The more votes we have the more change we can make – Gerry Kelly

BY Gerry Kelly
The election battle has begun (just in case you hadn’t noticed). So why should people support Sinn Féin as opposed to a plethora of other parties?

Sinn Féin are the only all Ireland party in the race. We are just out of a very successful election in the 26 counties where we more than tripled our representation from the previous general election to 14 TDs.

In the six counties we have completed a first full term of a government since the late 60s. Sinn Féin is at the heart and leadership of it.

Not only have we brought the DUP into power sharing arrangements but they have crossed the line into all-Ireland institutions. They have also signed up to a programme for government underpinned by an equality agenda which impacts on every assembly department, unionist or otherwise.

Sinn Féin has relegated discrimination under the old Stormont regime and unaccountable British ministers to the history books.

Okay, some might say what has the assembly and executive achieved under Sinn Fein’s stewardship?
Well, amongst other things we have wrested policing and justice powers from London to make it accountable locally.

·We have consolidated the peace process.
·Rates per household are 47 per cent lower on average than in Britain,
·Put £22.5 million out to vulnerable households in winter hardship payments.
·Since 2007 created more and better jobs and secured almost £2.6 billion investment commitments with investments from America like NYSE, CITI, Dow chemicals, TERX, Universal and HBO.
·Free travel for all over 60s - there have been some 5.5 million journeys undertaken.
·Free prescriptions and no additional water charges
·Put £500 million into school estate; social investment fund of £80 million over the next four years for disadvantaged communities
·Social protection fund for vulnerable individuals and families with £20 million in year one with similar amounts to follow.

Sinn Féin is a party that works on every level but especially keeps itself grounded. All elected reps only take a percentage of their wage equivalent to the average industrial wage so that we continue to be aware and experience the lifestyle of a large section of working people and to reinvest in serving the community.

We are for reducing MLAs salaries and expenses by 15 per cent, abolishing additional re numeration for committee chairs and vice chairs, abolishing unnecessary quangos and ending the use of highly paid external consultants.

We are for harmonizing taxation across the Island and cutting replication of administration.
We believe in building the economy and private sector while protecting front line services in the public sector.

We are working for the small to medium sized businesses that make up over 95 per cent of all businesses here.
Sinn Féin has an all-Ireland vision. We want a United Ireland based on equality. We are closer to that goal than at any other time in our history. To achieve it we need strong political representation, North and South. The more votes we have the more change we can make.

All politics is local and North Belfast leads from the front in equality. We have 12 candidates running in the assembly and council elections on the 5th May, six women and six men. We have worked for and achieved gender balance in elections going back to 1988.
Make your vote count. Be an active part of our struggle.

Planning law changes may not affect decisions on dormer windows

Sinn Féin Councillor Danny Lavery has warned local people not to get their hopes up after the environment minister announced he is to relax planning laws from next month.
Danny said the dozens of homeowners across North Belfast who were told they could build dormer windows without planning permission are unlikely to be given a reprieve in the new announcement.

He said he is dealing with a number of local people who were told they could install dormer windows without planning permission and are now at odds with planning law.

“The relaxing of the law has to be welcomed, but I would urge people not to get their hopes up,” said Danny.

“This latest announcement does not include retrospective applications, which means that those who already have them will not be automatically given permission.
“It is also likely to mean that dormer windows at the side of a house will be ok but those at the front will not. Many householders will still be left in the same position,” said the Sinn Féin representative.

Sinn Féin is at the cutting edge of breaking generations of discrimination – Ní Chuilín

Sinn Féin’s North Belfast team are leading the way on equality by standing six men and six women in the forthcoming elections in May.
Sinn Féin officially launched their campaign in the area this week and are confident they can feed on their success in last month’s elections in the South when they more than trebled their number of seats.

“Standing six women and six men in May’s elections is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the full range of equality battles,” said MLA Carál Ní Chuilín.
“From housing and regeneration to leisure and safer communities, North Belfast Sinn Féin is at the cutting edge of breaking generations of discrimination.

“Of course we are very positive after significant advances in the recent Dáil elections. We are confident of our record in North Belfast, in the Assembly and the City Council and our vision for the way forward.”
However Carál added that Sinn Féin will be fighting for every vote.

