Unique cross-community and cross-border project launched by Gerry Kelly

A unique project aimed at creating meaningful engagement between communities and policing was launched by North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly last week.
Communities and Policing in Transition Programme (CAPT), is a cross-community and cross-border project which will target interface and disadvantaged areas in Belfast and Derry City Council areas, as well as the Tyrone and Donegal border region.
It will develop joint action plans and strategies, agreed between communities and the police, to address the changing nature of violence and crime, including sectarian and racist hate crime.
The project was organised by Intercomm which was came as a direct response to grassroots community concerns about inter-community conflict and social deprivation in North Belfast.
"The Communities and Policing in Transition project aims to make a real difference to people’s lives in meaningful and sustainable ways,” said Gerry Kelly at the launch of the project in the Northern Assembly.
“This is a unique and innovate community-driven programme targeting rural, urban and cross border areas tackling issues such as perceptions of policing, sectarianism, racism, domestic violence and the implications of a devolved criminal justice system.
“These are not issues that can be dealt with by a short term, ad hoc approach. It requires a great deal of knowledge about the issues affecting local communities as well as leadership and buy-in from local communities.
“Progress and movement must come from within the communities themselves, through dialogue, mutual understanding and accommodation,” said the Republican representative.
“The aims of this project reflect many of the aims of the Executive and chime well with that strategic direction. We are determined that everyone in our society should have the opportunity to live in a fair and equal society, which is at ease with itself and where everyone can share and enjoy a better quality of life.”

Residents and community workers come out in support of Sinn Féin activist and community worker

North Belfast Sinn Féin activist and community worker Gerry O’Reilly received a the backing of residents and community workers from throughout North Belfast after his New Lodge home was attacked for the seventh time in the past year.
Residents, republicans and community leaders from both sides of the community came together at a vigil in support of a North Belfast interface worker just days after criminal thugs smashed windows in his New Lodge home.
Gerry works alongside Protestant community groups from across the interface and the PSNI to enhance community safety and the Sinn Féin activist has also taken a strong stance against drug use in the area.
The republican activist dubbed the latest attackers of his home as ‘criminal thugs’.
"This is a sad reflection that a small number of people are intent on attacking the homes of community workers in the area," said the former Republican POW.
"I realise I am to the fore in relation to community safety in the area but my work is about bringing a better quality of life for the people who live here.
"The people who attack homes in the dark of the night are criminal thugs. If they want to speak with me and debate with me on any issue they only have to come to me. To attack someone's home is cowardly. These people are faceless, they have no support.
"I just want to thank everyone in the community who has supported me and called to the house to let us know how they feel about it. My family and I are very grateful."
Local Sinn Féin councillor Conor Maskey spoke at the vigil in support of Gerry and his family as did New Lodge housing campaigner Liam Wiggins and Paul Roberts Chief Executive of the Ashton Community Trust.
The community groups including Intercomm, the Ashton Community Trust, North Belfast Community Development Group which is based on the York Road, New Lodge Safer Streets, New Lodge Neighbourhood Watch, New Lodge Housing Forum and community groups in the Cliftonville and Ardoyne all stood behind the community worker.

Called for joined up approach to Neighbourhood Renewal programmes

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has called for a more "joined up" approach to the Neighbourhood Renewal programmes which she says are a major part of the fight for social justice.
Carál's main concern is the piecemeal approach the social development department has taken to Neighbourhood Renewal groups which play an essential part in delivering vital services in deprived areas of North Belfast and across the north.
As Sinn Féin DSD spokesperson, Carál hosted a meeting last Thursday in City Hall in conjunction with Tom Hartley, chair of the council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and took the opportunity to update the city's community groups on her party's progress on the issue to date.
"Neighbourhood Renewal is a good and progressive concept which, if introduced effectively, will place communities' needs and the delivery of services and equality at the heart of local government," said the Sinn Féin elected representative.
"Sinn Féin set out our vision of how this should proceed and used this meeting to update local groups. We are clearly campaigning against deprivation and for social justice for communities and Neighbourhood Renewal is a major part of getting it right."
Carál said communities across North Belfast, and indeed the entire city, had experienced years of deprivation and needed firm commitments that their needs would be met.
The main lesson to be learned from last week's meeting, she said, was that community planning needed to be more accountable and better resourced as she called on the DSD to start leading by example.

