Draft bill on parades aimed at contentious parades not trade unions

By Carál Ní Chuilín
I note with concern the negative campaign being orchestrated by the group called STOP which seems intent on generating alarm and a volume of misinformation rather than resolution to the issue of contentious parades.
One of their conspiracy theories concludes that the proposed Public Assemblies Act is the ‘most draconian’ legislation in decades, and is a restrictive measure of the type which the civil rights movement came into existence to combat.
Provocative language makes no contribution to the search for a resolution to the parades issue and the right of citizens to live free from sectarian harassment.

I would have thought that the leaders of STOP would, through their experience possess enough political acumen to know the difference in ‘consultation’ which is an invitation to submit ideas, objections and criticisms and ‘legislation’ which is the final product which becomes the law.
Propaganda should never replace accuracy and facts if you wish to retain your integrity. The facts are that the consultation document invites submissions from any interested party, organisation or individual by 14th July and clearly states that it is only a draft.
Nothing is decided and will not be until all submissions are received and examined. All feedback and opinions to this consultation process are not just welcome but to be encouraged and valued.
The European Convention on Human Rights enshrines the right to assembly, and is the over-arching law that all domestic legislation will flow from and defers to. The draft bill will fully adhere to that. The proposed Bill enshrines the right to assembly, parade and protest.

Therefore those behind the STOP campaign are being extremely disingenuous in the claims that any final document could curtail rights.
In my view they are mistakenly claiming that new measures to deal with Orange parades will undermine legitimate protests against any Tory/Lib Dem cuts. I suggest that they would better serve the community by supporting the Sinn Féin call for a united front to oppose any attempted cuts to frontline services in the North.

Currently all organizers of public assemblies, processions and parades must notify the PSNI of their intention.
The suggested draft legislation moves this process to a new body (OPAPP).
A longer notification period, such as the proposed 37 day notice for parades, is something that residents groups, seeking to live free from sectarian harassment, have been calling for having identified the shorter notification, that is currently in place, as a deficiency in current parades legislation.
Once the new body has been notified of a planned parade it will then notify all the relevant bodies, groups and individuals. Late notification is allowed for, and assemblies organised at the last minute are allowed under the draft proposals.
No additional public order offences have been created. There are no new restrictions placed on the trade union movement by the new Draft Bill.

In fact Sinn Féin has met with representatives of the trades union movement in recent days to discuss the proposals with them. The legislation is designed to deal with contentious parades such as Orange Order parades.
Are STOP seriously suggesting that we leave parades up to the new Tory British Secretary of State?
I think that they would be better employed in directing their energies towards encouraging citizens to put forward submissions and assist in positively shaping the new way forward.

Kelly in Philippines to share negotiation experience

North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly met the Philippine government and warring rebel factions this week on a visit to the country, where he is sharing his experiences of the conflict and peace building in the North.
The Sinn Féin minister flew to the capital Manila on Sunday to deliver a lecture alongside figures such as the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Yusuf Kalla, the country's governor Irwandi Yusef and Nureldin Satti from the United Nations.
During the high profile visit the North Belfast MLA travelled to the rebel camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). MILF have been fighting for the establishment of an independent Islamic state in southern Philippines since 1981.
He also met with officials from the Philippine government including the country's current President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Kelly, who played a key role in negotiations with the British government before the ceasefires and Good Friday Agreement, said he is sharing his experiences with another country that is involved in peace talks.
"Obviously no two situations are the same and you can't match our own experiences with the Philippines," he said.
"But you can see what relevance they have to each other and how we can learn from both situations. Negotiations between MILF and the Philippine government broke down for a period recently, so talking about our own negotiations here in the North and how we worked through it can help."

Kelly also visited the MILF encampment to meet with the Islamic rebels.
"It is a huge camp with lots of personnel and their families all living on it. They are growing crops and have set up small shops on the site. Obviously it can be a dangerous place to visit and has been attacked before, but things are quiet at the minute because there is a ceasefire in place."
The Sinn Féin man is also set to deliver a lecture on negotiating this week.
"I will be talking about transparency and secrecy during negotiations and how it works. I will be telling them what worked in Ireland and how it could help their own situation.”