“Even our critics would concede that Sinn Féin are both hard working and very determined. However, we won't be taking one single vote for granted.
“Increasing our representation is key to advancing our programme of leadership across Ireland.

“It's about making people's lives better today as we set out our clear vision for the Ireland we are shaping for tomorrow.
“We are all up for the election campaign in the weeks ahead and this is the strongest team we have ever put forward.”

Along with Carál Ní Chuilín, Gerry Kelly will be running for the Assembly along with a third candidate, JJ Magee.

The party will also be running three candidates in Newtownabbey - Gerry O'Reilly, Marie Mackessy and Mary Gillen - for the Council elections on the same day.
For Belfast City Council Sinn Féin are putting forward Danny Lavery, Conor Maskey, Gerry McCabe, Mary Clarke, Tierna Cunningham and Mary Ellen Campbell.

Disadvantaged communities will welcome additional funding from the Executive

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly has welcomed the news that the £80 million Social Development Fund is to be rolled out across some of the most deprived areas in the Six Counties.

“This is indeed welcome news for some of the north’s most socio-economically deprived communities; I have no doubt those people working tirelessly on the ground will welcome today’s announcement,” said Gerry.

“The Executive set itself an objective of targeting disadvantage and supporting those most vulnerable within our community; this additional £80 million is about tackling that same disadvantage, about tackling dereliction and about tackling directly the effects that poverty and other disadvantage has on our people, not least issues around mental health, physical wellbeing, access to training and employment etc.

“This news should be welcomed by all of those who make prioritising working class and disadvantaged communities their benchmark.”

Local councilors raise roof extensions issue with minister

Sinn Féin Councillors Danny Lavery and Gerard McCabe have raised the issue of local roof extensions with the Minister for the Environment at the Assembly.

The meeting follows a number of North Belfast residents being served with enforcement notices by the Planning Service due to extensions on their homes.

Many residents didn’t apply for or were not granted planning permission and therefore
Planning Service often takes action against the “unauthorised developments”.
Danny Lavery said he raised the issue of cowboy builders, who he says are advising residents that planning permission is not required.

“These are the ones who should be made to pay, not the people who live in the area,” said Danny.

“Extensions can cost around £10,000 and £8,000 is being sought to return the home to its former state leaving people out of pocket in difficult economic times. He said the Minister Edwin Poots wasn’t able to give any guarantees but would look into the matter.”

Don't silence yourself - get registered

Sinn Féin is urging everyone of eligible voting age to ensure that they are in a position to exercise their right to vote in the Assembly and Council Elections being held on Thursday 5th May and in the Referendum being held on the same day.

“I would urge everyone who will be 18 or over on the Thursday 5th May to ensure that they are in a position to exercise their democratic right to vote in the Assembly and local council elections being held on this day,” said MLA Gerry Kelly.

“Firstly, everyone should ensure that they are on the Electoral Register. The cut off date to register is 14th April.

“Secondly, everyone should ensure that they have one of the following forms of photographic ID:

• An official Electoral Office issued ID card
• An Irish or British passport
• A North of Ireland or British Driving Licence with your photograph
• A passport of any other EU member state
• A Translink 60+ Smart Pass
• A Translink Senior Smart-Pass
• A Translink Blind Person’s Smart-Pass
• A Translink War Disabled Smart-Pass

“Thirdly, if you are: housebound due to illness; a student away at University: working away from home during weekdays; or away on holiday on May 5th you are entitled to apply for what is termed as an ABSENT POSTAL or PROXY vote. The deadline to apply for an Absent Vote is 11th of April.

"Electoral Registration forms/Electoral ID and/or postal/proxy registration forms can be downloaded from the Electoral Office Website: www.electoralofficeni.gov.uk. Alternatively these same forms can be secured from the local Sinn Féin office at Teach Carney 90740817.”

Wrong call on phone mast in New Lodge

New Lodge councilor Conor Maskey has backed residents of Henry Street in the New Lodge who are fighting the proposed erection of a mobile phone mast near their homes.

Last week residents gathered at the site of the proposed mast on Henry Street, near the junction of Earl Close, in protest at the Vodafone and O2 mast.
Residents fear the mast could encourage anti-social behaviour with youths using it as a meeting point. They say they are also concerned about levels of radiation emitted from the base station.

