Sinn Fein
The Week in Review
18 – 25 June 2014

Villiers `providing cover for unionist intransigence’
On 18 June, speaking from London, Sinn Féin MP Conor Murphy urged British secretary of state Theresa Villiers to `stop providing cover for unionism’s failure to engage in the party leaders’ talks process’.
Speaking after British secretary of state Theresa Villiers called on parties in the north to fix a date for talks, the Newry Armagh MP said that Sinn Féin had been `very clear in calling for talks and we have set aside ten days between now and 3 July to facilitate the party leaders’ talks process’.
He said Theresa Villiers was `well aware that the only blockage to talks taking place is coming from political unionism’ and added, `the DUP and UUP have both been dragging their feet on arranging dates for discussions to take place’.
He described as `disingenuous’ for the British secretary of state `to attempt to distance her government from responsibility for unionist intransigence’. Mr Murphy said that `by failing to endorse the Haass proposals on dealing with flags, parading and the past the British government is continuing to provide cover for unionist refuseniks.’

Sinn Féin must be ready for Government in South – Adams
On 21 June Sinn Féin held a major party conference in Dublin, bringing together many of its recently successful Local Government and EU candidates, from across the island, as well as the party leadership.
In a keynote address, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD set out the party’s priorities, its attitude to participation in government in the South and the current political situation in the North.
He outlined the party’s national strategic objectives and putting in place the political, electoral and organisational strategy and work plan for the next two years.
Sinn Fein’s immediate priorities include:

· Negotiations and dealing with difficulties in the political process and peace process.
· By-elections and Westminster elections.
· Preparations for a General Election and Assembly elections.
· Preparations for the centenary of 1916 with a strong focus on Irish Unity.
· Engaging with unionism in all its forms, on issues of common ground.”

On the issue of government in the 26 counties Mr. Adams said it was `time Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil stopped pretending they are different. They are not. Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are conservative soul mates. They should be in government together’.
He said `For our part Sinn Féin needs to be ready for government in this state on our terms, agree our policy priorities and political platform and our commitments need to be deliverable. We are ambitious for change and believe we can deliver on jobs, housing and health. But we will not do what the Labour Party has done — we will not enter government merely to give cover to the agenda of conservative parties. That’s the old failed political system.’
He said citizens wanted `fundamental change’ and Sinn Féin offered `a viable, do-able, political alternative’.
He said this would `not be achieved by the creation of yet another right-wing conservative party offering repackaged versions of past failed policies’ and added `despite the fervent wishes of the conservative media, this state does not need a ‘PDs Mark 2’, led by disgruntled Fine Gael TDs’.
He said `the reality is that some combination of Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil has been in government since the foundation of this state. But just as one-party Orange rule in the North is gone, the failed, two-and-a-half party system in this state is going also.’
He said that Sinn Féin was `now a major player in both states with policies and an expanding organisation, which transcends partition’ and urged `a realignment of politics’. He concluded: `Let those on the Irish left who really believe that a government without Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil is possible begin working together towards that end.’

Widespread concern over situation with DUP

Commenting on events in the north Mr Adams said there was `now widespread concern about the situation within the DUP.’ He said it was `quite clear that the DUP does not appear to have the appetite for the challenge of dealing with the outstanding issues of flags, parades and the past in any serious way.’
Sinn Féin had, he said, `demonstrated very clearly during the Haass negotiations our seriousness and determination to find a way forward’ adding `We made compromises during those talks.’
He said that `For any process aimed at resolving these issues to succeed unionist political leaders need to show a similar willingness. That has not been evident so far. Despite this, there does exist a window of opportunity to resolve the issues of flags, parades and the past.’
Gerry Adams full speech can be found here.

