Sinn Féin North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly has issued a ‘hands off the winter Fuel payment’ warning after reports in the media that the British Tory/Liberal Democrat coalition plans to make changes to the winter fuel payment scheme which could see millions of people being disenfranchised from entitlement to the benefit.
“The latest reports in the media that the British Governement are planning to make changes to the winter fuel payment scheme are very worrying indeed,” said Gerry Kelly.
“Under these new proposals they intend to raise the age of entitlement for the benefit from 60 to 66-years-old and also cutting it by £50 for new recipients and £100 for the oldest - that is absolutely scandalous.
“Those who are in genuine need of extra help and fit the criteria should get it. We can't have a situation in the coming winter months of people sitting in their homes worrying that they are going to lose their annual winter fuel payment and being left with no heat and no hot water,” said the Sinn Féin representative.
“The introduction of oil fired central heating systems in many homes was seen as step forward, but we are now seeing problems on a daily basis were people can't afford to fill their oil tanks due to rising costs.
"When people can't afford to heat their homes it will inevitably lead to more health and social problems combined with spiraling debt in already deprived communities.
“Keeping your home warm and comfortable should not become a luxury, it should be a right. Older people should not be faced with the unenviable choice of deciding whether to heat or eat.
“For our most vulnerable citizens this can often be a stark matter of life or death. The message needs to go out loud and clear - our older people need protected and keep your hands off the winter fuel payment.”
Friday, 27 August 2010
New Lodge neighbourhood watch to be rolled out in whole district
Successful scheme to be rolled out – pic of conor and residents
Sinn Féin councilor Conor Maskey, who has been involved for several years in a neighbourhood watch scheme that has been successfully operating in a part of the New Lodge, has given his backing to the scheme being rolled out across the whole district in a bid to defeat antisocial behaviour.
The programme has been running in the Henry Street/North Queen Street area for some time and the New Lodge Safer Neighbourhood Project are hoping to expand it across the district. The group has leafleted homes in the area to gauge the community response and giving contact details to homeowners.
Community Centre needs respect
Sinn Féin councillor Gerard McCabe said young children are risking their lives by climbing on to the roof of Ardoyne Community Centre.
The councillor made the warning as antisocial behaviour at the community centre has worsened over the summer months.
He said children as young as 11-years-old have been scaling dangerous fences in order to gain access to the roof.
They have also broken windows, ripped off shutters and put graffiti on the walls of the centre.
"People in this area had to go through a lot to get this community centre," he said.
"My predecessor Margaret McClenaghan had to do so much work in the council to secure the funding for the building and there were a lot of people who worked hard to get the place set up.
"It is a vital resource in this community and the community demands that this stops."
Councillor McCabe will be visiting local schools in the area once the new term starts to speak to the children and warn them about the dangers of their actions.
"These young people need to understand how much of an asset the community centre is to our whole community.
“I will be going into schools to tell children involved in this how much damage they are doing. They need to respect a resource that was fought so long and hard for."
MASKEY COMMENDS NORTH BELFAST BOXER ON OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL
North Belfast Sinn Féin Councillor Conor Maskey has commended the achievement this morning of boxer Ryan Burnett on winning a Gold Medal in the Youth Olympics in Singapore.
Burnett (18 years old), from the Newington area of North Belfast defeated his opponent Salman Alizida from Azerbaijan in the final with a 13-6 points score, becoming the first Irish boxer to win a gold in this the inaugural event.
Praising the success Councillor Conor Maskey said: "This is a wonderful achievement for young Ryan. He can quite proudly put his name up among some of Belfast's boxing history makers like Caldwell, Gilroy and more recently Paddy Barnes who resides in the same club and lives only a few streets away. His family and friends will be absolutely chuffed for him. A special mention should also be paid to his coach Gerry Storey who, once again, has produced a boxing star.
"Ryan's family quite rightly helped steer him on his path up until now and I will consult with them to see if they wish this achievement to be marked at a civic level through Belfast City Council."
Burnett (18 years old), from the Newington area of North Belfast defeated his opponent Salman Alizida from Azerbaijan in the final with a 13-6 points score, becoming the first Irish boxer to win a gold in this the inaugural event.