“Henry Street and Earl Close are densely populated streets and there are obvious worries in relation to health implications and creating a gathering points for youths,” said the Sinn Féin Councillor.

Maskey welcomes Alexandra Park funds

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor Maskey said a steering group set up to oversee the regeneration of Alexandra Park have secured funding of £49,000 towards its ambitious plans to make the facility more accessible to all communities.

The plans include seating, picnic tables and a woodland walk in the lower section of the park, a nature trail path clearance and seating area at Alexandra Park Avenue.
Conor said the project will provide much needed facilities for both sections of the local community.

“It will provide young people and other residents with the opportunity to become actively involved in the regeneration of their local park thereby promoting involvement and enhancing ownership and pride in our local park,” said Conor.

Representatives from Newington, Parkside and Castleton Residents Association have been working alongside representatives from Tigers Bay, Mountcollyer, Camberwell Terrace, Alexandra Park Avenue and Dunmore estate over the past 18 months through the steering group.

“The consultation has identified the need for the project and ongoing meetings have prioritised that need,” said Conor, who is a member of the Parks Steering Group

The group secured £49,792 worth of funding through the Alpha Programme which is managed by community regeneration group Groundwork NI.
A further £50,000 towards the plans will come from through the EU’s Peace III programme Reconciling Communities Through Regeneration (RCTR).

Regeneration of the local area was key in tackling redundancies - Gerry Kelly

Gerry Kelly said regeneration of the local area was key in tackling the redundancy figures following the release of statistics that show North Belfast had the third highest rate of redundancy in the north last year.

The latest statistics released by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment yesterday (Wednesday) show in the period between January 2010 and January 2011, the north of the city saw 190 confirmed redundancies, third only to South Belfast’s 391 and East Belfast’s 351.

However, compared to the previous 12-month period, North Belfast actually showed a decrease in redundancies, with the figure of 190 down from 272 the year before.

The figures for the whole of the north for the period showed a total of 2,168 redundancies, down from 4,592 the year before.

“North Belfast has been at the top of multiple deprivation indicies for generations and regeneration is the key to tackling this inequality,” said the North Belfast MLA.

“This harsh economic environment, coupled with Tory cuts of £4 billion to the budget will hit the poorest hardest.

“It’s essential we grow the business opportunities across Ireland and counter the strategy of slashing the hard pressed public sector. What we have must be targeted to protect the vulnerable and invest in growth.”

Gerry added this week’s announcements regarding ASDA’s pull-out of its proposed store on the Hillview Road and the political row surrounding the Girdwood barracks was evidence not enough was currently being done to challenge the redundancy figures.

“Front-line services such as the Mater Hospital, which is North Belfast’s biggest employer, must be supported and developed, along with the University of Ulster expansion at York Street.

“Controversy over ASDA and Girdwood clearly show many barriers must be overcome to avail of regeneration opportunities, and that needs political leadership.

“Unfortunately, some remain in the past and are vetoing progress to protect narrow political interest. Sadly, it’s the whole community that suffers from that regressive agenda.”

Kelly and Maskey meet Matt Baggott following his comments on McGurk’s bombing

Sinn Féin MLA’s Gerry Kelly and Alex Maskey met with PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott on his comments after the release of the Police Ombudsman’s report into the investigation into the McGurks Bombing Massacre.

“Matt Baggott’s comments following the release of the Ombudsman’s report, which identified investigative bias into the original RUC investigation of the McGurks Bar Massacre were unacceptable and deeply hurtful to the McGurks survivors and families of those killed,” said Gerry Kelly after the meeting.

“PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott had the unprecedented opportunity to bring some closure to the families with the findings of the Ombudsman’s Report; instead he rejected it, causing deep hurt not only to the families involved but also to the wider community.

“At the meeting with the Chief Constable we emphasised that it’s still not too late for him to show we are in a new departure in terms of policing. We urged him to engage with the families and to publicly admit the trauma hurt and wrongdoing inflicted upon the survivors of the McGurk’s and relatives of those who lost their lives.”

North Belfast community must know when Girdwood housing will be built – Gerry Kelly

“I welcome the announcement that 200 social and affordable homes are to be built on the former Girdwood military site,” said Gerry Kelly.