Na Fianna Éireann commemoration night

One hundred years ago Countess Markiewicz, later to became a Sinn Féin MP and first woman elected to the British House of Parliament, and John Bulmer Hobson, founded ‘Na Fianna Éireann’.
Pádraig Pearse said of Na Fianna Éireann: ‘They were as important as the creation of the Irish Volunteers in 1913’.
Fianna Éireann went on to play an important and significant role during Easter week of 1916. It is reported that the first shots of the rising were fired by Fianna officers who attacked and captured ‘Magazine Fort’ in the Phoenix Park.
Many Fians were shot dead during the rising. Na Fianna Éireann were represented at all the garrisons where Irish republicans fought the British and after the Provisional Government abandoned the GPO, and set up their HQ at Moore Street, James Connolly gave command of the GPO to Seán McLaughlin, a Fianna officer.
During the course of the recent conflict, from the late 1960s, Na Fianna Éireann were once again to come to the fore.
Hundreds of young men volunteered their services to the Republican Movement as the political crisis in the North deepened and the situation militarised.
In total 21 Fians were to die throughout the North, four of those causalities came from Ardoyne.
Thirty-seven years ago in 1972, four courageous young men; Fian's David McAuley, Joseph Campbell, Josie McComiskey and Bernard Fox; lost their lives as a direct result of the political conflict.
They were bright intelligent young men, motivated by the political circumstances they found themselves in, they made conscious well-thought out decisions to volunteer to become active in the armed struggle against the forces of the British Government.
They were continuing the proud tradition of Na Fianna Éireann involvement in the fight for Irish freedom and they had witnessed first hand, injustice and discrimination and committed themselves to do something about it.
For republicans today the form of the struggle they died for has changed but the objectives remain the same - a Ireland united, free from injustice, discrimination and sectarianism and in control of its own destiny.
On Friday 27th November the ex-POW's from Ardoyne, Ligoniel and the Bone are holding an event in the Crumlin Star to honour the memory of these brave young men.
A play about the Fianna, entitled 'Young guard of Erin', will be performed and a fitting tribute will be conducted to commemorate their loss.
Doors open at 8pm and the play will begin at 8.15pm sharp. Admission fee £5.
People should attend this event not only to remember the Four Fians who died but also as a mark of respect to their families who will be in attendance. We remember our patriot dead with pride.

Sinn Féin host Belfast Neighbourhood Renewal Groups

A meeting of Neighbourhood Renewal groups from across Belfast was hosted by Sinn Féin on Thursday in the City Hall.
Speaking after the session Sinn Fein’s Social Development Spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín MLA said:
“I’m delighted at the fantastic turnout today and that so many people have come along to voice their concerns.
“Neighbourhood Renewal is a good and progressive concept which if introduced effectively will place the communities needs and the delivery of services and equality at the heart of local government.
“Sinn Féin set out our vision of how this should proceed and took this opportunity to update local groups.
“We are clearly campaigning against deprivation and for social justice for communities through our work on the Social Development Committee and see Neighbourhood Renewal as a major part of getting it right.
“Finally the clear message from today’s meeting was community planning is vital and must be accountable, effectively structured and properly resourced,” said the Sinn Féin MLA.

Sinn Féin Councillor warns against cowboy builders

Sinn Féin Councillor and Deputy Mayor Danny Lavery today hit out at cowboy builders across Belfast that have taken advantage of home owners lack of knowledge of planning law.
“I am dealing with dozens of cases of people that have extended their homes by installing domer windows without planning permission,” said the Sinn Féin Councillor.
“Many constituents have been told by builders that planning permission is not required which is totally wrong.
“Vulnerable people are being taken advantage of by these cowboy builders and deliberately mislead,” said the North Belfast Councillor.
“Belfast City Council Planning Enforcement Department are warning against such practices and we support them on grounds of health and safety.
“However we are calling for them to treat these families with sympathy as many of them have been forced into this situation through overcrowding and the massive waiting lists especially in North Belfast,” added the Councillor.
“It's the small number of these cowboy builders that the Council should be tackling first as they are exploiting often the poorest of people in communities across the city.
“In my view as long as those extensions that have been completed pose no danger then the Council should treat these cases with lenience. However people should be cautious in future as the liability does lie with the home owner.”