Sinn Féin leadership meets Taoiseach and Tánaiste
On 24 June Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD, Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness met the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Eamonn Gilmore.
The focus of their meeting, which was held at Sinn Féin’s request, was to discuss current efforts to negotiate agreement on outstanding issues arising from the Good Friday and other Agreements, including the issues of flags, parades and the past.
Gerry Adams said `Some weeks ago the Executive parties in the Assembly agreed an intensive round of talks to resolve outstanding issues, including the difficult issues of flags, parades and the past. Today, at a party leaders meeting in Belfast, it was agreed that intensive discussions would begin next week.’
He added, `despite the widespread and justifiable skepticism about these talks Sinn Féin will enter into them constructively as we always do. Key to making progress is a positive engagement by the Irish and British governments on issues which are their direct responsibility. The governments cannot with credibility deplore the lack of progress in the process unless they act to fulfil their obligations.’
He said that without that unionism would `do as little as possible’ and added that the Irish government a co-equal guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, `should act accordingly. In the first instance it needs to hold the British government to account’.
He concluded `Despite the obduracy of unionist leaders Sinn Féin believes there is an opportunity to resolve these matters and that it must be seized by the governments and all of the party leaders’.

Political leaders must do more for reconciliation
On 23 June Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said he would continue to offer positive political leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to reconciliation between the people of Ireland and Britain.
Speaking after meeting Queen Elizabeth at Hillsborough Castle, the deputy First Minister said he was `a proud Irish Republican and as such I am committed to working towards reconciliation and promoting mutual respect and tolerance among all the people of this island’.
He said he had met Queen Elizabeth that evening in his role as Deputy First Minister, `representing the entire community’. He added, `reconciliation requires bold gestures and this is the third time I have met with Queen Elizabeth as part of that continuing process’.
He said the meeting was also `about reaching out the hand of friendship to the unionist community’ and concluded: `Everyone needs to do more of this. There is an onus on all political leaders to take big steps to move the process of reconciliation forward.’

SF all-Ireland electoral gains creates new political landscape
Conor Murphy was in London on 17-18 June for a series of meetings, including a public meeting in the British House of Commons and to brief the London-based Embassies and the Foreign Press Association. He was joined by Sinn Fein councillor Rose Conway Walsh.
A packed public meeting heard Mr Murphy and Ms Conway Walsh discuss current political developments, and the impact of the previous month’s European and local government elections which `saw a significant change to the political landscape on the island of Ireland. Sinn Fein’s electoral gains seen the party emerge as the largest party on the island of Ireland’.
Sinn Fein had topped the poll in a number of areas, electing all four of its MEP candidates, tripled its number of council seats in the south becoming the dominant party in many Councils, including the Cities of Derry, Cork, Belfast and Dublin, Mr Murphy said.
Sinn Fein had, he said, `fought the elections on an alternative to austerity and cuts platform, putting the needs ordinary people first’ he said, adding `we stood clearly in support of the peace process and continued positive change. We stood for equality for all. We stood against racism, bigotry and sectarianism’.
He said the party’s `enhanced mandate’ was a response to the positive and clear message – `that a better way is possible’.
Referring to the `serious and difficult challenges ahead’, Mr Murhpy said that `making progress on the issues of flags, parades and the past will not be easy’ and that `addressing all of the outstanding issues of the Good Friday and subsequent agreements will be crucial’.
He urged the British government to `positively engage with the Parties to re-instil momentum in the peace process. Its disengagement in recent times has been detrimental to the efforts to create a society built on equality and inclusivity’.

MPs’ concern at Government failure over Ballymurphy massacre
On 25 June, speaking from Westminster, Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey welcomed the tabling of an Early Day Motion, by British Labour MP John McDonnell, which raises concern over the British Government’s decision not to establish a review panel to assess the evidence relating to the massacre in Ballymurphy in 1971.
The full text of the EDM, number 82, signed by 17 cross-party MPs states: `That this House is deeply concerned by the Government’s decision not to establish a review panel to assess the evidence relating to the massacre in Ballymurphy, Belfast in August 1971; is dismayed that the families of the victims continue to be denied justice; is further concerned that the decision runs contrary to the spirit of the peace and reconciliation process in Ireland; and calls on the Government to issue a statement of innocence, to issue an apology to the families and to deliver an independent international investigation, modelled on the Hillsborough Independent Panel, examining the circumstances surrounding these deaths.’
Mr Maskey reiterated his full support for the families’ in their campaign for truth and justice and urged those in Britain to encourage their MPs to sign the motion. Mr Maskey met Mr McDonnell during his visit and campaigners in Britain who were supporting the families’ campaign.

