we face into the Carlow/Kilkenny by-election, the Marriage Equality referendum at the end of the month and then Dáil and Assembly elections next year’.
He said the newly re-elected Tory Government in London `is wedded to austerity and this presents severe challenges for society and citizens in the North’, which include `the threat of more destructive cuts to the North’s budget and to the social welfare system as well as a referendum that could remove the North from the EU against the wishes and the interests of citizens here’.
He concluded that it was `now clearer than ever that austerity is the price of the Union’ and reiterated that Sinn Féin’s immediate focus `is to work with others to confront these challenges.’
In the election Sinn Fein saw its vote increase by just under 4,000 votes overall. Despite the loss of the seat in Fermanagh South Tyrone, Michelle Gildernew increased the vote in the area by almost 2,000. Sinn Fein MPs Pat Doherty, Paul Maskey and Francie Molloy were all re-elected in West Tyrone, West Belfast and Mid Ulster respectively, and Mickey Brady was also elected in Newry Armagh, replacing Conor Murphy who now returns to the Assembly. Sinn Fein candidates in North Belfast, South Belfast and Upper Bann also saw particularly strong support increasing the votes there on 2010.

After Westminster election: ‘parties must act together to deliver change’ – McGuinness
On 8 May Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness urged local parties to develop a common approach to address the challenges presented by the new Tory government.
Speaking after the Westminster election results, Martin McGuinness said that the election of a majority Tory government presented `a huge challenge to all our parties and society’.
He said the actions of the Tory party over the last five years had had a `negative impact on the management of the political process and has been disastrous in terms of our budget, our economy and our people’. The Tories were `now threatening further savage cuts to our budget and to welfare, as well as a referendum on EU membership’, he added.
He said the referendum would put `our farming and rural communities at risk’ and `would remove key support from communities engaged in peace-building and cross-border regeneration, and it would damage the work we are doing to encourage investment and in particular our success in attracting Foreign Direct Investment.’
He said that the Tory polices `undermine the Executive’s ability to deliver public services and look after the most vulnerable in society’ and would `continue to fail all of our people and our economy’.
He urged `all of the local parties to work together on behalf of all the people and public services particularly in health, education and welfare’ and said the parties in The Executive and Assembly `need to urgently develop a common approach to address the challenges presented by the new Tory government’.
He concluded: `We have demonstrated that when all of the Executive parties act together we can deliver real change. We must now act to avert five more years of cuts to public services and attacks on the vulnerable.’

Tory assault on Human Rights Act is an attack on the Good Friday Agreement – Adams
On 12 May Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD warned that the British Conservative government’s plans to repeal the Human Rights Act was a `direct attack on the Good Friday Agreement and the international Treaty that gives effect to it in law’.
Speaking in the Dáil, the Sinn Féin leader urged the Taoiseach Enda Kenna, as co-guarantor of the Agreement along with the British government, to urgently raise this matter with the British Prime Minister David Cameron.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said that following their election victory last week, the Conservatives had said that they plan a fundamental change to human rights legislation, including repealing the current Human Rights Act and replacing it with a new Act.
He said `part of their focus was to end what they describe as the “excessive influence of the European Convention on Human Rights”.’
Under the Tory’s plan, the ECHR would no longer be able to make binding decisions over the British Supreme Court or force the government to introduce laws to bring them into line with Europe, Mr Adams said. He went on to warn `the implications of the Tory plans to repeal the Human Rights Act and reject the current oversight role of the European Convention on Human Rights are enormous for the administration of government, for justice, policing, and equality in the north.’
He said it was also `a direct and scandalous attack on the Good Friday Agreement and the international treaty signed by the British and Irish governments which gives legal affect to the Agreement’ which would be a `grievous breach’.
He said that under the terms of the treaty between Ireland and the Britain, which incorporates the Good Friday Agreement into law, and is lodged with the United Nations, the British government is obliged to complete the incorporation into law in the north of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Agreement also commits to safeguards to ensure that the Assembly and public authorities in the north cannot infringe the European Convention on Human Rights, he said, adding `these safeguards also apply to policing’.
He concluded: `the Tory government proposal is a clear and significant breach of the Good Friday Agreement and of the International Treaty that underpins it. There is an onus on the Irish government as a co-guarantor of the Agreement to raise this matter as a matter of urgency with the British government.’

Sinn Féin committed to full implementation of Stormont House Agreement
On 12 May Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay said Sinn Féin was `committed to the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement’.
Mr McKay said this included `achieving the full implementation of all the outstanding issues of the Stormont House Agreement, including welfare, to ensure the agreed protections are in place for children with disabilities, adults with severe disabilities, the long-term sick and large families’.
He said work was continuing on all of these issues. He said that there was a `much greater challenge to the Executive’ from the £25 billion in further cuts `promised by the Tories which would result in a huge hole in the budget’.
He urged all of the Executive parties `to work together to develop a common approach to deal with the challenges presented by the British government’s austerity agenda.’