Councillor calls for end to graffiti vandalism

A North Belfast Sinn Féin councillor has condemned a graffiti attack on a local Orange Hall over the weekend.
The Orange Hall has been attacked a number of times in the past and has been the scene of sectarian tensions over the years as the local nationalist community have objected orange marches in their area.

Sinn Féin councillor for the area Tierna Cunningham condemned the attack.
"Graffiti of any nature is horrible and very unsightly," she said.
"Particularly at this time of year when tensions are heightening and this kind of graffiti isn't helpful. There have been a number of incidents of graffiti in the area over the past while and I would appeal for people to take pride in their community and stop."

Kelly praises McGimpsey intervention

Speaking today after the Belfast Trust intervened to fly home a North Belfast man from Spain after life saving treatment, fellow Executive Minister Gerry Kelly said:

"The case of Paddy Herron has touched the hearts of us all as he was struck down with a brain tumor whilst on his honeymoon in Spain. We had lobbied the Health minister to intervene to pay for an air ambulance to bring Paddy home after his insurance company refused to meet the cost."

"The brilliant campaign by Paddy's family to fund raise and lobby to have Paddy returned home has now paid off and the Belfast trust are to fly Paddy home at the start of next week. I want to commend Michael McGimpsey for his efforts on behalf of our constituent and I am glad that common sense has prevailed"

“Hopefully now we can get Paddy home and continue the recovery process along with his family."

De Brún asks EU Ministers to make older people's rights a priority

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún today met with Joan Harbison, the Older People's Advocate and Irene Kingston, the AGE Platform Europe representative to discuss issues on ageing and intergenerational solidarity.
Among the topics under discussion was the issue of a European Union directive on equal access for goods and services, specifically insurance products, for older people.
Ms de Brún said "The draft directive on equal treatment in access to goods and services is still being blocked by some member states. It is essential in the interests of non-discrimination that this directive is adopted."
"In advance of a key meeting of Employment, Social Policy, Health and Social Affairs Ministers on 7-8 June, we need to let the governments know how such a directive would help tackle such problem as upper age limits for access to finance or insurance, health services or education.
"Some countries are questioning the relevance of such directive, and the more the governments show their support for it the better.This is vital to combat age-related and other discrimination, not only here at home but right across the EU"

Councillor and residents to continue fight

Pineview resident and Sinn Féin councillor Tierna Cunningham said although locals are angry and disappointed that plans to build 28 apartments close to their homes have been given the go ahead, they are not giving up the fight against the plans.
Residents of Pineview on the upper Whitewell Road are up in arms over a developer's plan to build four apartment blocks, which will make up 28 apartments on the wood at Pineview. The wooded area links Pineview and the Antrim Road and is one of the few green spaces left in the area.
"Obviously as a local councillor and resident I am very disappointed," said Tierna.
"There were numerous objections from residents and an objection from Belfast City Council but the Planning Service still went ahead and approved it. It is most disappointing.
"As a group of residents we will continue to challenge these plans as much as we can."

Sinn Féin welcomes North Belfast housing announcement and congratulates residents work

Sinn Féin MLA for north Belfast and member of the DSD spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín has welcomed the announcement that the Long Streets, Parkside and Victoria Gardens areas of North Belfast is to receive a £38million pound redevelopment and has paid particular attention to the residents who have campaigned tirelessly to see that this scheme was delivered.

Speaking today Ní Chuilín said:
“This announcement is to be welcomed and is long overdue. I have to congratulate the residents who have been persistent in their demands for better and adequate housing and have campaigned tirelessly to achieve this over the past year while living in substandard conditions.
“However I do have to say that it is with a measure of contempt that the Minister has shown in ignoring the democratically elected representatives of the local housing and residents groups who have been to the fore in this campaign in the fact that the residents had to find out about this announcement through a highly visible media event despite their continued and indeed recent requests for a meeting with Margaret Ritchie.

“The housing shortage in North Belfast remains at crisis point and whilst this is a step forward it actually will do little to tackle the stark inequality of the waiting lists where three quarters of those in need in north Belfast are nationalist.”