McGimpsey needs to face Assembly -Ní Chuilín

Sinn Fein MLA Carál Ni Chuilín has today stated that the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, cannot keep avoiding scrutiny. This follows number of important motions not being accepted for debate in the Assembly due to the Minister not making himself available to attend.

“I have to question the apparent unwillingness of Michael McGimspey to make himself available to respond to questions in the Assembly about his performance as Minister for Health. As Minister he has a responsibility to the Assembly and the people that we represent to be available for scrutiny in an open, accountable, and transparent manner on the floor of the Assembly," said Ní Chuilín.

“However on four occasions in recent weeks health motions and adjournment debates have failed to be selected at the Business Committee because it was claimed that the Minister will not be available to be present in the Assembly chamber in order for the issues to be debated.

“These motions are dealing with key issues that fall under his remit such as the protection of children and vulnerable adults and the relocation of health services support staff from Armagh.

“It is unacceptable for the Minister to keep delaying and avoiding scrutiny of his performance in the chamber. Only last week a Member of the Minister's own Party the UUP was complaining about the cost of written questions to the Minister were excessive and politically motivated but if the Minister does not make himself available to answer questions in the Chamber then members have no other recourse but to seek answers in writing. Therefore I would suggest that the Member's time would be better served ensuring that his party's Minister make himself available o the Assembly.

"The question that needs answered is, what exactly is Michael McGimpsey attempting to avoid answering questions on?"

No return to unionist rule

By Gerry Kelly
I couldn’t have described it better than Jim Allister! The old Stormont, that is, which practised ‘not an inch’ when it came to nationalists. It was certainly the most “wretched, useless government anywhere in the western world.”
Except, of course, that Allister at his weekend conference was referring to the modern power-sharing arrangement at Stormont into which, first David Trimble, and next the DUP, were dragged against their prejudices.
The nationalist community, through its resistance and sacrifices, through standing strong, ensured that never again would it live under one-party unionist misrule. The price for devolution was that traditional unionism had to adapt, had to share government and had to accept the legitimacy of our aspirations as expressed in the all-Ireland bodies under the Good Friday Agreement.
Jim Allister is a throwback to an earlier age who would blindly walk the unionist community into a cul-de-sac and whose speeches are propaganda manna to dissident republicans wishing to present the unionist people as being beyond change.
There is no doubt that the DUP has continuing difficulty coming to terms with the reality of life today. After all, the DUP itself perpetuated the notion of unionist supremacy, that it was going to ‘Smash Sinn Féin’ and not go into government (ironically, the very slogans now used by the TUV to taunt the DUP).
Unionists had no problem administering ‘justice’ and ‘policing’ as long as those departments were under the control of unionists, as they were prior to 1972 and consistently used and abused. But now the DUP has a problem with justice and policing being devolved to the people of the North where there can be scrutiny and accountability.
Initially, we were told that the missing requirement was proper funding. Then, when that was resolved through negotiations with Downing Street and to the satisfaction of the PSNI Chief Constable, more preconditions were introduced, the latest one from Jeffrey Donaldson who stated that policing and justice will not be devolved if the full-time police reserve is phased out, as agreed in the Belfast Agreement. Earlier, we had talk that unionist confidence could only be built if the Parades Commission was abolished.
With a growing list of demands sounding very like blackmail, we then have Peter Robinson turning the English language on its head and accusing Sinn Féin of blackmail for insisting that the DUP stick to the undertakings it gave!
It is hard not to conclude that the DUP leadership is guilty of running away and is taking a huge gamble with the whole process.
Sinn Féin has taken real risks for peace and continues to do so.
But, let it also be said, that we will not let the DUP turn back the political clock to unionist rule or anything like it.

Stadium gets Sinn Féin backing

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín, has welcomed a further step in the development of a cross community sports stadium at the North Foreshore when she joined party colleague and junior minister Gerry Kelly at the launch of the ‘Crusaders-Newington ‘Ambassadors Programme’ in the Lansdowne Hotel.
Early this week organisers behind the bid to build the sports stadium held a meeting with Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún as well as the North Belfast Sinn Féin team at the Northern Assembly.
"Here is an example of a project which has a North Belfast approach to addressing investing for health, sports, urban regeneration, education and employment and I'm convinced it will be a success, which will bring massive social benefits for people living in North Belfast,” said Ní Chuilín.
At the earlier meeting MEP Bairbre de Brún said the project held huge community regeneration potential.
"The importance of the project lies in it's social aspects, and I think for that reason it's useful to have met with the MEPs and get our support for what is a very worthwhile proposal and one which will allow the clubs to bring that social benefit to the area.”