Advance the cause of equality – vote yes 22 May
On 11 May Sinn Féin Carlow Kilkenny by-election candidate Kathleen Funchion urged voters to seize the opportunity to advance the cause of equality by showing up and voting yes on 22 May.
Cllr Funchion said the marriage equality referendum presented `a once in a generation chance to do something really special at the voting booth’.
She urged people who support marriage equality to `show up and cast their vote on the day’, adding `we have a unique opportunity to advance the cause of equality on this island. We must seize it.’
Sinn Fein was `campaigning hard for a yes vote because we believe in equality for all our citizens’ she said and urged people `to get involved in the campaign for a yes vote’.
She reiterated calls for people to `talk to your friends, to your workmates, to your family and neighbours and ask them to vote Yes’, adding `it is crucial that such conversations are had over the next number of days’.
She said the energy of the yes campaign `must be matched with a determination to get to the polling stations to vote yes on Friday week’ and concluded: `we cannot be complacent, we must grasp this opportunity. Let’s make sure that history is made on May 22nd.’

British government must end refusal to hold Finucane inquiry
On 12 May Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said the British government must end its refusal to hold a full inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane.
Speaking after the start of a judicial review into the British government’s failure to hold an inquiry, Mr Kelly said that in 2001 at Weston Park the British and Irish governments agreed to an inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane, but `to date the British government has failed to implement the Weston Park agreement.’
He said that British prime ministers had `continually refused to hold an inquiry into the murder, despite extensive negotiations between the Finucane family and the British government’.
He accused the British government of being `afraid of what will emerge during such an inquiry and that’s why it’s continuing to deny the Finucane family their basic human rights by refusing an inquiry’.
This was, he added `reinforced by the fact, which emerged during this judicial review, that senior British civil servants consider there is no basis for reneging on the commitment to the Finucane family. British government papers described Pat Finucane’s murder as worse than any event from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.’
He concluded that `hopefully this judicial review will be successful and the British government will finally fulfil its responsibility to the Finucane family.’

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.

Sinn Fein
The Week in Review
24-30 April 2014

Election an opportunity to make clear stand against austerity
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD was in north Belfast this week canvassing with party candidate Gerry Kelly.
The Sinn Féin leader said the May 7 election was ‘one of the most important elections in recent years.’ He said, ‘Whichever party or parties make up the next British government all are committed to austerity. The Tories have stated their intention to cut £12 billion more out of welfare and Labour have also promised more austerity.’
He added ‘the next British government will seek to impose further cuts to the block grant.’ He said that Unionist parties had ‘conservative policies and support the Tories’ and urged ‘working-class unionists to reflect on the fact that the unionist parties do not represent their economic interests.’
He said the Unionist parties ‘all back a Tory EU referendum that could see Britain leave the European Union with disastrous consequences for jobs and for the economy.’ He said Sinn Féin was ‘the only party in the north to have taken a clear stand against austerity.’
Sinn Fein were ‘determined to oppose future cuts and to demand the restoration of the one and a half billion already taken from the block grant’ and had ‘a proven record of building the economy and targeting investment to frontline services and protecting the most vulnerable.’
Gerry Kelly was part of a ‘strong Sinn Féin team’, and would be ‘relentless in seeking the best deal for all our people’. The election was ‘an opportunity to take a stand against the Westminster politics of austerity and for a vision of a united, prosperous, equal and inclusive Ireland’ he said.
Mr Adams concluded: ‘After the election we will be seeking an immediate negotiation with the incoming British Government to restore the budget and protect public services and to gain full control over our economy. A vote for Sinn Féin will strengthen our hand.’
On 30 April, Sinn Féin Upper Bann candidate Catherine Seeley said Sinn Féin was ‘the only party offering credible opposition to austerity’.
She said that during the Stormont House negotiations ‘it was Sinn Féin who held out for protections for children with disabilities, adults with severe disabilities, the long-term sick and large families.’

Wells position ‘not tenable’ after ‘reprehensible’ slur on gay couples
This week saw growing focus on the DUP’s regressive positions in relation LGBT equality and other equalities issues, following a statement made by health minister Jim Wells at an election hustings. Calls for Wells to resign grew, and Martin MacGuinness said his position as Health Minister was no longer tenable following his slur on gay couples.
Mr McGuinness said ‘Jim Wells’ attack on the LGBT community was reprehensible and completely unacceptable from someone holding the position of Health Minister.’
He added ‘I accept that he is under pressure as a result of his wife’s serious illness and I acknowledge that he has apologised. However I think those words will ring hollow when judged against the DUP’s opposition to marriage equality, its support for a ban on blood donations from gay men and opposition to adoption by gay couples.’
He said his position as Health Minister ‘is clearly no longer tenable and the DUP leadership should now reflect on that.’