Sinn Féin raises ‘serious concerns’ about Maghaberry situation

North Belfast MLA and member of the Justice Committee Carál Ní Chuilín was part of a Sinn Féin delegation which entered Maghaberry Gaol last Friday. The delegation included Ms Ní Chuilín, Paul Maskey MLA, John O’Dowd MLA and Raymond McCartney MLA. The Sinn Féin team was accompanied by Michael Culbert of Coiste na nIarchimí.

The delegation reported back to the Sinn Féin Assembly Team on Monday morning.

Speaking after the visit Ní Chuilín described the meeting with Roe House prisoners as “a very positive engagement” in which the men had outlined their concerns.

“A range of issues were raised by the prisoners. They included complaints about a number of punitive actions such as the use of strip searching as harassment of both prisoners and their visitors and a range of other conditions-related issues that were very familiar to the former prisoners on the delegation,” said Ms Ní Chuilín.

“It was clear that with the right political will that all of these issues could be resolved. The delegation discussed all of this with the ten prisoners we met and assured them their concerns would be conveyed to the prison administration, the Prison service and to the Justice Minister,” said Carál.

A number of matters concerned with the harassment of visitors were also raised by the delegation. These included the proximity of dogs in the visit processing area, the presence of the PSNI in the visitors-area, the public selecting of who is to be strip searched and visitors being threatened with arrest if they refuse to be strip searched.

Prisoners also raised issues of access, particularly the practice of forcing segregated prisoners to eat their meals in the cells.

“The delegation also met with Liam Hannaway whose health has become a matter of concern. Liam outlined his concerns, all of which centred on prison conditions and procedures. It was the firm belief of the delegation that all of these issues could be satisfactorily dealt with by the governor,” she continued.

The delegation had requested to meet with Harry Fitzsimmons, a prisoner being held in isolation, but this did not happen due to a misunderstanding.

“Harry’s lawyer contacted the party last Saturday to explain the situation and assure me that his client was not in any way snubbing the delegation. The delegation had sought to visit Harry after his family raised concerns about his health and well being,” said Ní Chuilín.

It has also been reported that Harry Fitzsimmons has been subjected to physical assault by members of the prison staff.

“After our 3 hour meeting with the prisoners, the delegation met with the governor again to outline their concerns and suggestions. In the coming period Sinn Fein will meet with the director general of the prison service, with representatives of the prison administration as well as the Minister for Justice, David Ford, regarding our deep concerns about the current situation for prisoners and their families in Maghaberry,” she concluded.

Sinn Féin attempting to put the brake on extortionate insurance rates in North Belfast

A Sinn Féin motion slamming high levels of car insurance imposed on local drivers, especially those living in North Belfast has been passed by the Stormont Assembly.

North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly said the result of Tuesday's debate, which criticised insurance companies for placing higher premiums on drivers here, was good news for motorists.
"It has long been a point of contention that insurers charge clients here disproportionately higher rates than clients elsewhere for similar cover and this is another hidden tax on some of our most deprived communities," the MLA said.

The motion, calling on the business minister Arlene Foster to hold talks with the insurance industry follows another move by the Assembly Finance Committee to investigate the matter further.
Statistics recently released by the Consumer Council show that residents of the North pay almost 84 per cent more in total on car, household contents and building insurance.

"Eighty-four-per-cent more for our insurance is a rip off," blasted Gerry Kelly.
"This comes on top of North Belfast people being charged higher fuel costs which we challenged Tescos on recently.
“Acting on the recent Sinn Féin proposal the Assembly Finance Committee has accepted the need for an investigation of the high cost of insurance in the North.

"We would hope that this investigation will shed light on what the true cost of insurance should be and bring some benefits to customers who are finding it hard to make ends meet in the present economic climate. It's a wonder that particularly local car owners can afford to keep their vehicle on the road."

Maskey looks for North Belfast investment

North Belfast Sinn Féin councillors met with one of the American government's most important officials this morning to discuss the need for investment in Belfast.
At a business breakfast hosted by Mayor Naomi Long, the councillors met with US Economic Envoy Declan Kelly today to focus on business and economic initiatives in the city and discuss potential investment ideas.

