Bliain Úr Faoi Mhaise daoibh uilig ó Shinn Féin Thuaisceart Bhéal Feirste

Pipe bomb places New Lodge residents at risk

North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín, has slammed those who have left a device in Stratheden Street in the New Lodge area stating that they have placed local residents at risk.

“Whoever is behind this device needs to seriously consider their actions. They have placed local residents at risk, and two days before Christmas in sub zero temperatures have forced 50 families to leave their homes,” said Ní Chuilín.

“Whatever the reason behind this it is simply wrong. There is no justification and these actions are not wanted in this community.

“I am calling on whoever is responsible for this to come forward and explain the ridiculous rationale behind what they have done to this community. Further to this they need to bring these futile actions to an end.”

SDLP vote against communities in most need - McCabe

Speaking after he demanded an emergency meeting of the group campaigning for a leisure facility on the Bone Hills, Sinn Féin Councillor Gerard McCabe has hit out at the SDLP for again joining with the DUP’s anti-equality agenda in the City Hall.
The councillor’s comments came after the SDLP voted against need being the primary factor for leisure funding.

“The SDLP's decision once again to side with the back woodsmen of the DUP Council group and vote against equality is utterly disgraceful,” said McCabe.

“Sinn Féin is battling tooth and nail for leisure services to be allocated on the basis of need. Nowhere is that need more acute than North Belfast. Nationalists cannot safely access the four major leisure centre’s surrounding this area, Ballysillan, Shankill, Grove and Valley. Years of Unionist discrimination meant a sectarian carve up when those facilities were built.

“Honestly I'm gutted by their decision. The SDLP should hang their heads in shame for opposing Sinn Féin's campaign to prioritise need when leisure resources are divided up.
“This decision by the SDLP will severely damage the prospect of getting a local leisure facility for our young people.
“All our good work has been set back years by this anti-equality vote. When challenged at Monday's campaign group's emergency meeting SDLP Councillor Nichola Mallon couldn't explain how she had done a total u-turn.
“The SDLP are on record supporting prioritising need in this campaign, yet when it came to the City Hall vote the SDLP councillors completely buckled and sided with the DUP.

“However, even at this late stage it's not too late for the SDLP to reverse their position. They did so previously when the community strongly challenged them after they voted with the DUP against changing rooms for children at the Cricky Pitch.

“I don't know how SDLP councillors can face this community when they refuse to prioritise areas like Ardoyne and the Bone in greatest need. With unionism, it's a sectarian agenda, but with the SDLP it's just in total opposition to the needs of the community and that beggars belief,” said the republican represenative.

No vote no voice

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has called on students returning home for the Christmas and New Year holidays to make sure they are on the electoral register.
“I would encourage any student who thinks that they may not be on the electoral register to contact their local electoral office and check if they are registered to vote,” said Ní Chuilín.

“There have been problems encountered in the past for students trying to get forms signed and returned once they leave home particularly if they are going to universities in Scotland or England.
“Students who are away from home on a three-year course can also apply for a postal or proxy vote for the duration of their studies. I think this year more than ever, as we face into a winter of savage Tory cuts especially in higher education, that it’s important our students have a voice and have a vote.

“We have very serious concerns that there are thousands of young people across the North that could be disenfranchised because they are not on the register so it's vital they do not lose their democratic right to vote and now take this opportunity to get registered.” 




To check if you are listed on the Register you can contact the Electoral Office on 0800 4320 712. The registration form is available in a range of languages, including Irish, on the registration page of the Electoral Office website at www.eoni.org.uk.





Kelly joins Sinn Féin activists clearing snow

Gerry Kelly, has joined teams of Sinn Féin activists in clearing and gritting paths of snow in North Belfast including Ardoyne and Newington.

Speaking from outside the Ardoyne shops where the team was well under way in clearing a path to the local shops, chapels and folds Kelly said:

“I want to thank all of the people who have come out in sub zero temperatures to help clear pathways in front of areas where local people would be most affected both here in Ardoyne and in Newington.

“We have cleared and gritted the pathway in front of Ardoyne shops and have a team of volunteers who are also clearing the path to the local Holy Cross and Sacred Heart chapels in advance of Sunday services.