“However, this is a repeat of an announcement made by Margaret Ritchie a considerable time ago, when she was DSD Minister. What people languishing on the housing waiting list in north Belfast really want to know, after eight years, is when exactly will construction on this site begin and finish.

“The steering group for the regeneration of this site, which included the DUP, published a mission statement which put housing as a core requirement, alongside leisure, education and health facilities.

“It is unfortunate that the DUP later reneged on this mission statement.

“If Alex Attwood is not simply electioneering then we need to know when exactly the housing development at Girdwood will begin and be completed.”

DUP reaction to Girdwood housing plans sectarian – Carál Ní Chuilín

Sinn Féin’s Carál Ní Chuilín said the DUP’s reaction to this week’s announcement that 200 social homes are to be built in a nationalist area in North Belfast has brought the party’s sectarianism into full view.

“The DUP veto on equality must be faced down,” said Carál.
“They are blocking all aspects of regeneration for the whole North Belfast community rather than have one single home for a nationalist on Girdwood.”
She also challenged Alex Attwood to follow through on his plans for Girdwood.

“Let me be crystal clear about Sinn Féin's position. We have campaigned for eight years for 200 social and affordable homes on this site and they should be allocated on the basis of need. If Alex Attwood is serious about joining the battle for equality we will back him 100 per cent.”

ASDA engaged in Bully Boy Tactics says Kelly

Gerry Kelly has slammed ASDA's bully boy tactics as they announced they are pulling out of a proposed North Belfast development when their drinks licence was rejected. The Sinn Fein MLA said;

"Pulling out of a huge development because they couldn't sell cheap drink is simply bully boy tactics by ASDA." said Gerry.

This proposal would have regenerated the surrounding deprived communities providing local jobs, local investment and food shopping within walking distance for the community of Ardoyne and the Crumlin Road.

ASDA's aggressive marketing strategy is imposing a one size fits all model and it's take it or leave it for our community.
The courts rejection of ASDA's application for a drinks licence must be respected.

ASDA's treatment of local people is contemptible at a time when we are making every effort to deal with alcohol sales in a responsible, community orientated way."

Change to Antrim Road parking rules would be boost for business and shoppers – JJ Magee

Sinn Féin's JJ Magee said a review by the Department for Regional Development on the potential relaxation of urban clearway restrictions on the Antrim Road is a “real boost for business and shoppers”.

After pressure from local Sinn Féin representatives, DRD minister Conor Murphy has agreed to begin a consultation process to see how a relaxation of the laws would affect the local community.

Currently motorists cannot park on the sections of the Antrim Road between 4.30pm and 6pm and local traders say it is affecting their businesses.

Traders say it would be more beneficial for shoppers if the urban clearway rules were applied only to city-bound traffic in the mornings and country-bound traffic in the evenings.

“We wrote to the Minister urging that the clearways be reviewed to aid access to local shops and facilities,” said JJ Magee.

“The introduction of bus lanes means that parking restrictions are no longer required according to business owners. So this targeted review should bring the same benefits to Antrim Road traders as it did in other comparable parts of Belfast.

“The consultation will give residents and traders alike the opportunity to have their voice heard and I’m encouraging people to take part.”

Local people must reclaim Whitewell park

Sinn Féin councillor Mary Ellen Campbell said Finlay Park in the Whitewell area must be reclaimed by local people.

A meeting of residents was held to discuss the park, which is on the verge of closure due to vandals destroying the play equipment.

The park has been targeted by vandals on a regular basis over the last number of years by vandals who have been destroying the kids play area. The equipment was destroyed a number of times last year with Belfast City Council being forced to pay to repair the damaged and arsoned play facilities.

The council is now understood to be contemplating not repairing the equipment again because of the repeated vandalism every time it is repaired. Over the past few years thousands of pounds have been spent replacing the play facilities.

"With leisure resources in North Belfast at a premium it's essential the community publicly reclaims Finlay Park,” said Mary Ellen.
“Recent vandalism has caused thousands of pounds of damage to the family play area putting its future in doubt.

“We have pressed the PSNI to act and confiscate drink from the gangs drinking in the park. We are also working with the council to save this community facility. It's vital residents stand up and ensure Whitewell is a safe family-friendly environment.

“The vast majority of our young people are a credit to the community and shouldn't be tarnished by these few individuals wrecking our park."