Fearon calls on progressive MLAs to support marriage equality
Sinn Féin MLA Megan Fearon called on all progressive MLAs in the Assembly to vote for Sinn Fein’s motion on marriage equality in an Assembly debate this week, despite the DUP once again blocking the bill through a Petition of Concern.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said Sinn Féin was ‘committed to the promotion of equality and challenging homophobia, racism, sectarianism and all forms of discrimination.’
She said it was the fourth time Sinn Féin had brought a motion in favour of marriage equality before the Assembly and it was ‘disappointing that the DUP have tabled a Petition of Concern to block this important motion.’ However, she said it was ‘important progressive politicians send a clear message of support for the LGBT community by voting in large numbers for marriage equality’ and ‘make it clear in the chamber that homophobia is completely unacceptable.’
She said Marriage equality ‘threatens no one’ and ‘gives gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender people equal rights under the law in relation to marriage.’ Sinn Féin is currently campaigning for a Yes vote in the marriage equality referendum in the South.

DUP offensive remarks ‘unacceptable’
Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay has said it is unacceptable for Ian Paisley Jnr to stand over offensive remarks made in relation to the gay community.
The North Antrim Westminster candidate said ‘the disgraceful remarks of Ian Paisley junior in relation to the gay community caused pain and hurt when they were first made.’ He said ‘That has been reinforced now by him stating that he stands by those offensive remarks.’
Mr McKay added ‘it is unacceptable for a public representative to make such remarks in the first place but to then stand over them is outright bigotry. The people of North Antrim deserve better than these outdated and discriminatory views.’
Pointing out that ‘the whole community is being badly let down by these remarks from a public representative’ he added ‘The election on May 7 is an opportunity for people to make it clear to reject these offensive views and vote for progressive politics and equality.’

Gerry Adams speech sets out party’s position on key issues
In a major speech to party activists in Dublin this week, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams set out the party’s perspective on a number of key issues.
Referring to the centenary of the Easter Rising and the Proclamation, Mr Adams said the year ahead was a time for ‘renewal and planning’ and for building a rights-based, citizen-centred Republic.
He said the party were at the forefront of the fight for equality, notably ‘campaigning so strongly for a ‘Yes’ vote in the forthcoming marriage equality referendum’ which was ‘fundamentally about equality of citizenship.’
He also launched a sharp attack on government economic strategy, in the context of the economic statement, and addressed the growing IBRC scandal and the issues around Siteserve.
Speaking about the peace process and the failure of the government to fulfill its responsibilities as co-guarantor of the GFA, Mr Adams’ speech can be read in full here.

Sinn Fein by-election candidate will be ‘real voice’ for ordinary people
Sinn Féin’s candidate for the Carlow Kilkenny by-election, Kathleen Funchion, has said that her campaign is about providing a new voice for those people abandoned and ignored by Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Labour Party.
Cllr Funchion was speaking at campaign rally with Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams TD and Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD.
She said the election was ‘about seizing an opportunity to provide real change and effective public representation’ and that her campaign ‘is about ordinary people. It is about providing a new voice for people who have been abandoned and ignore by those in power.’
She added ‘time and again, the people of this constituency have put their faith in the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Labour Party and they have been re-paid with broken promises’. She said ‘ordinary people who are paying the price for the bank-debt and for the resulting austerity and cuts delivered by this government. Our communities and families are also still paying the price for years of reckless government administered by Fianna Fáil.’
She said the by-election ‘can be a watershed shed for the constituency of Carlow Kilkenny’. She urged A ‘fair recovery’, adding ‘Sinn Féin is the only party that has the political will and vision to make that happen.’

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.

Sinn Fein
The Week in Review
16-24 April 2014

Sinn Féin Westminster Manifesto Launch
Speaking at the launch of Sinn Féin’s Westminster election manifesto in Ranfurly House, Dungannon, deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said; “This manifesto represents Sinn Féin’s commitment to the electorate. It is our vow to continue to resist the disastrous agenda of Tory austerity in Ireland. It is our pledge to defend the most vulnerable, to protect public services and deliver a new and better future for this society. It is now clear that British governments, of whatever hue, will continue to impose austerity on our society.”
He added, “Sinn Féin is the only party in the North at this election firmly opposed to austerity and with a proven track record in negotiations. Following this election Sinn Féin will be seeking an immediate negotiation with the incoming British Government to secure a viable budget to deliver public services; return economic powers to promote growth, jobs and prosperity and protect those most in need. A new budget is required to end austerity and we need the fiscal powers necessary to determine our own economic policy, to stabilise the political institutions and build on the progress of the peace process.”
Watch video of launch here and read the manifesto here.