Sinn Féin New Lodge Councillor Conor Maskey said he welcomed the chance to raise local issues with the US representative.
"Sinn Féin raised the importance of investing in deprived areas across the city," he said. "It isn't a coincidence that areas in our city experiencing the highest levels of deprivation were also the areas that suffered most during the conflict, and more importantly still retain some of the dynamics that create the potential to draw us back into conflict due to issues such as interfaces.

"It is vital for the sustainability of the peace process that there is serious focus to investing in areas such as New Lodge, Ballysillan, Ardoyne and Shankill.
“I also had the opportunity to directly press the US envoy on the absolute need to extend the planned rapid transport system to North Belfast, so as to ensure people in this part of the city have the opportunity to access important places of work in Belfast over the coming years and decades."

Dialogue can resolve building site concerns

Speaking after meeting residents and contractors involved in building new houses in Glengormley, Gerry Kelly said dialogue was the way to resolve any concerns that residents had site:
“Sinn Féin have been contacted by residents of Collin Ward Gardens who voiced their concerns about how this development was to proceed.
“I've been pleased to make some progress today in facilitating discussions between residents and the contractor to clarify some of the issues and tease out possible resolutions.

“I will be contacting the rivers agency to examine how the installation of a pipe can prevent flooding which is one of the main items to be resolved.
“Hopefully today's discussions have addressed some of the fears that the residents had."

"Consultation and dialogue are key in ensuring that both residents and contractors can take account of each others difficulties when proceeding with a scheme such as this.

“Any housing development will cause disruption to the existing settled community. However, through good will and open consultation this should be kept to a minimum.
“A conclusion can be found that maintains the residents quality of life, allows the development to be concluded speedily and protects the environment.”

Kelly calls for land to be used for community

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has called for the former Felden Training site on Mill Road to be used for community:
"We are calling for this land to be made available for community development. The local housing crisis needs urgently addressed and the Felden site becoming available presents a fantastic opportunity for new homes and amenities for this area.

“I have written to the department concerned to clarify the status of the former Felden Training site on Mill Road.
“It is normal practice that government offer surplus land to other departments before selling on the open market.

“I have also pressed the Department of Social Development to express their interest in the site. This is a vibrant community and we must do all within our power to support progressive opportunities for development.

“However land in North Belfast is at a premium and that is why we are calling for prompt action to secure this facility for potential regeneration," said Kelly.

EU must ensure adequate climate finance for developing countries

Bairbre de Brún MEP has called on the EU to ensure adequate climate finance for developing countries following a report that the ‘early start’ funding in the Copenhagen Accord could fall short of what was promised at that time.

Ms de Brún has said that any failure to provide adequate ‘early start’ funding will not only increase the risk for developing countries in their effort to deal with climate change but will send damaging signals about the EUs commitment in advance of the UN talks in Bonn and in Cancún.

According to a Council report, ‘a comprehensive set of statistics for climate financing is clearly needed’.

Ms de Brún said:

“We urgently need clarity on the level of climate funding and the source of the funding as well as the administration and distribution. Any lack of clarity will damage both the efforts of developing countries and the atmosphere for negotiating a fair, ambitious and legally binding deal on tackling climate change.

“Climate change is being caused mainly by the richer countries and the very poor and vulnerable countries who suffer most have not contributed to the problem at all.

“If the 30 billion dollars which industrialised countries were to provide between 2010 and 2010 cannot be mobilised, what hope is there that the larger sum of 100 billion dollars to be provided by 2020 will materialise? If the EU does not clearly show that it will pay its share what hope is there that other industrialised countries will step up to the mark?

“The EU must demonstrate sufficient clarity and transparency about its fast track financing pledges and reports that members states through the Council have still left a significant amount to be allocated are very worrying indeed.”

Kelly comments on Thomas Devlin case sentencing

Speaking after the killers of North Belfast teenager Thomas Devlin were sentenced to 30 years and 22 years in gaol, Executive Minister and North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly said:

"I want to take this opportunity to once again praise the parents of Thomas Devlin for their campaign for justice. In the midst of the most crippling grief they were forced to overcome huge obstacles placed in their way by the PPS Public Prosecution Service.