“We have also cleared the path at the nearby Fold in order to give the elderly living there access to and from their homes.

“On Friday as the snow began to fall our office, through our Councillors had contacted the Roads Service and requested grit to be left in several areas in advance and this delivery really has made all the difference.

“This truly is a community effort with all ages turning up to help. I would like to take this opportunity to remind people at these times to check on elderly neighbours to see if they need any help or just a bit of company as many are housebound due to the snow.”

Local MLAs in Christmas visit to older citizens

Residents of Camberwell Court off the Limestone Road welcomed Sinn Féin MLAs Gerry Kelly and Carál Ní Chuilín to their fold this week to talk about the problems and issues facing the North's elderly population. The visit came after the Stormont Assembly agreed last week to legislate for an Older People's Commissioner.
Gerry Kelly said speaking to the Camberwell Court residents added to his determination to see the commissioner implemented fully.

"It's vital that older people have a voice at the heart of government and we are here today to clearly spell out how the new Older People’s Commissioner will do just that," said the Sinn Féin junior minister.

"The commissioner will give older people a role in making decisions that will directly affect their lives. Aging is a key issue for the community and involving older people in shaping government policy is vital.”
During the visit the two MLAs and local councillor Conor Maskey handed over gifts to the elderly residents.

"We try as often as possible to get around these older peoples dwellings and Christmas seems to be a good time. We are always warmly welcomed and having worked on the issue of the Commissioner personally I'm delighted to bring this Christmas present here," said Gerry Kelly.

"I am also calling for everyone to make an extra special effort looking out for your older neighbours during the freeze and over the Christmas holidays. A few minutes of your time can make all the difference to someone that is isolated or house bound. Finally ensure you have all your benefits sorted and don't go cold unnecessarily."

De Brún urges MEPs to stop EU funding to Israeli Military

Bairbre de Brún MEP has today urged her colleagues in the European Parliament to vote to end the European Union's funding towards Israeli companies which engage in military activities while Israel continues to break international human rights law.

An amendment by Ms de Brún put forward to the EU's budget, which was co-signed by 40 Members of the European Parliament from different countries and political groups states, "No company which conducts research for the Israeli military will receive funding under this title while Israel fails to comply with international human rights standards."

Speaking from Strasbourg Ms de Brún said "Part of this funding, which is administered under the heading of 'Directly financed research operations' continues to go towards companies such as Israel Aerospace Industries, a major supplier of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and manufacturer of the ‘Heron’ unmanned aerial vehicle which was used extensively in the siege on Gaza. They receive EUR 4 million of EU funding"

"We must make sure, that while Israel ignores international human rights law, the EU sets an example and gives no money to companies which engage in either military research or the production of weapons."

De Brún calls for stronger Climate Change targets

Bairbre de Brún MEP spoke this week during a debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on the need to build on what was agreed at the UN climate talks in Cancún at the weekend.

Ms de Brún who was part of the European Parliament's official delegation at the United Nations Climate change talks said,

"What has been agreed so far is welcome, but we should not fool ourselves; there is a long way to go yet to achieve the legally binding global deal that will really tackle the challenge of climate change.

"The progress made at COP16 was vital, but we cannot rest on our laurels. Cancún should inspire us to work towards targets that are much firmer and clearer and, most importantly, that are legally binding.

" Europe must lead the way in terms of emissions reductions targets and transparency on climate financing.

" We must work together with both industrialised and developing countries for a more 'solid' deal in South Africa next year.”

Derelict building a hazard and nuisance - Lavery

North Belfast Sinn Féin Councillor Danny Lavery has warned young people a life could be lost unless they stay away from a derelict building in which they are taking drugs and lighting fires.

Lavery said youths are gathering at the site of the former North Belfast Employment Centre on Oldpark Terrace and are making lives a misery for local residents.
"The young people are creeping in through a gap in the fence, sniffing glue and lighting fires and generally involving themselves in antisocial behaviour and it has to stop. By setting fires someone could get killed or seriously hurt.

"They have to stop going into the site now before real damage is done. The site is sitting derelict and is no longer in use, however whoever owns it still needs to do their bit to ensure it is secure and intruders cannot get in.
“I am trying to find the owner of the site - because it isn’t the Department of Employment and Learning - to see if it can be secured,” said Lavery.