Sinn Féin representative Tierna Cunningham said by following the example set by other areas the park can be reclaimed.
“The example of residents’ actions in Ardoyne and the New Lodge with The Pitch and Mitch and North Queens Street Park can help secure Finlay Park’s future,” she said.

Focus on Glengormley

Gerry Kelly said this week that the regeneration of Glengormley is a key priority for Sinn Féin.



The North Belfast MLA was speaking during a walkabout in the area with party colleague and Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy.

A Sinn Féin delegation including Gerry Kelly accompanied his Assembly Executive colleague Conor Murphy on a walk about of Glengormley.

"Regenerating Glengormley is a key priority for Sinn Fein,” said Gerry.
“After a series of meetings with local people including traders, we invited Conor to view for himself the problems confronting Glengormley.

“Transport links, parking and traffic flow were just some of the difficulties we focused on today.
“Glengormely has seen a population surge in recent years. However the infrastructure hasn't kept pace. Breaking down the barriers to regeneration is vital and today's focus on the area will go some way to giving Glengormley the priority it certainly deserves."

Local Sinn Féin activist Gerry O'Reilly said that Newtownabbey Council has been one of the worst examples of partizan politics in the north and that having two Executive Ministers here today is significant.
“There's a stark contrast between the equality protections in the Assembly and the uncontrolled sectarianism of unionist controlled councils like Newtownabbey." said O'Reilly.

Bad policing to be challenged

Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry McCabe said he will be meeting with the PSNI in the coming days to discuss their actions during a disturbance in Ardoyne last week.

McCabe said attempts to relate this incident to the funeral of IRA Volunteer Peter ‘Skeet’ Hamilton earlier that day are simply mischievous.

“The blame for this drunken brawl lies squarely with those involved. Responsible community activists acted to calm an easily managed situation and were abused by PSNI officers who over reacted.

“We will be tackling this unacceptable behaviour using the accountability mechanisms of the Police Ombudsman's office. We will also be meeting local PSNI chiefs on behalf of our constituents clearly challenging any examples of bad policing."

Two former republican prisoners who were sprayed with CS gas after they tried to intervene during the disturbance are to make a complaint to the Police Ombudsman.

Ardoyne Women's Group get top chef tips on International Women's Day

Renown celebrity chef from the New Lodge Danny Millar was back in North Belfast this week to help a local women’s group celebrate International Women’s Day - and to rustle up a few pancakes for Shrove Tuesday.

Danny was the guest of Ardoyne Women’s Group as they launched their Strategic Three Year Plan at Ardoyne Community Centre on what was the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.

North Belfast’s only female MLA, Carál Ní Chuilín and party activist Mary Clarke joined Danny, head chef at Balloo House restaurant in Comber, as the women’s group set out their objectives for the coming years.

Danny, who was born and raised in the New Lodge, paid tribute to the group and the work they do while Sally Smyth, project co-ordinator with the group, said she was delighted that both Danny and Carál were able to join them.
Carál Ní Chuilín said the services that organisations like Ardoyne Women’s Group provides are essential.

“Although they are based in Ardoyne they work across North Belfast and they have lobbied quite heavily to get resources for women across the area,” said the Sinn Féin MLA who said women have always been at the heart of the community in North Belfast and always will be.

“In North Belfast there is the history of conflict that women came through. They were and are carers and survivors and with projects like this they are moving on and I am more than happy to support that.”

Ardoyne Women’s Group are based at Ardoyne Community Centre and can be contacted on 02890 743536 or ardoynewomensgroup@hotmail.com.

Bombscare pranksters need to wise up - McCabe

Oldpark councillor Gerry McCabe called on those responsible for planting a deliberate hoax device and causing disruption to the community in Ardoyne to ‘wise up’.

A controlled explosion was carried out on the object that was taped to a lamppost on Jamaica Road yesterday morning.

Dozens of residents were evacuated but they were able to return to their homes yesterday afternoon after police declared the object, which is believed to be baked bean cans taped together, a hoax.

“This prank is totally unacceptable because of the disruption caused to residents in Jamaica Road,” said Gerry.

“There are a lot of elderly people and young families living in this area and the last thing they need is to be put out of their homes because of a prank. I would call on the people who done this to wise up because it could very easily have been members of their own family that they are disrupting.”