Praising the success Councillor Conor Maskey said: "This is a wonderful achievement for young Ryan. He can quite proudly put his name up among some of Belfast's boxing history makers like Caldwell, Gilroy and more recently Paddy Barnes who resides in the same club and lives only a few streets away. His family and friends will be absolutely chuffed for him. A special mention should also be paid to his coach Gerry Storey who, once again, has produced a boxing star.
"Ryan's family quite rightly helped steer him on his path up until now and I will consult with them to see if they wish this achievement to be marked at a civic level through Belfast City Council."
Councillor and residents call for park rebuild
The Ardoyne community is rallying round in support of a local Sinn Féin councillor lobbying Belfast City Council to rebuild a local children's play park which was forced to close after it was vandalised.
Councillor Gerard McCabe has met with the council's Parks and Leisure officials to call for the Pitch and Mitch park on the Ardoyne Road to be rebuilt. The formerly well-used park has been sitting empty for over a year after it was forced to close due to vandalism.
The local community is keen to see the park back up and running for the area's children and a public meeting was held in Ardoyne Community centre to talk about the way ahead for the park.
Councillor McCabe said the park needs regenerated as a much-needed resource for the area's kids who are restricted in places where they can play safely.
"Sinn Féin have been campaigning for many years regarding the inequalities of leisure facilities in North Belfast for our young people," he said.
"After I was approached by residents I began lobbying Belfast City Council and had a meeting with parks and leisure department. It was a very positive meeting and I got a good response from the council officers.
"I made them aware that the vandalism to the park is caused by only a small minority of antisocial elements who should not be taking away the kids' right to a play facility."
The council agreed that discussions be held at local level in respect of the Pitch and Mitch playground and that a series of options be considered in respect of the site which might include a reconstruction of a playground.
After the meeting a way forward was agreed by the councillor, residents and Belfast City Council.
"'It was a good and positive meeting and now the council will come out in September and start to draw up plans for the park to make sure the kids in the area get a great play facility."
Sinn Féin backs Antrim to Gaza aid mission
Councillor Conor Maskey has thrown his weight behind a man who is preparing to drive through 14 countries to deliver much needed aid to Gaza.
Fra Hughes has to raise £2500 before he can head off to the war torn region to help the thousands of families living in suffering. While his cash finding campaign gets underway Fra has been given the backing of North Belfast Sinn Féin who said they will do all they can to help him reach his goal.
Fra, who owns the Parkview Lodge bed and breakfast, will trek across 4000 miles in a van with two men he has never met before as part of the Antrim to Gaza mission.
He will join John Quinn and Padriag McShane from Ballycastle on the mission and the group will aim to leave Belfast in mid September and drive through England, France, Italy, Turkey and Egypt before making their way to Gaza. They will join a convoy of some 500 vehicles from around the world who will taking part in the huge aid mission.
After around three weeks of travelling in the van Fra and his colleagues hope to get through the border in Gaza and hand out their aid. They then hope to spend a few days in the region hearing stories about how people there are living before flying home from Egypt.
Councillor Conor Maskey said both his party and the people of North Belfast are behind Fra.
"We are politically backing Fra and his team and it is important that groups and individuals like Fra are carrying out good work so that the Palestinian people get the freedom and justice they deserve," he said.
"At the minute Gaza is just an open air prison and it is this type of activity coming from groups and people like Fra that keep the issue in people's consciousness."
Friday, 13 August 2010
Welcome for resolution to prison protest - Ní Chuilín
Sinn Féin Assembly member Caral NíChuilin has welcomed the ending of the protest in Roe House this evening after a deal was worked out between the Prison Administration and the prisoners.
Ní Chuilin said:
“In recent months along with other Sinn Féin representatives I have met the prisoners in Roe House, their families and the group representing them on the outside.
“I have also held many meetings with the Prison Administration and the Justice Minister. All along it was my firm view that if the necessary political will was demonstrated that the situation in Roe House could be resolved.
“Martin McGuinness raised the issue with David Ford again earlier this week.
“It is very welcome that the dialogue established between the prisoners and the Administration has resulted in an acceptable resolution. Prisoners need to be treated with dignity and respect. It is now important that the deal reached is implemented fully and in a spirit of good faith, and for our part as members of the Justice Committee we will continue to monitor the situation carefully.”
Ní Chuilin said:
“In recent months along with other Sinn Féin representatives I have met the prisoners in Roe House, their families and the group representing them on the outside.