Inclusive dialogue the only way to resolve contentious parades
Sinn Féin MLA and North Belfast Westminster Candidate Gerry Kelly has said inclusive dialogue is the only way to resolve contentious parades.
Mr Kelly said; “This latest Orange Order stunt in commissioning its own report into parading will not address the outstanding issues around contentious parades. The only way to resolve issues around parading is through genuine and inclusive dialogue with local communities. Until they agree to that no amount of so-called independent reports will change the parading situation. The fact that this move by the Orange Order was very quickly welcomed by Theresa Villiers is a clear indication that this was choreographed as part of the grubby deal between the DUP and Tories over parading.”
He reiterated that, “Narrowly self serving deals based on sectarian parades will not solve difficulties. That will only come about through dialogue with local communities.”

Gildernew condemns attack on election billboard
Sinn Féin Westminster Candidate for Fermanagh & South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew has called the attack on election billboards in Dungannon an attack on the democratic process.
Ms Gildernew said; “An election billboard for my campaign was targeted by arsonists in Milltown Street, Dungannon yesterday and extensively damaged. This is the latest in a series of incidents involving my election posters and billboards. These attacks have followed personal attacks on me by representatives of the negative unionist alliance. It happened just hours after Sinn Féin held a successful election manifesto launch in the centre of Dungannon.
She stated that, “This is clearly an attempt to attack the democratic process. Election posters and billboards from all parties should be treated with respect.” And added that “These attacks will not deter me or any other Sinn Féin activists from delivering first-class representation, protecting communities from austerity.”

Vote Sinn Féin for a brighter future for Carlow & Kilkenny
Sinn Féin candidate for the forthcoming by-election in Carlow & Kilkenny Cllr. Kathleen Funchion has stated that electing a Sinn Féin TD will be the first step in securing a brighter future for the people of the constituency.
Speaking after the government announced May 22nd as the date for the by-election, Cllr. Funchion said: “The people of Carlow & Kilkenny at last know the date of when they can use their vote to bring about a meaningful and fundamental change in how our communities are represented. This election can be a watershed in Irish politics. Our constituency can send the loudest possible message to this government that they have failed and that their ill-spent time in office is coming to a close. The voters of Carlow and Kilkenny will be presented with a clear choice when they enter the polling booths on May 22nd.
She added that, “Voting for Sinn Féin means that you are rejecting the type of political representation that has brought about a housing crisis of frightening proportions, overcrowded hospitals, mass emigration & unemployment and a marginalised rural community. This is what Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and the Labour Party have brought about between them.
Cllr. Funchion also said that electing yet another TD from one of the establishment parties will not make a blind bit of difference to the lives of ordinary people. She said: “Electing another TD from the establishment parties will not make a blind bit of difference to lives of ordinary people here. They will go to the Dáil and they will be happy to get lost in the crowd. Either with their active support or through their indifference, they will rubber-stamp the type of decisions that have left families struggling to get by. We need a new era in Irish politics – an era in which the interests of ordinary people, not self-serving politicians, are put at the centre of the political process.
She concluded by saying that “Electing a Sinn Féin TD will be the first step in winning a brighter future for Carlow & Kilkenny.”

Kearney welcomes MEPs to Belfast
On 21st April, Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney welcomed a group of MEPs from the GUE/NGL group in the European Parliament to Ireland for a two-day fact-finding mission. The South Antrim Westminster candidate said;
“This delegation of MEPs from the European United Left/Nordic Green Left parliamentary group in the European Parliament will be in Ireland this week at Sinn Féin’s invitation to conduct an assessment of the political situation since the Stormont House Agreement It follows on from my visit to the European Parliament in January when I met with representatives of various groupings to discuss the political process. It is a very significant initiative to have this delegation here and it includes, Stelios Kouloglou, a representative of Syriza, the new Greek government party. The visit came about after the European Parliament unanimously supported a motion in November urging support for the Irish peace process.”
See video of the visit here.

Tánaiste has no choice but to call for an inquiry into Siteserv deal
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has described the conflicting claims by Alan Dukes and Michael Noonan over the Siteserv scandal as another reason why the government must hold a public inquiry.
Mr Adams said: “The Tánaiste should come into the Dáil this morning and announce a public inquiry. Siteserv is not the only deal which saw a write down of debt by IBRC. It is a matter of public record that as the debt was being written down in Siteserv, more than €64 million was written off in Blue Ocean Associates before it was bought by a consortium also involving Denis O’Brien. There was also an almost fifty per cent write down of €300 million debts in the purchase of Topaz.”
He continued, “Pearse Doherty raised all of these queries with Minister Noonan in 2012, and over the following two years. When he asked how much IBRC had written off in debt forgiveness, he was consistently told that the overall total was commercially sensitive. This is only the tip of the iceberg. The government has no choice. The Tánaiste should announce a public inquiry today.”