De Brún calls for stronger Climate Change targets

Bairbre de Brún MEP spoke today during a debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on the need to build on what was agreed at the UN climate talks in Cancún at the weekend.

Ms de Brún who was part of the European Parliament's official delegation at the United Nations Climate change talks said,

"What has been agreed so far is welcome, but we should not fool ourselves; there is a long way to go yet to achieve the legally binding global deal that will really tackle the challenge of climate change.

"The progress made at COP16 was vital, but we cannot rest on our laurels. Cancún should inspire us to work towards targets that are much firmer and clearer and, most importantly, that are legally binding.

" Europe must lead the way in terms of emissions reductions targets and transparency on climate financing.

" We must work together with both industrialised and developing countries for a more 'solid' deal in South Africa next year.”

In defence of our public sector

BY Gerry Kelly
In the current climate it seems to be the order of the day for some commentators to casually dismiss the public sector as wasteful and ripe for sweeping cuts. However, as I walked freezing up Ardoyne Road in this 'current climate' very early on Saturday morning, I was amazed by the many care-workers out and about tramping through the snow.

Perhaps it's the extremes of weather or the run up to Christmas that draws our particular attention to those who toil away quietly tending to our most vulnerable. Snow, darkness, freezing fog, icy footpaths and punishing workloads are the norm. Yet every time I turn on my car radio all I hear is the public sector under attack.
As an MLA I deal daily with constituents most distressing experiences when the public sector has let them down. That's the nature of political life, consistently helping to tackle failings in the system and ensuring they are put right as we strive for the delivery of first class services.

However I want to take this opportunity to praise the dedication of our public sector workers. They shouldn't only get the headlines when something goes wrong. Nurses, public transport workers, teachers, cleaners, fire and rescue workers, porters, home-helps, council workers etc.
The list is huge and these are the glue, along with the community and voluntary sector, that hold society together.

I'm sure you have heard countless times of the little acts of kindness people have received above and beyond the call of duty from public sector workers on the front line under extreme pressure. Be it a kind word, a cup of tea or a quick message. For many older people this can be the difference between life and death and the only personal contact they receive from one day to the next.

Not to mention the daily work done while taking verbal and physical abuse, tending to the bereaved or putting life and limb on the line. Is anyone seriously suggesting this is a wasteful area ripe for sweeping cuts?
Sinn Féin have set out our stall to defend front line services. Nowhere is this more important than deprived areas of North Belfast. The Mater Hospital alone is our biggest employer and a massive community resource, which needs to be cherished and defended by us all.

The morale of public sector workers across Ireland is at a very low point as they are forced to pay the bill for the rampant unregulated greed of the free marketeers.
Those of us old enough to remember the last time this savage Tory agenda was common currency will recall their obsession with the price of everything and the value of nothing. For many of our workers the public sector is a vocation not just a job.

Encouraging jobs and growth in private industry must be complementary to investing in our public sector. Be in no doubt this is a battle of ideologies. The Tory's and their local political cohorts intend to use this recession to bring in a raft of anti-worker policies that in more normal circumstances they wouldn't try.
It's building communities verses ‘get on your bike’. It's rights verses charity. Its society verses the cult of individualism. In the current Assembly negotiations to produce a budget, Sinn Féin will be strongly defending workers on the front line.

Stealing Christmas presents from disabled children beggars belief - Lavery

Sinn Féin’s Danny Lavery said he was “utterly disgusted” at a break-in where wrapped Christmas presents which were to be given to severely disabled children at their festive party next week have been stolen.

The presents for the children, some of whom are life limited, were just part of a haul taken from the 174 Trust at Duncairn Avenue at the weekend. A wheelchair valued at £600 and specially adapted computer equipment was also taken in the Saturday night/Sunday morning theft.
The weekend raid was the second break-in at the centre in less than a week and the sixth time in two months that the charity has been the target of anti-social behaviour.

“To steal Christmas presents that were gathered for these disabled children at this community centre beggars belief,” said Danny.

“I'm appealing to anyone that has any knowledge of this break in to come forward. There's little point appealing to the thieves but if anyone is offered stolen toys it's not too late to rescue Christmas for these children.”