Call to public to shape new Racial Equality Strategy
On 19 June Martin McGuinness the consultation on a Racial Equality Strategy was launched today by Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson.
Martin McGuinness said `I unreservedly condemn the recent race hate crimes and all forms of intimidation.’ He said the Executive was `determined to promote equality, mutual respect and tolerance for all people in society’.
He added `we must develop a society where racial equality and diversity is supported, understood and respected. Social, cultural and religious diversity should help build bonds between people not create conflict.’ He said the Executive was `determined to tackle racial inequality head on, however, we can’t do this alone’.
He said that the consultation document sought `to gather a wide range of views from anyone with an interest in racial equality’, adding `consultations like this are so important because they provide an opportunity for all of us to share our knowledge and experience in a way in which we can make a difference in people’s lives.’
He concluded `If we are to combat racism and racial inequalities we need the support and participation of all sections of society and I urge you to make your voice heard.’

Racism `cannot be fostered or accommodated’
Meanwhile on 18 June, Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey called on the First Minister Peter Robinson to clarify remarks he made after a Nigerian man was intimidated from moving into a house in East Belfast.
Speaking today Mr Maskey said `We, as political leaders need to be unequivocal about racism. It is wrong, it is dangerous and cannot be fostered or accommodated’.
He said it was `now unfortunate that Peter Robinson, by stating he wasn’t sure if the protestors outside the home allocated to Michael Abiona had racist intentions, has in my view muddied the waters.’
`Stating the same protest would have occurred if someone moved in from ‘up country’ is incredulous. Does Peter Robinson know of any ‘up country’ people who have been allocated more points on a housing waiting list who have had protests outside their homes? I am quite sure the answer is no.’
He concluded: `Those within political unionism who call for local homes for local people, justify posters targeting overseas workers or fail to condemn racist actions or comments outright are clearly not being unequivocal against racism.’
Elsewhere Sinn Féin Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile called on the Ulster Unionist Party to clarify its stance on racist intimidation in relation to the same incident. He said the Ulster Unionist Party `recently distributed a leaflet in support of one of its election candidates, which included the slogan ‘Supporting local homes for local people’.
He said `This same slogan is being used by racists in east Belfast who have now forced Michael Abiona, a Nigerian charity worker, from his home.’
He added `The Ulster Unionist Party needs to clarify where it stands on this disgraceful and shameful intimidation. The use of such inflammatory slogans only serves to fuel racial hatred and create an atmosphere of fear.’
He said Sinn Féin `will be arranging a meeting with the PSNI to discuss this matter and wider issues around intimidation of foreign nationals and ethnic minorities’ and added `This is not an isolated incident. We are also aware of other cases of intimidation where people have been forced out of their homes in other parts of East Belfast in the course of recent days.’

Adams shocked and saddened at death of Gerry Conlon
On 21 June Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams expressed his `shock and deep sadness’ at news of the death of Gerry Conlon.
Gerry Adams said `Gerry Conlon and his father Giuseppe were two of the most infamous examples of miscarriages of justice by the British political and judicial system. Their story was told graphically in the film ‘In the name of the father’.
He said `To his family and friends I want to extend my sincere condolences.’

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

Sinn Fein
The Week in Review
05 – 12 June 2014

Opportunity to make progress in new talks must be seized
Speaking on 9 June, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD said the opportunity to deal with the issues of flags, parades and the past `must be seized by party leaders in the North’.
Gerry Adams was speaking after he and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness met with An Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
Gerry Adams said the meeting was `a useful engagement’ and `a working meeting [which] focused on the enormous challenges and difficulties facing the political process at this time’. He added, `No one should underestimate these challenges’.
Sinn Féin, Mr Adams said, believed there was `now an opportunity to resolve these matters and that it must be seized by the party leaders’.
He said `we have agreed to meet separately with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the British Prime Minister David Cameron as soon as that can be arranged’. He added that the party leaders in the Executive `have agreed an intensive round of talks and Sinn Féin will enter into those talks positively and in the same spirit that we did the Haass talks’.
Sinn Fein remained `totally committed to finding a way forward’. Mr Adams said, concluding `It’s vital the Irish and British governments are more engaged in the political process and that all the political parties put their shoulder to the wheel to make progress.’