Gerry Adams comments on news of a visit by Britain’s Prince Charles
Responding to news on Tuesday that Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are to visit Ireland next month Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said; “The visit by the British Queen to the Garden of Remembrance, her words of reconciliation and the subsequent meetings with Martin McGuinness demonstrated the potential of these events. I am conscious that Prince Charles is the symbolic head of the British Army’s Parachute Regiment and the grievous wrong they have done including to the people of Derry and Ballymurphy where I grew up. However I am also conscious that the British Royal family have also been directly affected by the actions of republicans. I hope this visit will be an occasion to promote reconciliation, respect and understanding.”

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.

Sinn Fein
The Week in Review
9-16 April 2014

Westminster Election Round-up

Sinn Fein committed to fair economy for all
On 15 April Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness spoke at the launch of the party’s candidates for the 7 May Westminster election. He said Sinn Féin was opposed to austerity and ‘committed to delivering a fair economy for all’.
He said that since coming to power, the Tory-led British Government had ‘reduced the Executive’s budget in real terms by £1.5 billion’ and that ‘vicious cuts to public services have been accompanied by a Thatcherite assault on the welfare state, on people with disabilities, the long-term sick and large families’.
He said the main British parties were ‘committed to further eye-watering cuts in public spending’, and argued ‘a new way is required to grow the economy, to create jobs and to deliver quality public services.’
Sinn Féin remained ‘opposed to austerity, returning economic power back into the hands of citizens and building a fair recovery’ he said, and pledged ‘following this election Sinn Féin will be seeking an immediate negotiation with the incoming British Government to; secure a viable budget to deliver public services; control economic powers to promote growth, jobs and prosperity; and protect those most in need’.
He urged any incoming British Government to ‘get the message that we will resist austerity and cuts to our public services, our economy and our citizens’.
He concluded: ‘a new budget is required to deliver public services and we need the fiscal powers necessary to determine our own economic policy, to stabilise the political institutions and build on the progress of the peace process.’
Sinn Fein’s election broadcast can be viewed here.

Voters have choice between austerity or equality
On 12 April Sinn Féin Chairperson Declan Kearney, and election candidate, said voters had ‘a choice between austerity and equality’ in the coming Westminster general election.
He said the election ‘presents voters with a choice between the continuation of failed austerity policies or the progressive politics of Sinn Féin.’ He said that Tory plans for an additional £30 billion in cutbacks, £12 billion of would come from welfare, would be ‘catastrophic’ and that Labour was ‘already… compromised by an acceptance of austerity.’
He said Sinn Féin pledged an ‘unambiguous commitment to equality’ which ‘sets Sinn Féin apart from every other party contesting this election in the North’. All of the unionist parties, including Alliance, ‘have accepted austerity’ he said. He argued: ‘Ideologically, the DUP and UUP have already bought into the austerity agenda. Their wider electoral pact is a negative, sectarian, and pro-austerity alliance now supported by Cameron’s Tory party. It offers nothing to the unionist working poor, jobless, and most deprived; or indeed any section of northern society.’
He said the alternative to the unionist/Tory ‘race to the bottom’ was ‘the type of vision, leadership, and strategy which rejects austerity, supports equality, and is committed to building the alliances across society to bring that about.’ He concluded ‘that should be the focus of all genuinely progressive parties and organisations in the coming weeks.’

Tories must explain alliance with unionism
Sinn Féin MLA Martin McGuinness has said the British Tory party must explain why they have joined with unionists in an anti-Sinn Féin electoral arrangement.
Mr McGuinness said that while the British Tories should explain why they were standing in all constituencies in the north, with the exception of North Belfast and Fermanagh/South Tyrone, where an anti-Sinn Fein unionist pact is in place.
He said this was ‘a clear attempt to prevent the election of two strong and articulate Sinn Féin MPs for these constituencies’. He said this called ‘relationship between unionism and the British Tories calls further into question any claim to even-handedness by the current British government’ and ‘raises serious questions about their ability to perform their role as guarantors of the Good Friday and subsequent agreements.’
He added ‘Clearly the Tories regard Sinn Féin as the only effective opposition to their attacks on public services and the most vulnerable in society. That is why they have joined with the DUP, the UUP, rejectionist unionists and loyalists in this anti-progressive alliance.’
He concluded: ‘I am confident the people of North Belfast and Fermanagh South Tyrone will reject this right-wing electoral alliance of unionists, loyalists and the British Tories.’