Kelly welcomes priest’s release

North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has welcomed news that a 79-year-old Irish priest, held hostage for a month by rebels in the Philippines, has been released.
Fr Michael Sinnott was seized by gunmen from his mission office in Pagadian on Mindanao island on 11 October.
The Irish government said it had not paid a ransom for the release of the Columban missionary.
Gerry Kelly and former British Government Chief of Staff Jonathan Powell were involved in behind-the-scenes talks with the Philippine government and rebels to secure the Irish priest's release.
The North Belfast MLA said he had been telephoned directly by a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) intermediary this morning to announce Fr Sinnott's release.
"We welcome Fr Sinnott's release.The family are very relieved he's out and he's safe," Gerry Kelly said.
"I got a call this morning from an MILF intermediary, basically saying there was an MILF taskforce who found the priest in a coastal village of Zamboanga City.
"They immediately handed him over to their peace negotiating committee who in turn got in touch with the Philippines government and handed him over to them.
"The word is that Fr Sinnott was in the hands of a guy, a notorious pirate called Commander Inggo in the area of Lanao del Norte. We had emails from MILF about the situation talking about how certain politicians were blaming them.
“We advised them to resist this and they told us they would try their best and they obviously have."

Westlink work nearing completion – Sinn Féin MLA

North Belfast MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has welcomed the news that work on the slip road at the North Belfast section of the Westlink is set to be finished by next week.
“This is an issue which local road users have raised with me. I hope this reply provides clarity for people and the prospect of improved access in the near future," she said.
The Roads Service has said the high skid surfacing of the slip road will be completed by next Thursday (19 November). To finish the work the Westlink M2 Bound Carriageway, at the Clifton Street onslip and Westlink M2 bound, will be closed from 11:00pm to 6am next Monday to Thursday.
Motorists are asked to note the work is weather-dependent and the overnight closures may be deferred. However, it is the intention to complete this work before the Roads Service's Christmas embargo, which starts on 23 November.

Díomá faoi seasamh McCausland ar Acht na Gaeilge

Ag tagairt ar freagra a fuair sí ón Aire Chultúir, Nelson McCausland, ar cheist Acht Teanga don tuaisceart, dúirt an Feisire Eorpach Bairbre de Brún inniu go raibh díomá uirthi leis an dearcadh caol intinne atá á thaispeáint ag an aire DUP.

Dúirt Bean de Brún:
“Tá sé íorónta go bhfuair mé an litir seo inniu nuair atá an tAire McCausland féin thall i nGeirsí in éineacht leis an Aire Oideachais Caitríona Ruane agus an príomh cheist ar chlár an Chruinniú BIC ná ceist na mion teangacha agus teangacha dúchais chomh maith le liosta moltaí chun iad a chosaint agus a fhorbairt.

Tá sé íorónta fosta go bhfuil ceist teangacha na rialtais eile atá ionadaithe ar an BIC, go bhfuil siad aitheanta agus glactha mar chuid lárnach den oidhreacht agus de stair na n-áiteanna eile seo gan imreas ná conspóid.

Ba chóir go mbeadh deis ag duine ar bith gur mian leo bheith ábalta an saol a chaitheamh trí mheán na Gaeilge, i scolaíocht, obair, siopadóireacht, folaíocht agus gnó leis an stát san áireamh.

Ba chóir go mbeadh sé de cheart ag gaeilgeoirí an Ghaeilge a úsáid sna cúirteanna fosta. Ba chóir do Rialtas na Breataine deireadh a chur le hAcht 1737 láithreach. Tá sé scannalach go bhfuil dlíthe den chinéal seo, i dtaca leis an Ghaeilge sna cúirteanna, go fóill i réim.”

Adams pays tribute to Cumann Lúthchleas Gael

A Tree dedication ceremony hosted by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams was held in the grounds opposite Parliament Buildings to mark the 125th anniversary of An Cumann Lúthchleas Gael.
A plaque was unveiled by Tom Daly, President Ulster GAA and Gerry Adams.