Sinn Fein MP’s message in Westminster: `re-engage fully with the peace process’
On 11 June, Sinn Fein MP Francie Molloy, was in London for a series of meetings in Westminster, including Labour shadow Secretary of State, Ivan Lewis. He once again pressed the British government and all of the parties to `re-engage fully and positively to address outstanding issues in the Peace and Political process’.
Mr Molloy briefed MPs across the political spectrum on recent developments including the change in the political landscape following the recent European and local government elections, which saw Sinn Féin emerge as the largest party in Ireland.
Mr Molloy said the upcoming talks announced for later this month provided `a crucial window of opportunity to make progress on the serious issues of dealing with the past, flags and contentious parades’, adding `all of the outstanding issues arising from the Good Friday and subsequent agreements must also be addressed’.
He said that Sinn Fein believed that there was `an opportunity to make progress if all of the parties and the two governments fully engage in a spirit of positivity’.
On the recent elections and the wider economic challenges, including welfare reform, Mr Molloy said Sinn Fein believed `a change of direction is needed’. He added `those in government in London need to understand that their austerity and welfare cuts agenda is plunging more and more people into poverty’. Sinn Fein would be `using our enhanced electoral mandate to continue to fight to defend living standards for all of the people in the north, and across Ireland’ he added.
He concluded: `As the largest party on the island of Ireland, we will be bringing a strong and positive message to the British government and MPs that this short window of opportunity to resolve these crucial issues must not be squandered.’

* Sinn Fein MP Conor Murphy and newly re-elected Councillor Rose Conway Walsh will both address a Sinn Fein Public Meeting `Next steps after the elections’ next Tuesday 17 June, 7pm, Grimond Room, Portcullis House, SW1A OAA. All welcome. Entrance via public entrance on Victoria Embankment (Westminster tube – allow 20 mins to pass through House security). RSVP: fisherj@parliament.uk.

Recent elections mark `realignment of Irish politics’
Writing in the Belfast Telegraph on 12 June, Sinn Féin Chairperson Declan Kearney said that the recent election results across Ireland was unprecedented and represents a realignment of Irish politics.
Declan Kearney also pointed to a recent opinion poll in the Sunday Independent on June 8, which suggested Sinn Féin support had since increased to 26%, and `with 25% of the southern electorate considering the party’s economic policies to be the most credible, higher than all the other parties’.
He said that `at the heart of Sinn Fein’s analysis of, and strategy for addressing the economic and financial crisis is the position that stimulus measures, not austerity are needed to reduce the deficit, and achieve economic growth and recovery.’ This economic perspective was for `balanced economic development, instead of primacy for unregulated market forces, which only promote the interests of economic elites’.
He said Sinn Féin’s message `of economic recovery and opposing austerity, supporting equality, national democracy and defence of the Peace Process’ had `struck a chord with citizens throughout Ireland’.
He added that following the 2011 Presidential election, the Sinn Féin leadership set a goal `to build towards half a million votes by 2016’. The recent election saw Sinn Fein poll 483,000 votes, making Sinn Fein the largest party in Ireland.
He concluded that `the challenge now is to continue realigning Irish politics through strong Sinn Féin representation in Europe and Ireland; developing an economic model which guarantees recovery, promotes business and investment, and protects workers’ rights; maximises political and fiscal sovereignty north and south; and, successfully persuades all sections of society to support the creation of a multi-cultural, agreed and united Ireland’.
The article can be found in full here.