A sloppy mistake says Kelly

Gerry Kelly has dismissed the SDLP's description of Irish electoral registration leaflets being in a foreign language, as rather funny.
"I suppose the SDLP are cringing at their description of Irish as a foreign language.

I'm sure it was a sloppy mistake which they wish they could take back. However it isn't exactly out of sync with recent remarks from Margaret Ritchie about not interfering in Irish politics," said Gerry.

"There must have been some red SDLP faces as they gathered in Belfast this week to stoop before British Royals. The SDLP are a party in search of an identity.

"Their current strategy of attacking Sinn Féin and getting into bed with the UUP/Torys will baffle most nationalists who want to see a united front on all equality campaigns.
First it was the oath to the British Queen now Irish is a foreign language, dear oh dear, a Freudian mistake perhaps?"

Concerns for Royal Exchange project are another SDLP distraction - Ní Chuilín

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín, has stated that the concerns raised by Alex Attwood into the delay of the Royal Exchange project are a distraction to the SDLP’s failure to endorse the budget.

“Alex Attwood is attempting to distract in any way he can from the SDLP’s failure to endorse the budget by utilising any argument he can. He flags up irrational fears about a delay to this project while stating that the project will still go ahead in the same statement. His concerns for the Royal Exchange project are clearly being exaggerated to suit," said the member of the Social Development Committee at the Assembly.

“In reality this project has been moved back by only one year, a project which his party leader, Margaret Ritchie, as Social Development Minister, wanted to scrap and move the money into social housing.

“Sinn Féin as a party saw the merits of this project, stood up for it then and protected this vital regeneration scheme. We remain committed to this project.

“What Alex Attwood is not stating is that the money which has been re-allocated has been moved to meet the short fall within health and education. Is he now saying that he disagrees with this approach and would rather see these two key areas suffer as a result?

“The SDLP have been negative for negative sake on this budget and this is another glaring example of that approach.”

Peter ‘Skeet’ Hamilton

Republicans all over Ireland were saddened to learn of the death on Friday 25 February of IRA Volunteer Peter ‘Skeet’ Hamilton in County Louth.

Peter joined the the ranks of the Third Battalion’s ‘A’ Company in early 1971 at the age of 17 in his home area of Ardoyne. During the course of the struggle Peter spent more than 20 years in British jails.

He enjoyed only a few months of freedom after his first spell in prison between 1971 and 1975, before spending more than 17 years in jail from 1975 until his release in the early 1990s.

During his time in prison Peter was one of the Republican prisoners who fought hand to hand with the British army during the burning of Long Kesh.
Peter was a determined volunteer who was much admired by his comrades both inside and outside the prisons.

He attempted to escape on at least three occasions, once from a Belfast Courthouse and twice with local Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly, including the Great Escape from the H-Blocks in 1983.

Peter reported back to active service with the IRA despite his long spells of imprisonment and had to leave his home again in 1994 after escaping arrest in Ardoyne.
He moved to Dundalk in County Louth and immediately became a well known figure in the town, earning the respect and affection of his comrades.

Peter worked until shortly before his death at the ex-prisoners’ centre in Dundalk, Fáilte Abhaile which provides support and care for former Republican prisoners in the border area.

Last year he campaigned for his old friend and comrade Gerry Kelly in the Westminster elections and on the morning of his death he was one of the first people in County Louth to cast his vote for Gerry Adams.
North Belfast Sinn Féin offers its condolences to Peter’s grieving family and we will carry a more complete obituary in our next edition.
Óglach den scoith ab ea é.

Sudden death of respected Whitewell Republican

Tributes have been paid to a committed Whitewell republican Jim Gillen who died suddenly in late February after suffering a heart attack.

The former republican POW was well known in the Greencastle/Whitewell area. His daughter Mary is preparing to stand for Sinn Féin in the upcoming council elections and the father of three and grandfather of six recently became a great grandfather.

Chair of the local Sinn Féin cumann Conor Cunningham paid tribute to the 66-year-old who, he said, was at the forefront of republican activity in the area.

“Jim was a very valued and respected member of the cumann. He was active in the 1970s and 1980s and was instrumental when the area became a target for loyalism in bringing people together and organising,” he said.