Speaking after the event, which he described as a ‘very special and unique occasion’ Gerry Adams paid tribute to the GAA.
“The positive impact for positive change by the GAA on society in Ireland has been profound. The GAA brings together individuals and communities like no other organisation. It embodies a spirit of pride and identity which enthuses and motivates,” said the Sinn Féin President.
“It is right therefore that we are here to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. Even after 125 years the GAA is still one of the most important and dynamic institutions on this island.”

The Sinn Féin President pointed to the statue of Edward Carson who is identified with militant unionism. But as a student at Trinity College in Dublin he was a member of their hurling team.
“Finally, I want to commend An Cumann Lúthchleas Gael for the role which they play in development of our young people, and our communities.

“I am very proud to be a member of this great organisation and I wish it well during its next 125 years.”

Sinn Féin Representatives Barry McElduff, Conor Murphy, Gerry Adams, Gerry Kelly, Mickey Brady, Alex Maskey and Michelle Gildernew join Ulster GAA President Tom Daly and Catherine O Hara, Chairperson of Ulster Camogie at a special Ash Tree Planting Ceremony at Stormont to mark 125 years of the GAA

Adams warns British government

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams leaves Canada today after a busy six days in the USA and Toronto.

During his many speaking engagements the Sinn Féin leader focussed on two broad themes.

The first was an update on the current situation in the peace process and specifically the difficulties around the transfer of powers on policing and justice, and the second was to address the issue of Irish reunification.

Saturday saw three hundred people attend a very successful conference in Toronto, organised by the Canadian Friends of Sinn Fein organisation, on the issue of Irish reunification and the role of the Irish diaspora in helping to achieve that.

Speaking today in Toronto Adams said:

“There is a particular onus on the British and Irish governments to ensure that the agreement on the transfer of powers on policing and justice, agreed at St. Andrews three years ago, is implemented now.

The approach of the British government at this time as been very unhelpful. It would do well to remember that the British government has a responsibility to fully implement the Good Friday Agreement, including the transfer of policing and justice powers from London.

The efforts of the DUP to tie other matters to the policing and justice issue is unacceptable. This is a stand alone issue. There is no linkage between it and any other issue.

The DUP is in breach of the commitments it entered into at St. Andrews. It is also in breach of the commitment given by the DUP leader two months ago that if the financial package was secured he would go out and sell it to the community.

The DUP’s obstructive approach to making the institutions work efficiently is eroding public confidence. The priority at this time should be to defend public services, provide jobs, and plan for the future.

The democratic imperative is for a speedy conclusion and progress on the policing and justice issue. Anything less by the DUP leadership is a derogation of their responsibility to the people of the north and of the entire island.

It is also providing encouragement to those rejectionist elements who are against partnership and who think they can turn the clock back . ”

Speaking on the issue of Irish reunification Adams said:

“Whatever the outcome of the current impasse around policing and justice the Sinn Fein project to advance Irish reunification is moving steadily ahead.

I believe that the help of the Irish diaspora will be very important in building that momentum.

The two conferences in the USA in June and this weekends conference in Toronto are a part of this. In the few short months since June activism around this goal has increased.

The Good Friday Agreement is an International Treaty. It commits the British government to legislating for Irish reunification in the event that this is what people want.

I believe that the economic and political dynamics in Ireland today make a united Ireland a realistic and realisable objective in a reasonable period of time.

This is a daunting challenge. Not least in persuading unionism or a section of unionism that their best interests lie in this outcome.

Such an Ireland must guarantee liberty and justice for all; ensure religious and civil liberty and equal rights and opportunities for all; and it must reconcile all sections of our people and heal the hurts between us.

It will require thoughtful strategies – huge outreach to our unionist brothers and sisters and a patient process of nation building to unite orange and green.

The achievement of these universal values will fulfill the dream of centuries of Irish patriots, and will create a more prosperous, just and equal society on the island of Ireland.”