He said North Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly met the PSNI at a senior level last week to hold them to account for their poor record in North Belfast on burglaries.
“We are demanding swift action and a sharp policing focus to arrest these gangs and bring them before the courts. We all must rally around community workers in this facility who are doing such great work and ensure the burglars are caught.”

Police are appealing to anyone who has information in relation to this incident to contact them on 0845 600 8000. Information about crime can also be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Grit box needed for Glengormley

Local Sinn Féin activist Gerry O’Reilly said it is essential that a grit box is put in place near Farmley Shopping Centre where the cold spell have made it nearly impossible for pedestrians to walk on the footpath.
“I have been speaking to several people who have been complaining about the state of the footpaths in Glengormley,” said Gerry.

“It is like an ice-rink and I have received a lot of reports of people slipping and falling. There are no grit boxes in the near vicinity and I am calling on the Roads Service to put a grit box here before someone gets badly hurt.”

He also expressed a concern that people were forced to walk on the road to avoid the footpath. “This is quite alarming and is causing another hazard. People need to be aware of the dangers of ice on the footpath, particularly the elderly and young families,” he said.

£1million for centenaries not inclusive

North Belfast Sinn Féin Councillor Conor Maskey said the decision to £1million of ratepayers money on commemorating centenary events in 2012 without firm knowledge on how it will be spent was ‘not inclusive’ as a similar level of funding may not be forthcoming for other events.

The SDLP voted along with Unionists to spend the £1m on events such as Belfast city centenary and the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.

“We completely disagree with the SDLP that the unionist parties in Belfast City Council have some new sense of appreciation of Irish culture and history and it is because of this vote that we are determined to ring fence monies for important centenaries around core principles which everyone can agree,” said Conor.

Sinn Féin councilors abstained from the voting and said the cost and range of events for 2012 hadn’t been agreed and that the SDLP were blindly following the DUP.

Excellent speech by Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty on the 26-county budget

Cut and paste RTE link below

http://www.rte.ie/news/av/2010/1207/media-2867737.html

Ní Chuilín comments after north Belfast power shortage

Sinn Féin MLA for north Belfast Carál Ní Chuilín has commended community workers and NIE Staff after a major power shortage affected homes across the constituency.

“As a result of this evening’s power cut at one stage almost 1300 homes were left without power. Given the adverse weather this is obviously a cause of great concern particularly for families and elderly people,” said Ní Chuilín.

“I want to commend and thank the efforts put in by NIE workers to restore power to the effected homes and pay tribute to north Belfast community worker Malachy Mulgrew for taking to the streets to assist the effected residents.”

Make a Stand! Protest the cuts and bank bailout

By Sam Baker, West Belfast Sinn Féin chairperson

People across the island - and across the world - are stunned at the brazen actions this week of the Fianna Fáil/Green coalition in Dublin in signing away the state to the IMF and the European Central Bank.

A government with no mandate and no political authority has signed a deal that amounts to economic treason. It condemns this and future generations of Irish people to economic bondage for many years to come. And this is being done not to address the state's deficit problem - but to shore up a corrupt banking system and protect international financial gamblers.

The crisis in the south is unprecedented. People have been infuriated by the actions of this government over the past three years. They want change.

The landslide result in the Donegal South West by-election on November 25, which Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty won with almost 40% of the vote, shows that people are responding to our message of a better, fairer way. Sinn Féin is the only voice in the Dáil that is breaking the consensus for cuts.
Gerry Adams's announcement that he will seek election to the Dáil in the General Election has also energized and raised the profile of the Sinn Féin alternative.
And the massive rally in Dublin on Saturday - where more than 100,000 people protested the bank bailout and cuts in one of the biggest protests in the state's history - shows that people are prepared to fight for change.

It is important for the West Belfast community to stay informed and aware of the travesty that is unfolding in the south. It is important that we recognise the implications that this has not just for communities in the south but for the entire Irish nation. And it is important that we stand with the people suffering the impact of this attack and fight for an all-Ireland alternative.
We all need to stand up and be counted. West Belfast Sinn Féin is urging the local community to join the national mobilisation in Dublin against this government's budget and its failed economic and political policies. Make a stand!