Unionists cannot represent all with no women candidates
On 10 April Sinn Féin candidate for Fermanagh South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew said the DUP’s failure to field any women candidates in the forthcoming elections was ‘another sign of a party stuck in the past.’ Ms Gildernew condemned ‘the complete absence of women candidates in the forthcoming elections for several unionist parties’ as ‘an absolute disgrace’.
She added ‘this 2015 and the failure of unionist parties including the DUP to field women candidates is astounding? Only in March of this year a report titled “Women in Politics” was unanimously endorsed on the floor of the Assembly. The DUP’s Stephen Moutray said in that debate: “The Assembly, political parties and the Executive cannot truly deliver for all their citizens if half the population remains underrepresented in the political arena”‘.
She said it was ‘clear from the DUP’s electoral intentions that they were only paying lip service to such an ideal’.

Sinn Fein Twitter official election hash flag #sinnfein
Sinn Féin’s Catherine Seeley this week welcomed the provision of a ‘hashflag’ by Twitter.
The Upper Bann candidate said that Sinn Féin has the largest Twitter profile of any political party on the island of Ireland with more than 33,000 followers. However, she added ‘despite this, Twitter had not created a hash flag for election posts and updates relating to Sinn Féin, even though they had done so for other political parties’.
After online criticism, Twitter have now provided SF with a general election ‘hashflag’. All the latest campaign news can be found at #SinnFein, Ms Seeley concluded

Northern and diaspora vote proposals fall short
On 13 April Sinn Féin Mid Ulster candidate Francie Molloy welcomed a proposal to give people in the north a vote in the Seanad but said it does not go far enough.
Mr Molloy said The report of the Seanad Reform Working Group which recommends that voters in the North should be allowed to vote in Seanad elections was welcome. but, he added ‘it does not go far enough in terms of ensuring wide-ranging democratic representation.’
Sinn Féin had ‘consistently argued that the right to vote in Seanad and Presidential elections should be extended to people living in the North and to the Irish diaspora.’ He added ‘We have called for this at local councils, in the Oireachtas and at the Constitutional Convention’.
He concluded ‘This is not just about northern nationalists and republicans; unionists and others who wish to vote in these elections should also have the opportunity to do so.’
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin Spokesperson for the Diaspora Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, echoed the sentiments and said that Enda Kenny’s proposal were ‘only a very small step to proper and full democratic representation.’
He said the any Representation for the diaspora in the Seanad ‘must be part of a major overhaul of that institution, which gets rid of the elitist nature of it and allows for all Irish citizens to have a say in electing its representatives’.
He added ‘Many Irish emigrants feel disenfranchised, frustrated and angry that they can’t vote in the upcoming referendums, local and general elections. They want their voice to be heard and respected and they want to be represented properly in the institutions of government here.
He concluded ‘The government have had four years to do something about these issues and I have no faith in them delivering any of the changes they promise before they have to go to the polls themselves again. Sinn Féin in government will deliver real reform in the area of voting rights for the diaspora and ensure that they are properly represented in our parliament and not just in a tokenistic fashion.’

Sinn Fein launch ‘Yes’ vote campaign
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD, last week spoke at the launch of the party’s Referendum campaign, has urged voters to ‘give a resounding Yes to both referendum issues’.
The referenda in 5 weeks time are to reduce the eligibility age for a candidate for the Presidential elections, and a second on marriage equality.
On the Marriage Equality Referendum, Mr Adams said it was about the right of everyone ‘to live their lives as full and contributing citizens and to share in the love of a family of their own.’ He appealed for ‘everyone to join the campaign for a Yes Vote’, concluding ‘Let’s get the biggest vote possible and ensure that on May 22nd both referendums are passed.’

Sinn Féin won’t push people with disabilities into poverty
On 10 April Sinn Féin’s Conor Murphy said his party remained ‘committed to the implementation of protections for the most vulnerable people in society.’
Conor Murphy said Sinn Féin was ‘absolutely and consistently clear in our resistance to Tory cuts, particularly those which are targeted at the most vulnerable’ which remained ‘a red-line issue for Sinn Fein’.
He added ‘Other parties might be prepared to join with the Tories in implementing this Thatcherite attack on the most vulnerable as part of a self-serving, post-election deal with a Tory party committed to further austerity, further cuts and further erosion of our core public services. That is for them to explain. For our part and despite the enormous difficulties, Sinn Féin has sought to find a way forward over recent weeks.’
He concluded ‘We have had our full negotiating team available to do so. Any delay in reaching a resolution does not lie with Sinn Féin.’