“I have also held many meetings with the Prison Administration and the Justice Minister. All along it was my firm view that if the necessary political will was demonstrated that the situation in Roe House could be resolved.
“Martin McGuinness raised the issue with David Ford again earlier this week.
“It is very welcome that the dialogue established between the prisoners and the Administration has resulted in an acceptable resolution. Prisoners need to be treated with dignity and respect. It is now important that the deal reached is implemented fully and in a spirit of good faith, and for our part as members of the Justice Committee we will continue to monitor the situation carefully.”
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Progress on local and national fronts
By Gerry Kelly
As an activist now in government it is necessary at times to step back and gauge progress.
We become so engrossed in our day-to-day battles and campaigns that it is useful for us to take some time out to reflect on that progress, on our strategy for delivering the United Ireland of equals.
For instance, in recent weeks the opening of the final section of the Belfast to Dublin motorway was a clear demonstration of all-Ireland integration.
I could add the all-Ireland political infrastructure, which now includes DUP ministers willingly working with the rest of Ireland's ministers mapping out the way ahead across all departments.
Or perhaps the regional cancer centre in Derry which serves the needs of people from right across the North West of Ireland.
But as we face into yet another unwanted parade through Ardoyne this weekend the focus will be on those who continue to cling to the certainties of the past, rather than on those that take risks to embrace a future based on equality and respect.
Those elements that seek to undermine the peace process by exploiting the community of Crumlin Road/Ardoyne either by trying to assert dominance through marching against the will of the residents, or those militarists whose strategy is creating chaos in an attempt to spiral us back into conflict are an unrepresentative and isolated minority.
Sinn Féin continue to extend the invitation to dialogue to all these groups with the clear intent of finding resolutions. Last week we agreed to meet GARC at their request. They didn't turn up.
Sinn Féin did meet the North and West Parades Forum. While it was made clear that it was not a negotiation, it was a helpful initial meeting.
We made it clear that negotiations on parades must be conducted between those who democratically represent the residents affected, which in this case is CARA, (Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association) and those who wish to parade.
Meanwhile the work to build the peace continues. Progress has been made on the new Parades Bill, which will focus on contentious parades. When trades unions and others aired their fears during the consultation process that any legislation could be wrongly used to curtail other public meetings or protests, we moved to address those issues.
The public meetings section is to be removed from the draft bill. Thus we inch ahead brick-by-brick constructing government and laws fit for purpose. The Long Kesh site is now agreed, the DUP have moved forward on the Cohesion, Sharing and Integration (CSI) strategy, maybe not at the pace that we would like or to the extent that addresses everyone’s concerns, but this remains work in progress.
There is no shortcut to Sinn Féin's objectives to achieving equality. It's all hard work much of which goes unnoticed. This week we made progress on the long running campaign to return the Ardoyne play park, which was destroyed by anti-community individuals to a revamped facility for our young people. And sometimes it's as simple as that.
We have a mandate to improve peoples’ lives while advancing towards an Ireland of equals and that also includes all those opposed to our strategy.
Sinn Féin has set out our vision and our strategy for delivery. We have put that to the electorate and had it overwhelmingly endorsed.
We made it clear that negotiations on parades must be conducted between those who democratically represent the residents affected, which in this case is CARA, (Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association) and those who wish to parade.
The public demonstrations by the residents against, both the imposition of Orange marches and the wrecking of our community, is the real face of our people. So when the media focus on headlines constructed by those that can't deal with today's realities, remember what they offer, who they are and who they represent: themselves and no-one but themselves.
Let me finish on this: Dialogue with opponents is always difficult. Sometimes it appears useless but our own history shows that without it things generally get worse and never get better.
As an activist now in government it is necessary at times to step back and gauge progress.
We become so engrossed in our day-to-day battles and campaigns that it is useful for us to take some time out to reflect on that progress, on our strategy for delivering the United Ireland of equals.
For instance, in recent weeks the opening of the final section of the Belfast to Dublin motorway was a clear demonstration of all-Ireland integration.
I could add the all-Ireland political infrastructure, which now includes DUP ministers willingly working with the rest of Ireland's ministers mapping out the way ahead across all departments.
Or perhaps the regional cancer centre in Derry which serves the needs of people from right across the North West of Ireland.