* Sinn Féin National Mobilisation: Make a Stand - There is a Better Way. Saturday December 4, 1.30pm at Parnell Square, Dublin. Main speaker: Gerry Adams. Free buses from Belfast (Colin, Falls Road, Andersonstown and Ballymurphy), leaving at 11am. Phone Connolly House on 02890 808 404 to book a spot on the bus

Full story: http://www.westbelfastsinnfein.com/news/18216

Trade union and Rural Women hosted in Brussels by de Brún

Sinn Féin MEP, Bairbre de Brún will this week put a focus on gender equality issues and the role played by women in rural development when she hosts a 25 strong joint delegation from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the north's Rural Women's Network to the European Parliament in Brussels.

The women activists will tomorrow (Wednesday) meet with officials from the European Commission and the European Congress of Trade Unions on a range of issues including funding opportunities for transnational programmes as well as the dire consequences for public services across Ireland if budgets are cut. Speaking in advance of tomorrow's (Wednesday) meetings, Ms de Brún said:

"I am delighted to have been able to make this visit possible.

"The 25 strong women's delegation from Ireland will focus on the need to advance the gender equality agenda across the European Union in tackling the deep economic crisis that we now face.

"Women are playing a leading role, especially in rural communities, in attempting to build vibrant local communities and economies where people are not forced to emigrate in search of work, where transport links are improved and where there is access to proper public services such as health.

"The message being delivered in Brussels this week by women activists from across Ireland is that now more than ever we must move toward a more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable economic system."

Women POWs mark 30 years since 1980 Hunger Strike

Upwards of 25 Republican Ex-Prisoners returned to Armagh Women’s Gaol to mark the 30th Anniversary of the 1980 Hunger Strike.

Women from across the Six Counties reunited today to mark this historic event in Republican history. They will be joined by former Armagh Chaplain Fr Raymond Murray and Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew.

Speaking afterwards former Hunger Striker Mary Doyle said;

“This is obviously an emotional time for Republicans the length and breath of Ireland and beyond as we mark 30 years since the 1980/81 Hunger Strikes.

It was a very humbling experience for the women POWs, who were imprisoned at the time, to come together here today and mark this important occasion.
When political status was withdrawn from republican prisoners in 1976, republican women in Armagh Prison reacted with a work strike and other acts of resistance. Punishment included strip searches, raids, beatings and the loss of educational opportunities and remission.

In February 1980 the prison administration attacked the women political prisoners, assaulting them and withdrawing toilet facilities forcing the women to embark on a no-wash protest; in response we were locked in our cells for 23 hours a day as punishment.

After seven Comrades in Long Kesh embarked on a hunger strike on October 27, 1980, they were joined by myself, Mairéad Nugent and Mairéad Farrell on December 1.

We felt it vitally important to return here today to remember those times and the journey we have travelled on since then and to take the opportunity to remember those comrades and friends who took a stand during the darkest days of struggle and are no longer here with us.”

Prospects for Cancún and beyond' Bairbre de Brún MEP

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún will this week be travelling to Cancún as part of the European Parliament's official delegation to the United Nations Climate Summit, which takes place from November 29 to December 10.

Sinn Féin and its partners in the European United Left/Nordic Green Left have campaigned strongly within the EU for a strong, legally binding global climate treaty that is based on science; that recognises the differing obligations between developing and industrialised countries; and that provides adequate levels of assistance to developing countries for adaptation and mitigation.

The MEP will be speaking at a seminar on the climate summit in Belfast, hosted by South Belfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, before departing for the conference.

James Orr from Friends of the Earth and Gary McFarlane from Stop Climate Chaos will also speak at the seminar.

Speaking in advance of Friday's seminar, Ms de Brún said: "I will work with environmental NGOs and local communities to keep up the pressure for an ambitious climate deal that really counts for the world's poor."

"I look forward to discussing the steps that we need to take now in the Assembly, in the EU and in the wider international community.....

"The global economic crisis cannot and must not be used as an excuse for inaction or for denying climate justice. On the contrary, developing a low-carbon economy is our most promising path out of the present crisis."

The seminar will be held at 11.30am on Friday December 3 in the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast (registration at 11am). All welcome. RSVP to Conor Keenan at Alex Maskey MLA's office on conor.keenan@sinn-fein.ie or on 02890 243 194.