McGuinness demands zero tolerance on racism
Sinn Fein MLA Martin McGuinness has called for a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to racism and hate crimes.
The Mid-Ulster MLA was speaking in the wake of a number of racist hate crimes in north Belfast and after it emerged that a Jamaican woman forced from her home in Country Antrim last year is now homeless.
Mr McGuinness said it was ‘an appalling situation that Kerry Ann Brown is now living in a hostel with her children after being forced out of her Newtownabbey home by repeated racist attacks. I intend to meet with her to assure her of my support and to offer whatever assistance I can to help her find suitable accommodation.’
He also strongly condemned ‘the racists and bigots who forced this family out of their home and those who this week attacked other families in Belfast’ but added ‘it isn’t enough for us to simply condemn such attacks. There needs to be a zero tolerance approach to the scourge or racism, sectarianism and all firms of bigotry and hate crime.’
He said ‘That means a zero tolerance approach, not just from the PSNI and the courts but also from our communities. Critically, we must hear unambiguous opposition to racism, sectarianism and homophobia from political leaders, particularly those who have influence in the areas where these crimes are occurring and where there is a level of orchestration.’
He concluded ‘Our entire society needs to demonstrate that we are not prepared to tolerate hate crime of any form. It is a scourge within our society and there is a responsibility on all of us to ensure it is eradicated.’

Sinn Fein welcome US-Cuba moves and calls for an end to the blockade
On 10 April Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams TD welcomed the latest moves by the Obama administration to restore diplomatic ties with Cuba.
Mr Adams’ remarks follow the US decision to remove Cuba from the list of ‘state sponsors of terrorism’.
Gerry Adams said: ‘I welcome yesterday’s meeting between US Secretary of State John Kerry and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in Panama and the fact that the US is to remove Cuba from a list of ‘state sponsors of terrorism’.
He said the developments ‘are further evidence of what can be achieved through dialogue and mutual trust. Like many people across the world I would hope the new and more positive relationship between both countries can lead to the removal of the blockade of Cuba.’

London & Liverpool 1916 Centenary Commemoration Committees
With the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising only a year away; Commemoration Committees have been established by the Irish Diaspora communities in London and Liverpool.
For people based in London, the ‘London Easter 1916 Centenary Committee‘ can be reached through their facebook account. The London Committee’s next event will be an ‘Irish Political, Historical and Social’ walking tour through central London on 4th May – further details for this can be found here.
This event will be followed, on the 16th May, by a Benefit Social for the London Committee, with the Tyrone Rebel Band ‘The Spirit Of Freedom’ in ‘Mannions’, Broad Lane, London – details for this event can be found here.
The ‘Liverpool Easter 1916 Commemoration Committee‘ can be reached through their facebook or twitter account. They currently hold monthly Committee Meetings in St Michael’s Irish Centre, Liverpool.

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.

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.

Sinn Fein
The Week in Review
27 March – 2 April 2015

A vote for Sinn Fein is a vote against Tory Austerity
Sinn Féin MLA Martin McGuinness has said this week, as the Westminster election campaign began, that ‘a vote for Sinn Féin is a vote against Tory austerity’.
Speaking at the launch of party colleague Gearóid Ó hEára’s Westminster election campaign in Derry, Mr McGuinness said the 7 May election was ‘an opportunity to take a stand against the Westminster politics of austerity and the Tory-led assault on the welfare state and public services.’
He said the past four years had seen the Tories ‘pursuing a vicious campaign of cuts and austerity, which has been targeted at the most vulnerable in society, children with disabilities, adults with severe disabilities, the long-term sick and large families.’
He said the Conservatives were ‘absolutely and ideologically committed to the destruction of key public services, particularly health, education, welfare and social housing’. He said Sinn Fein ha ‘stood against the Tory assault on public services and the welfare state’ but warned, The Tories have made it clear they intend to redouble their attack on the most vulnerable and on public services if they are returned to power at Westminster.’
A vote for Sinn Féin ‘is a vote to oppose that agenda’, Mr McGuinness pledged.
He said the reaction from unionism had been ‘the negative DUP and UUP election pact in response to our progressive politics and our commitment to the people’ and said the DUP and the UUP were ‘pro-austerity parties, which have much in common with the Tory cabinet of millionaires.’
He concluded: ‘While we are protecting the vulnerable, standing up for hospitals, schools and frontline services, the unionist alliance is more interested in blocking equality legislation, erecting flags and forcing marches through nationalist communities in North Belfast. Sinn Féin’s policies are about putting our people first.’

Sinn Fein launch People’s Pact
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams launched the party’s People’s Pact, saying that progressive policies were the alternative to austerity.
Speaking at the launch at Belfast Castle today Mr Adams said Sinn Féin was ‘totally and absolutely opposed to austerity north and South’.
You can watch the launch, with Gerry Adams, party election candidate Michelle Gildernew and others, here.