But as we face into yet another unwanted parade through Ardoyne this weekend the focus will be on those who continue to cling to the certainties of the past, rather than on those that take risks to embrace a future based on equality and respect.
Those elements that seek to undermine the peace process by exploiting the community of Crumlin Road/Ardoyne either by trying to assert dominance through marching against the will of the residents, or those militarists whose strategy is creating chaos in an attempt to spiral us back into conflict are an unrepresentative and isolated minority.
Sinn Féin continue to extend the invitation to dialogue to all these groups with the clear intent of finding resolutions. Last week we agreed to meet GARC at their request. They didn't turn up.
Sinn Féin did meet the North and West Parades Forum. While it was made clear that it was not a negotiation, it was a helpful initial meeting.
We made it clear that negotiations on parades must be conducted between those who democratically represent the residents affected, which in this case is CARA, (Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association) and those who wish to parade.
Meanwhile the work to build the peace continues. Progress has been made on the new Parades Bill, which will focus on contentious parades. When trades unions and others aired their fears during the consultation process that any legislation could be wrongly used to curtail other public meetings or protests, we moved to address those issues.
The public meetings section is to be removed from the draft bill. Thus we inch ahead brick-by-brick constructing government and laws fit for purpose. The Long Kesh site is now agreed, the DUP have moved forward on the Cohesion, Sharing and Integration (CSI) strategy, maybe not at the pace that we would like or to the extent that addresses everyone’s concerns, but this remains work in progress.
There is no shortcut to Sinn Féin's objectives to achieving equality. It's all hard work much of which goes unnoticed. This week we made progress on the long running campaign to return the Ardoyne play park, which was destroyed by anti-community individuals to a revamped facility for our young people. And sometimes it's as simple as that.
We have a mandate to improve peoples’ lives while advancing towards an Ireland of equals and that also includes all those opposed to our strategy.
Sinn Féin has set out our vision and our strategy for delivery. We have put that to the electorate and had it overwhelmingly endorsed.
We made it clear that negotiations on parades must be conducted between those who democratically represent the residents affected, which in this case is CARA, (Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association) and those who wish to parade.
The public demonstrations by the residents against, both the imposition of Orange marches and the wrecking of our community, is the real face of our people. So when the media focus on headlines constructed by those that can't deal with today's realities, remember what they offer, who they are and who they represent: themselves and no-one but themselves.
Let me finish on this: Dialogue with opponents is always difficult. Sometimes it appears useless but our own history shows that without it things generally get worse and never get better.
Park facing closure after more vandalism
Local Sinn Féin councillor Tierna Cunningham has appealed for the end to vandalism at a childrens park in the Whitewell area amid fears it could face permanent closure after yet another attack.
Finlay Park on the lower Whitewell Road has been targeted by vandals on a regular basis over the last number of years with the kids play equipment continuously destroyed. It was closed a month ago to allow essential repair work to take place and the ground was retarmaced at the weekend.
However this week the thugs pulled down the fencing, broke into the park and set a climbing frame alight causing £15,000 worth of damage.
Now Belfast City Council, who have spent thousands of pounds and hundreds of man hours repairing the ongoing damage to the park, said they cannot keep replacing the park equipment because they only have a "finite budget".
Tierna Cunningham expressed her support for the council staff who have regularly worked on the park only to have it destroyed again.
"I'm making a direct appeal to the people taking part in the vandalism to stop,"she said,
"I appeal to the parents as well to make sure they know where their children are. This time last year we were here because the park was completely destroyed and now we are here again. It is history repeating itself.
'I just want to thank the council's park staff who have gone above and beyond their duty to fix the place up again and again. But as they say, how can they justify spending the money when it happens time and time again."
She added it is only a small minority of people involved in the vandalism but they are taking much needed resource away fro the area's children.
The majority of young people around her are fantastic but it is small minority who destroy it for everyone," she said.
"This area is short of resources for kids as it is without the only park in the area being taken away. This behaviour has to stop so we can save the park."
Finlay Park on the lower Whitewell Road has been targeted by vandals on a regular basis over the last number of years with the kids play equipment continuously destroyed. It was closed a month ago to allow essential repair work to take place and the ground was retarmaced at the weekend.
However this week the thugs pulled down the fencing, broke into the park and set a climbing frame alight causing £15,000 worth of damage.