Sinn Fein condemn `appalling’ racist attack
On 10 June 2014 Sinn Fein West Belfast MP Paul Maskey condemned as `appalling’ a racist attack on a man in west Belfast. Paul Maskey said that the victim was making his way to work when a group of around 10 people started to make racist comments and then beat him.
Mr Maskey said `the alarm was raised by the local community who went to his aid and the man was later taken to hospital by councillor Steven Corr who, along with members of the community, assisted police with their investigation.’ He added that he was `glad that since then two men have been arrested.’
He said both he and the local community were `absolutely shocked and disgusted that this has happened, where a man has been beaten and victimised for nothing more than the colour of his skin.’
Mr Maskey said that Belfast had hosted two weekend anti-racism events, which Sinn Fein had fully supported. He added `On behalf of the community, I would like to make it clear that racism will not be tolerated in west Belfast.’

Sinn Fein demand government inquiry into mother and baby homes
Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald has urged the government to accept Sinn Fein’s private members’ motion this week and to move swiftly to establish a judicial inquiry into mother and baby homes in Ireland. The move followed outrage at the shocking discovery of mass unmarked children’s graves in Tuam, County Galway.
Speaking last week Deputy McDonald said the government needed to `act swiftly and decisively on this issue. The people are outraged by this latest shameful episode’.
She added `We need to get to the truth of the matter and the Taoiseach should announce today that his government will accept Sinn Féin’s Dáil motion and move swiftly to establish a judicial inquiry. They should not have to be dragged kicking and screaming to that position.’
The full text of Sinn Fein’s motion is as follows:
That Dáil Éireann;

– Acknowledges the scandal that occurred at the Bon Secours Sisters institution in Tuam, County Galway, where almost 800 children died while in the ‘care’ of a religious order, in a state regulated institution, and were placed in a mass unmarked grave over a period of five decades, from the 1920s to the 1960s;
– Notes the Government’s intention to give early consideration on the best course of action to take into investigating the deaths of these children and the appalling manner of their interment;
– Recognises that the abusive practices which occurred at the Bon Secours Sisters Mother and Baby “care” home were not unique to that one institution and were replicated in similar institutions across the State including what occurred at Bethany Home;
– Calls on the Government to immediately initiate a fully independent judicial inquiry, with terms of reference agreed by the Houses of the Oireachtas, into this latest shameful episode involving a religious orders and the failure of the State in its duty of care to its most vulnerable and defenceless citizens; the inquiry to consider the so called ‘care’ regime in place, the infant mortality rates and the burial of children in unmarked graves at all mother and baby homes the State;
– That a date is set for the establishment of this inquiry before the Dáil summer recess and all of the Report’s findings be published.

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

Sinn Fein
The Week in Review
22 – 29 May 2014

Election results:
‘A profound change in Ireland’s political landscape’
The local and European elections saw a strong rise in support for Sinn Fein, with the party increasing its mandate in the local elections, north and south, and in the European elections where Sinn Fein candidates were returned in everyone of Ireland’s electoral areas, and Sinn Fein’s Martina Anderson and Lynn Boylan topping the poll in Belfast and Dublin respectively. Matt Carthy (North West and Midlands) and Liadh Ni Riadh (South were also elected as MEPs.Sinn Fein candidates topped the poll in council elections across Ireland, seeing the largest representation and vote for Sinn Fein since 1918, and with the party emerging as the largest single party on the island.
In the European elections in the north Sinn Fein won 25.5 per cent – the largest party – and in the south, some 19.5 per cent overall, with Lynn Boylan polling 23 per cent.
In the local elections in the north Sinn Fein emerged as the largest party with 24 per cent. Sinn Fein emerged as the largest party in a number of areas across Ireland, and in the cities of Belfast, Cork, Dublin and Derry. In the local elections in the 26 counties, Sinn Fein vote rose to 15.2 per cent overall.
On 26 May, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said that voters had ‘endorsed Sinn Féin’s message that there is a fairer way’ and had rejected the ‘consensus for cuts’ represented by Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil.
Mr Adams said the result was also an endorsement for Sinn Fein’s message ‘of the need to reinvigorate the Peace Process and for an agreed, united Ireland’. He said the party had `trebled our local representation’. Sinn Fein’s newly elected MEPs ‘will stand up for Ireland’, he said, adding that Sinn Fein’s councillors ‘will fight for genuine community interests which put the needs of citizens first’.
He said that the ‘huge vote’ for Sinn Fein marked ‘a profound change in the political landscape of this state’ and that it was wrong for the Government to dismisses this as a protest vote ‘or, as the Taoiseach claims, a sign of frustration by the electorate’.
The Government had, Mr Adams said ‘been sent a very clear message’ that ‘they do not have public support for the damaging policies they are implementing’.
He concluded: ‘he voters have called time on this government. They should change political direction or call a General Election.’
Gerry Adams also thanked all those who voted for the party and all those who stood for Sinn Féin throughout the island, North and South.
He said that voters were ‘seeking a new kind of politics’. He added, ‘some combination of Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil has been in government since the foundation of the southern state. The old way of doing politics, as practiced by these parties has failed. People want change.’
He said that Sinn Féin was ‘involved in a historically unprecedented effort to build genuine republican politics in both states on this island. Building capacity and resources and membership is a big task for us and we will continue to grow.’
He appealed to people to ‘join Sinn Fein in building a citizen-centered, rights based republic on this island.’