"Their tireless campaign was based on the highest possible motives of ensuring that these killers would be brought before the courts and prevented from visiting this terrible fate on another family.

"It is a priority now that policing and justice powers have been transferred to the Assembly that the PPS is made accountable and fit for purpose. No other grieving family should ever have their distress compounded by such an obstructive system again.

"The deeply rooted sectarianism that produced these killers is sickening. The scourge of sectarianism has to be confronted at every opportunity by the community and we all have a responsibility to stand up against it.

"The persistence and perseverance in the most terrible of circumstances shown by Thomas's parents is truly quite humbling and I wish to extend the gratitude of the community to the Devlin Family."

Sinn Féin MLA pushes for Long Streets decision

Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has tabled the issue of the redevelopment of 100-year-old houses in the New Lodge Long Streets for discussion in Stormont next Tuesday (May 19).

The move comes after the Upper Long Streets Residents Committee said the Department for Social Development (DSD) continue to break promises that a decision will soon be made on their homes by continually postponing that decision
The MLA has not only thrown her support behind the campaign for redevelopment of the
New Lodge streets but also Parkside just off the Limestone Road, which too needs an urgent revamp.

"The minister promised she would come back from the election with a decision on Parkside and the Long Streets and really what we're doing is putting down another adjournment debate on the issue to try and force a definitive course of action from the minister because this delay is unacceptable," sais Carál Ní Chuilín.

"The residents have asked, the political representatives have asked, the DSD committee requested an answer a couple of weeks ago from the minister and they are still waiting. Everyone is still waiting.
'"The election is over, it's not fair for the residents to be kept in the dark like this. We want a definitive outcome one way or another.”

Kelly thanks voters and workers

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has praised all those who voted for him in last week's election after his vote jumped by almost 4,000.
Kelly thanked the electorate and said the result shows North Belfast is now one of the most marginal seats.

"This has been a magnificent campaign and I want to wholeheartedly thank every single person that voted for Sinn Féin's equality agenda," he said.
"I have seldom seen such dedication and determination shown by those who worked so tirelessly during this election.

“We stood on the platform of equality for all the people of North Belfast and whilst we fell just short this time, together we have turned this constituency into one of the most marginal in the North."

Kelly added that the increase in votes for Sinn Féin across the board is a sign of his party's strength.
"Of course Michelle's significant victory against the combined forces of the most negative aspects of unionism by four votes was a reminder that every vote is vital.

“Our overall performance across the North also endorsed the Sinn Féin strategy for equality and a United Ireland and we emerged as the largest party for the second election in a row."

Shock at downgrading of Accident & Emergency services

Speaking after the shock announcement of the downgrading of Accident & Emergency services at Whiteabbey Hospital and relocation of cardiac services North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly said:

“This is a shock announcement for the dedicated staff, ourselves and the wider community.
“The lack of consultation is alarming and shows the degree of contempt that the board have for Unions and patients.
“The plan to place further pressure on the already over-burdened Antrim Area Hospital where there are reports of long trolley waits at A&E, is not in the interest of this community.”

“Holding back this announcement until after the election is a cowardly move. This matter has been extremely poorly managed and flies in the face of the department’s robust claims that any such move was alarmist when we raised this in the media.”

Children act over Ligoniel Park

After receiving letters from the pupils from St Vincent de Paul primary school about the state of the Tír na nóg Park in Ligoniel Sinn Féin Councillor Gerard McCabe said the situation will be resolved and the park so that the park can be used by all the children in the area.
Local vandals had set fire to all the swing seats, burnt the slide and wrote graffiti on the climbing frame.
"I have been in touch with the parks and leisure department and they are coming out for an on-site visit to see what can be done to tackle the problems up here," said the councillor.
After weekends the park is full of beer cans and broken bottles, which have attracted rats to the park and the children are also in danger from youths driving quad bikes and motorbikes through it.
"The community need to be taking ownership and when they do see youngsters damaging the park to be contacting the police so they have a log of everything that is going on."
Gerard McCabe came out to talk to the children and listen to their concerns and has now set up an onsite meeting with an official from Belfast City Council's parks and leisure department.