Sinn Fein back Dunnes Stores workers strike
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD, and Lynn Boylan MEP this morning joined Dunnes Stores workers on the picket line at the St. Stephen’s Green store.
Speaking to workers Gerry Adams expressed Sinn Féin’s ‘solidarity and absolute and unambiguous support for the thousands of Dunnes Stores workers who are taking industrial action today as part of their campaign for decent working conditions, wages and standard of living for them and their families.’
Gerry Adams said in his letter to the Directors of Dunnes Stores He had ‘made very clear Sinn Fein’s support for the Decency for Dunnes Workers Campaign’ and ‘expressed our total support for their right to secure hours and incomes; secure jobs; fair pay; and the right to trade union representation.’
He added, ‘The Decency for Dunnes Workers is calling for the introduction of banded hour contracts to give workers security of hours and earning; fair and consistent work; and a review of Dunnes excessive use of temporary contracts of employment.’
The workers and Mandate Trade Union had tried to resolve this dispute directly with Dunnes Management, Mr Adams said, and had ‘sought to use the State’s mechanisms for resolving industrial disputes such as the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court.’ However, ‘Dunnes has rejected all attempts at mediation and negotiation and have broken an existing 1996 agreement procedure for resolving industrial disputes.’
He concluded: ‘The Dunnes Workers are taking a stand in defence of their own rights but also in support of low-paid workers, part time and casual workers across this state who are victim of exploitation. Sinn Féin supports the Dunnes Workers.’

Biggest obstacle to implementing Stormont Agreement is Tory cuts
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said last week that the biggest challenge to the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement came from the British government’s plans for further massive cuts to public services and welfare.
The North Belfast MLA, and North Belfast Westminster candidate, was speaking after he and Party negotiator Conor Murphy met representatives of the British and Irish governments and the other Executive parties.
Gerry Kelly said themeeting reviewed the progress to date of the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement. He said that progress had been made ‘across a range of issues including work to bring forward mechanisms to deal with the legacy of the past’,
Sinn Féin was also ‘continuing to work constructively on schemes to implement welfare protections for children with disabilities, adults with severe disabilities, the long-term sick and large families.’
However he said the British government’s plans to make further massive cuts to public services and to reduce welfare spending by £12bn were a major problem.
He concluded, Sinn Fein had ‘made it clear that the Tory assault on the block grant and the welfare state contributed to the current difficulties in the political process’ and that ‘the further massive cuts announced recently by the British Chancellor George Osborne are unacceptable and would undermine the ability of local parties to implement the agreement.’

Government cannot deny ‘true nature of 1916’
As Sinn Fein activists prepared to mark the anniversary of 1916, with Easter events across Ireland, Sinn Fein TD, and chair of the party’s 1916 centenary committee, Aengus Ó Snodaigh called upon the Dublin government ‘not to try and airbrush the militant nature of the 1916 Rising from history’.
His comments came as evidence emerged that the government chose not to include references to the executed leaders of the Rising, and later Volunteers, in their original launch video, which was widely derided as lacking historical content.
Deputy Ó Snodaigh said the Dublin Government had been ‘under serious pressure, and rightly so, since the debacle of the launch of its commemorative video last November’ which had been ‘widely derided’.
He said: ‘We cannot shy away from the militant nature of the Rising; these were small groups of men and women across the country fighting back against the might of an empire. We cannot sanitise this fact for the sake of sensitivities. The original minds behind the infamous ‘Ireland 2016’ thought the actual Rising was of little importance to commemorations. Since November, there has been a marked improvement in the government’s approach and attitude. I believe that Irish people should be rightly proud of the courage of the men and women who in 1916 took on the British Empire to assert Ireland’s nationhood and independence.’
He also reiterated Sinn Féin’s welcome of the decision by the government to buy the Moore Street Monument, saying he hoped this would be ‘the first step in a process that will see the whole terrace preserved and developed into a 1916 Revolutionary Quarter.’
Elsewhere, in Liverpool Sinn Fein representative Sean Oliver attended events to mark the Easter 1916 rising in the city. In addition, a number of events are planned next year to mark the Centenary. In London a commemorative committee has been established to hold a series of events in the capital, in the run up to and around the centenary in 2016. This year, an Irish historical and social commemorative walking tour around central London is taking place on Easter Monday 6 April, meeting at 12 noon at the Great Northern hotel, between Kings Cross and St. Pancras stations. Organisers advise bringing comfortable walking shoes for the 2 hour tour. A fundraising music event is planned later in May in a north London – details to be announced.

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.