Now Belfast City Council, who have spent thousands of pounds and hundreds of man hours repairing the ongoing damage to the park, said they cannot keep replacing the park equipment because they only have a "finite budget".
Tierna Cunningham expressed her support for the council staff who have regularly worked on the park only to have it destroyed again.
"I'm making a direct appeal to the people taking part in the vandalism to stop,"she said,
"I appeal to the parents as well to make sure they know where their children are. This time last year we were here because the park was completely destroyed and now we are here again. It is history repeating itself.
'I just want to thank the council's park staff who have gone above and beyond their duty to fix the place up again and again. But as they say, how can they justify spending the money when it happens time and time again."
She added it is only a small minority of people involved in the vandalism but they are taking much needed resource away fro the area's children.
The majority of young people around her are fantastic but it is small minority who destroy it for everyone," she said.
"This area is short of resources for kids as it is without the only park in the area being taken away. This behaviour has to stop so we can save the park."
Situation in Maghaberry can be resolved – Ní Chuilín
Sinn Féin north Belfast MLA and Justice Committee member Carál Ní Chuilín has today restated the party’s position that with the necessary political will the issues involving prisoners in Roe House can be resolved.
She said;
“Over the course of recent weeks a number of Sinn Féin representatives have visited prisoners in Maghaberry. We are actively seeking a resolution to the issues in the jail. It is important that prisoners rights are protected.
"Gerry Adams raised the issue directly with David Ford. We have also met with relatives of prisoners affected by the current regime in the prison.We are currently involved in an ongoing engagement with the Justice Department as we seek to ensure a speedy resolution of the problems in Maghaberry.
"It remains our view that with the right political will the outstanding issues can be resolved and a humane regime can quickly be put in place. People being held in prison have the right to be treated with respect and dignity”
She said;
“Over the course of recent weeks a number of Sinn Féin representatives have visited prisoners in Maghaberry. We are actively seeking a resolution to the issues in the jail. It is important that prisoners rights are protected.
"Gerry Adams raised the issue directly with David Ford. We have also met with relatives of prisoners affected by the current regime in the prison.We are currently involved in an ongoing engagement with the Justice Department as we seek to ensure a speedy resolution of the problems in Maghaberry.
"It remains our view that with the right political will the outstanding issues can be resolved and a humane regime can quickly be put in place. People being held in prison have the right to be treated with respect and dignity”
PSNI fail to decommission gun
Gerry Kelly has criticised the PSNI after a six hour delay in attending the scene where an illegal weapon was found led to the gun being back on the streets.
A local man was cutting the hedges of elderly relatives in the Bawnmore estate when he came across a gun hidden in the hedge however by the time the PSNI arrived six hours later the gun was gone.
Gerry Kelly said the delay by Newtownabbey police has led to a weapon unnecessarily back on the streets.
“This is hugely alarming. A gun is now back amongst the community because of police failure to attend to an emergency situation," he said.
"The weapon is now freely available and at the disposal of whoever removed it from the scene. As a direct result of their delay the gun is now in the wrong hands and who knows what damage it could do.
"There are serious questions that need to be answered here. Not least that the PSNI asking the man to handle the gun was extremely inappropriate and put his own safety at risk."
The Stormont minister is now making an official complaint to the Police Ombudsman to get answers on the PSNI involvement in the incident.
"I have written to the Police Ombudsman asking them to investigate the circumstances. We will also be contacting the PSNI at a senior level to ask for answers.”
A local man was cutting the hedges of elderly relatives in the Bawnmore estate when he came across a gun hidden in the hedge however by the time the PSNI arrived six hours later the gun was gone.
Gerry Kelly said the delay by Newtownabbey police has led to a weapon unnecessarily back on the streets.
“This is hugely alarming. A gun is now back amongst the community because of police failure to attend to an emergency situation," he said.
"The weapon is now freely available and at the disposal of whoever removed it from the scene. As a direct result of their delay the gun is now in the wrong hands and who knows what damage it could do.
"There are serious questions that need to be answered here. Not least that the PSNI asking the man to handle the gun was extremely inappropriate and put his own safety at risk."
The Stormont minister is now making an official complaint to the Police Ombudsman to get answers on the PSNI involvement in the incident.
"I have written to the Police Ombudsman asking them to investigate the circumstances. We will also be contacting the PSNI at a senior level to ask for answers.”
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