Sinn Féin MP for North Belfast a real possibility

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has been selected by the party as the candidate for the Westminster election next year.
At a packed Glenpark on Wednesday night the former POW told republican activists that the election is a great chance for the people of North Belfast to return, for the first time, a republican representative.
The Junior Minister in the Northern Assembly stressed the need for republicans and nationalists to come out and vote Sinn Féin as it was the only party capable of unseating the current DUP MP Nigel Dodds.
“In the European election earlier this year we beat the DUP by 38,000. We beat the UUP by 43,000 and the SDLP by 48,000,” said the Sinn Féin MLA.
"This is the first time in our history we could have a republican as an MP in the north of the city."
Gerry Kelly, who has represented this part of the city for the past 14 years, said there was a huge amount of volunteers that included activists, canvassers, councillors and party members that would be out attempting to convince people to vote Sinn Féin.
"To paraphrase Barack Obama, we can do it. This is a battle between Sinn Féin and the DUP, and I think the SDLP know this.
“We already have Gerry Adams, Michelle Gildernew, Conor Murphy, Pat Doherty and Martin McGuinness, now it's our turn in North Belfast.
"Our strategy is simple. The stronger we are, the more political representatives we have, the more ability we have to change things."

DSD announcements can’t continue to lack substance – Ní Chuilín

Sinn Féin MLA for north Belfast Carál Ní Chuilín has called on Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie to get on with the job of delivering for local communities.
“The reality for many communities across Belfast is that they are hearing announcement after announcement on master plan after master plan yet nothing tangible is materialising for them,” said the Sinn Féin representative after a meeting Social Development Committee.
“At present my own constituency of north Belfast has six different master plans floating in the air with Margaret Ritchie lauding each on.
“Consultation is good and we support that, however, there comes a time when we must act and get on with the job of delivering for people because quite frankly, that is what they expect from us.
“I would call on the Minister and her Department to ease up on seeking publicity around the launch of ‘plans’ for areas and get a bit more serious with the job of improving the quality of life in the area’s themselves.”

Ireland’s Youngest Elected Activists Promote Ógra Shinn Féin National Congress

Ireland’s youngest Councillors Johnny McGibbon and Charlene O’Hara, the Assembly’s youngest MLA, Daithí McKay and Ógra Shinn Féin National Organiser Barry McColgan gathered at the Felons Club in Belfast to promote the republican youth movement’s upcoming National Congress being held in the city in less than two weeks from the 13-15 November.
The national youth event will see over 100 delegates converge in Belfast, to discuss, and debate the most pressing political issues affecting Irish youth, and plan the upcoming year for Ireland’s fastest growing, most active youth wing.
The republican youth movement will also be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Na Fianna Éireann, and remembering the young Fianna who died in Ireland’s freedom struggle by hosting a special dinner dance in the Holiday Inn on Ormeau Avenue in Belfast on Saturday 14th November. Limited tickets are still available priced at only £40.
Encouraging young people to come along to the weekend of activities and debate, Daithí McKay MLA said:
“The Ógra Shinn Féin National Congress presents an opportunity for young people to have a say on the future direction of the republican struggle, and to engage with the Sinn Féin leadership on the most challenging issues facing us and our communities today. It allows young republicans to come together and debate the most burning issues facing young people and how we can play a pro – active role in shaping a better society.”
“The National Congress is not merely a political event, but a social event, where friendships are forged and ideas and debate exchanged. It will be an excellent place for young people to find out more about republicanism, and the struggle today in a relaxed, comfortable and youthful environment. I for one will be there, and would encourage the maximum number of young republicans to come along and enjoy this weekend of debate, comradeship, craic agus ceol.”

Still no answers from the DUP on MEP double jobbing – Conor Maskey

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor Maskey has once again called on Democratic Unionist MEP for the Six Counties, Diane Dodds, to give a clear indication of when she intends to give up her council seat.
“In the run up to the European election Cllr Dodds gave numerous public, often televised commitments that if elected she would resign from Belfast city council,” said Cllr Maskey.
“Given the recent controversy I think citizens expect their elected representatives, particularly those representing the Six Counties, to be fully committed to that position.
“Sinn Féin is committed to ending dual-mandates within our party, last month Caoimhín Mac Giolla Mhín replaced Paul Maskey on the council, Paul remains an MLA. It would appear however that despite their public utterances the DUP are reneging on commitments.
“I would call, once again, on the DUP to explain the delay in relation to this matter; I have no doubt that people on the ground will continue to ask, whether it be in the Court constituency in Belfast or indeed right across the north, how this MEP is capable of holding both positions without compromising one.”