Tag: Sinn Fein

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 24 October 2022.

Speaking in Belfast today Sinn Fein Uachtarán Mary Lou McDonald said that the public want an Executive, to make people’s lives better, to do our best during this cost of living crisis, to help fix the health service, to build a better future for all our people and for our future generations.

Mary Lou McDonald said:

“Dia daoibh agus fáilte romhaibh uilig inniu.

Thank you for coming along this afternoon.

In May of this year, people voted for change.

People voted to make politics work.

Sinn Féin received a mandate to go into the Executive and share power with others, and for Michelle O’Neill to be First Minister.

Since day one after the last election, Sinn Féin has been ready to form an Executive.

At a time when workers and families and businesses are suffering from the incredible pressures of the cost of living crisis, when our health service needs fixed and waiting lists tackled, the DUP’s refusal to go into an Executive, their refusal to share power with the other parties, amounts to gross political negligence.

Tá an DUP ag gearradh pionóis ar an phobal.

The DUP is punishing the public.

Inertia, inaction, and do-nothing politics is not acceptable.

The DUP claim to be committed Devolutionists, yet all they have done is left us at the mercy of the dysfunction at Westminster and the chaotic Tory party.

The only people who will prioritise the people, businesses and public services here, are locally elected and accountable politicians who unlike the Tories, have a mandate.

The British Secretary of State has been insistent that come Thursday at one minute past midnight should no First Minister and Deputy First Minister be appointed by an Assembly that he will call another election, which is required of him as the law stands.

However, here with me today is the First Minister elect, Michelle O’Neill who stands ready to join the DUP, UUP and Alliance to form a Government today.

Today!

Ba mhaith leis an bpobal sin agus tá sé tuillte acu.

MLAs must get to work and do the job they are elected to do.

The Protocol can work better. That is the stated position of the EU, the current British Government, the US administration, the Irish Government and the rest of us support that end, sooner rather than later through a negotiated settlement.

Continuing to block the formation of an Executive, and preventing an Executive doing its best to help people through this extremely difficult time, is unacceptable.

This boycott must end.

Tá mé ag rá leis an DUP inniu, obair linne, obair le chéile, i rialtas, chun saol an phobail a bhisiú, chun ár ndícheall a dhéanamh plé leis an ngéarchéim chostas maireachtála, chun an seirbhís sláinte a cheartú agus chun todhchaí níos fearr a tógáil do gach duine.

So I am saying to the DUP today, Join with us, work with us – together – in an Executive, to make peoples lives better, to do our best during this cost of living crisis, to help fix the health service, to build a better future for all our people and for our future generations.

This is what the public want and this is what the public deserve.

This is a test of power-sharing.

The alternative is not Direct Rule from London, but a Joint partnership approach from London and Dublin. And in both scenarios Sinn Féin will be central.

We do not want fractured relationships, we want partnership, co-operation and to make politics work in the interests of all the people, and Michelle O’Neill to be a First Minister for All working with partners in Government.

Next April marks 25 years of the Good Friday Agreement.

The huge potential this offers to platform the North and the Executive in order to attract further economic investment, good jobs and opportunities must not be missed.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 23 October 2022.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has said the British government must end the reckless threats, stop fuelling instability and work with the EU to find solutions.

Responding to comments by British government Minister Steve Baker on the media this morning, the North Belfast MP said:

“Comments by Steve Baker this morning are a reiteration of the reckless Tory threats that have fuelled instability and caused damage on the international stage.

“Whoever leads the incoming British government must make the restoration of the Assembly and Executive an immediate priority and end the cycle of pandering to the DUP.

“People are struggling with huge energy bills and patients are suffering on chronic hospital waiting lists. They need an Executive formed now to help them.

“The outcome of May’s Assembly election must be respected. People voted for real change and an Executive that will work together in their best interests, not a government on the DUP’s terms only.

“Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive today that will put money in people’s pockets to deal with the cost-of-living crisis and start to fix the health service.

“The new British government must ensure that the Protocol continues to create jobs and investment by protecting our businesses from the damage of Brexit.

“And they must end the reckless threats and continue to work constructively with the EU to find solutions for our businesses who need certainty not instability.“

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.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 19 October 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has condemned threats to actor James Nesbitt in Portrush.

The East Derry MLA said:

“The appearance of threatening and sectarian graffiti directed at James Nesbitt in Portrush is disgusting.

“These threats are an attack on the right to freedom of expression. They come only weeks after James Nesbitt addressed thousands of people in Dublin from right across the political spectrum to discuss the future of the island of Ireland.

“This is clearly a sinister effort to silence debate and intimidate people from joining the discussion.

“There is no place in society for the threats and hatred directed at James Nesbitt.

“Political leaders should stand shoulder to shoulder in opposition to these threats.

“Those responsible for this hate crime should be held to account.

“Anyone with information on those responsible should bring it forward to the PSNI.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 19 October 2022.

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has called on the DUP economy minister to clarify when the £400 energy support payments will be made to households here.

The party’s economy spokesperson said:

“The DUP has claimed on numerous occasions that the £400 energy support payment will be made to households here in November and even advertised details of the scheme on social media.

“However, it is clear from the DUP economy minister’s response when questioned about this by MLAs, that there is still a glaring lack of information on when people will be paid.

“The DUP economy minister needs to clarify when and how the payments will be made to give certainty to workers and families who are struggling with their bills.

“Households in Britain have already started receiving this support, and it’s totally unacceptable that because of the DUP’s refusal to form an Executive, people here are having to wait longer for support.

“The DUP needs to end its boycott of government and work with other parties who want to support workers, families and businesses through this cost-of-living crisis.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 19 October 2022.

First Minister designate, Michelle O’Neill MLA held a virtual meeting with First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford MS today to discuss their shared priorities in protecting people, businesses and public services.

Speaking afterwards, Michelle O’Neill said:

“I welcome the opportunity to engage with the First Minister of Wales, and to discuss our shared priorities in protecting people, businesses and public services. Each of the devolved administrations face challenges as a result of this chaotic Conservative Government in London who are doing huge damage daily, which is impacting us all.

“I briefed First Minister Drakeford on the present realities where six months after the historic election, power-sharing has not been restored because the DUP refuse to respect the outcome.

“We also discussed the fact that caretaker Ministers will vacate Departments in only ten days time with nobody at the helm, and I made it clear that I am ready to form and lead an Executive today to support workers, families and businesses through the cost-of-living crisis.”

The press release issued by Sinn Fein on 14 October 2022.

Sinn Féin’s leader in the Seanad, Seanadóir Niall Ó Donnghaile, has commended participants at today’s Seanad Public Consultation Committee on the Constitutional Future of the Island of Ireland session for their respectful and diverse discussions.

The committee heard from members of the unionist community and those who do not identify as either unionist or nationalist in the north, about their views on the future of Ireland.

Speaking today, Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said:

“Today’s Seanad hearing was a very useful opportunity to hear a range of diverse views on the future of this island. I want to thank all those who took the time to join the discussion and share their views.

“It is clear that there is appetite for respectful and inclusive dialogue on this issue, including among the unionist community, non-nationalists and those who identify as ‘other’. As someone who advocates for Irish Unity, I welcome the opportunity to engage with and hear from these perspectives.

“Today we heard a range of views which all shared one thing in common- a desire to ensure that everyone on this island can thrive and reach their full potential in a fair and just society.

“This was another highly valuable session of the Committee which demonstrates the strength of the Seanad’s processes in facilitating these talks. Today’s discussions should be built on in the time ahead and I look forward to these respectful conversations continuing.”