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The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 21 October 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Áine Murphy has challenged the British Chancellor on his government’s shambolic mini-Budget that hiked mortgage payments for ordinary people.

Speaking after writing to Jeremy Hunt, the Fermanagh/South Tyrone MLA said:

“I have written to the British Chancellor on the untenable situation facing thousands of workers and families as a direct consequence of the economic chaos unleashed by the Tory government.

“The disastrous actions of the Tories have had many ramifications, including soaring interest rates which has left many households facing serious financial difficulty this winter.

“Through no fault of their own, these families face the prospect of unaffordable mortgage payments while future generations face being frozen out of any prospect of owning their own home as a result.

“Given the fact that the spike in interest rates was caused directly by the British Government’s shambolic mini-budget and the economic turmoil which it provoked, I have urged Jeremy Hunt to act ensure hard-working and hard-pressed families don’t continue to suffer as a result.

“What is required now is support for workers and families and for small businesses struggling with rising costs, an increase in funding for public services, support for public sector workers and a Windfall Tax on eye-watering profits of big energy company profits so that support can be directed into the pockets of ordinary people.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 21 October 2022.

Sinn Féin First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has expressed condolences following the death of May Blood.

Michelle O’Neill said:

“I am deeply saddened to learn that May Blood passed away today, and my immediate thoughts are with her wider family circle at this time.

“May was a fearless and committed community and trade union activist, who always stood up for workers and families.

“She never gave up on campaigning for equality and to secure fair pay and conditions for people in the workplace.

“She was also a seasoned campaigner who worked hard over decades to bring communities together while championing integrated education, early years provision and supporting local business on the Greater Shankill.

“We must all remember and acknowledge May’s important and valuable contribution to building lasting peace on our island through her work in the Women’s Coalition and in the talks leading up to the Good Friday Agreement.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 21 October 2022.

Sinn Féin Councillor Ryan Carlin has welcomed progress on extending the Glider route into South Belfast following an announcement by Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd.

Councillor Ryan Carlin said:

“I am delighted that progress is being made on plans to extend the Glider route into South Belfast, along the Ormeau Road and Saintfield and onwards to Carryduff.

“Extending the Glider into South Belfast will give a significant boost to the area and give people a better connection to the city centre.

“This has received huge support in the recent public consultation, and I look forward to seeing even more progress on this major project.

“It’s crucial that residents and local businesses continue to be fully consulted and involved every step of the way throughout this process.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 21 October 2022.

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney has met with the British House of Lords Sub-Committee on the Protocol and reiterated Sinn Féin’s opposition to the NI Protocol Bill currently making its way through the Westminster parliament.

The South Antrim MLA said:

“As well as being a breach of International Law, The Protocol Bill which is progressing through Westminster is an affront to democracy. I reiterated that the majority of voters in the north voted against Brexit and to remain in the European Union.

“The undemocratic imposition of Brexit is the direct cause of the political instability impacting now on the north, and of the total chaos engulfing the British system itself.

“The political process here in the north is being undermined by the DUP whose actions are oblivious to the suffering of patients on our hospital waiting lists and families struggling with he cost of living crisis.

“I made it clear to the committee members that Sinn Féin welcomes the recommencement of talks between the British Government and the European Union. We want the British Government’s past belligerence to be replaced by good faith engagement. However any prospect of that happening depends upon the existence of a cohesive, stable British government.

“The next British prime minister needs to understand that the Protocol is widely supported throughout the north, particularly among business, farming and manufacturing who recognise the opportunities it provides to create jobs and investment.

“As inflation continues to rise, and the current crisis takes hold across our economy, the Protocol must be built upon. I emphasised there is no credible alternative to the Protocol and that it must be allowed to work properly and continue to protect our economy. I told the committee it is absolutely indefensible for this negotiated mechanism to be used as a pretence for a refusal to restore the power sharing Executive.”