* London Public Meeting – ‘the next steps after the election’
Sinn Fein MP Conor Murphy will be among speakers to discuss the election results and the next steps in the political process, including the need to press ahead with the peace process in the north, at a London meeting on Tuesday 17 June, 7pm, Grimond Room, Portcullis House, House of Commons. All welcome. Email fisherj@parliament.uk for further details.

‘This is a victory for ordinary people’
Sinn Féin’s newly elected MEP Liadh Ní Riada MEP has said that her election to the European Parliament is a victory for the ordinary people of Ireland.
Ms Ni Riada said Sinn Féin ‘went to people of Ireland South with the very clear message that there is a better, fairer alternative to the politics of austerity and cuts’. She said her election was ‘a victory for ordinary people who have suffered so much under the regressive policies pushed by the European Commission and implemented with such relish by successive governments here at home’.
She said Sinn Féin MEPs would ‘fight for a change of direction and to put a socially progressive agenda at the centre of the decision making process’.
The government had, she added, ‘failed to lift the toxic banking debt off the shoulders of the Irish people. This is an injustice and it must be addressed and addressed genuinely – not just kicking the debt down the road to be endured by future generations. It is not our debt and it is not the debt of our children and grandchildren.’
She said Sinn Fein would work to ‘deliver the political change so badly needed across this island.’

Change of government needed – Adams
Responding to Eamon Gilmore’s resignation as Labour Leader last week, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said that this was ‘not about personalities, it’s about policies’.
Mr Adams said the voters had ‘rejected the policies of this Government’ and ‘the brutal agenda of relentless austerity, taking medical cards from sick children, water taxes and cuts to the most vulnerable’.
He concluded: ‘What is required is a change of political direction and a change of Government.’

McGuinness calls on Robinson to show leadership in promoting equality
Joint First Minister Martin McGuinness has called on Peter Robinson to show leadership in promoting equality, tolerance and mutual respect for all.
Martin McGuinness said: ‘All of us in positions of leadership have a responsibility to represent and stand up for all the people of our society. We have a duty to promote equality, mutual respect and tolerance for all in our society based on the core principles contained in the Good Friday Agreement.’
He added ‘We must recognise and embrace the social, cultural and religious diversity of our society. I value the diversity and multicultural nature of our society the significant and valuable contribution the Muslim community makes to this society day and daily. There is a real need for all of us those in positions of responsibility to step out of our own political constituencies and religious groupings and show genuine political leadership for all.’
The comments came after an interview made by Mr Robinson for the Irish News, in which he defends Pastor O Connell, who had been widely criticised for being inflammatory in remarks he made about Muslims. The BBC report that the Pastor’s remarks are being investigated by police and Martin McGuinness had called for the remarks to be condemned in `the strongest possible terms’. Mr Robinson’s interview can be heard here on the BBC’s website.

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