“Everyone looked up to him. I was actually on my way to see him on Tuesday night when his daughter called with the news, it is a very sad day. He will be greatly missed.”

Former councillor in the area Tierna Cunningham said the respected great grandfather will be sadly missed.

“Jim was an inspiration to me personally, someone who I admired and respected for his dedication to our struggle. Jim was a republican activist from before I was born, and right up until he died he was at the forefront, providing energy and driving forward Republican politics,” she said.

“Jim had a great political analysis. He was extremely proud of his history as an IRA volunteer and former POW and he brought that proud tradition into his work as a party activist.

“His point of view carried authority, we all respected Jim and listened to what he had to say. He was such a character too, brilliant company always up for a bit of craic. I can still see him now marching up the road with his stick and aul’ Sanchez in tow.

“Very recently he was filled with great pride as his daughter Mary had been selected to stand as a candidate for Sinn Féin in the upcoming elections.

“He was looking forward to getting out on the campaign trail to support her.

“We will miss him greatly, all our thoughts and prayers are with Gillen family at this time.”

Jim Gillen was buried in Our Lady’s Acre cemetery at Longlands after Requiem Mass in St Mary’s Church, Greencastle. Thug sé a raibh aige ar son saoirse na hÉireann.

Building an Ireland of Equals

By Carál Ní Chuilín
There's no doubt in my mind that Sinn Féin's performance in last week’s 26-County election was highly significant.

More than trebling our representation from the previous general election was remarkable. But like every other milestone, typical of Irish Republicans, it's banked, and our sights are set on the next objective on the road to Irish Unity.

That is the nature of building an All Ireland strategy based on core republican principles of equality. Sinn Féin is now the second largest party across Ireland. We are committed to using that mandate to challenge the politics of exclusion, be that for the vulnerable who never even saw the benefits of the Celtic Tiger in the south, or in the north those that still battle daily for social justice in education, housing and jobs.

Unfortunately the new Fine Gael/Labour coalition appears committed to implementing the anti-worker policies of the previous administration.
Sinn Féin will be an effective and radical opposition to that with such a strong team. Gains across Ireland will enable us to extend our representation.

Sinn Féin's 14 TD’s, like our MLA’s in the North will be getting an industrial wage as using our resources to build campaigns for equality is the key to breaking the mold.

Political power for Irish Republicans is about change. The greater the political strength the quicker those necessary changes can be made. We set out a positive, clear vision for the way forward and that message was supported and we will treat that mandate with respect.

This week 30 years ago Bobby Sands began his hunger strike. For many of my generation that period was the defining point in modern republicanism. On May 5th it will be 30 years since Bobby died. It will also be Election Day in the North. I'm no different from any of my neighbours; I get frustrated at the pace of change.

However, if the results of last week’s election teach us anything, it's that through hard work and building communities and equality campaigns, we will deliver our political objectives.

In North Belfast just as across Ireland we will be standing on our track record of dedication and hard work. We will be presenting our vision for the way ahead based on challenging inequality and improving people's daily lives.

We will not be taking one single vote for granted. But be assured, if you are a pensioner that can't afford to heat your home - a student facing huge debt to be educated - a family stuck on the housing waiting list for years - or having your benefit slashed to force you into jobs that don't exist, Sinn Féin will always be your voice in every elected chamber in Ireland.

On your watch

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has slammed the failed North Belfast housing policy.
The party’s Social Development spokesperson hit out at housing chiefs and the SDLP Minister after alarming figures disclosed that up to 95-per-cent of the North Belfast waiting list will be Nationalist by 2012.
“These figures are alarming and totally disgraceful,” said carál.

“The SDLP have abolished vital equality protections on their watch, resulting in this deepening crisis.
Gerry Kelly and I are meeting top Housing Executive chiefs this week to ask where are the houses?

“We will be challenging them strongly, on behalf of this community. The SDLP are quick to wrap themselves in the politics of civil rights and speak the language of equality. However, when it comes to delivery their record in the Social Development Ministry is pitiful.

“The fact that up to 95-per-cent of people waiting for homes will be nationalist by 2012 is abject failure in anyone's language," said Sinn Fein MLA

Campaigning for Ardoyne

Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry McCabe has brought the Ardoyne community's campaign to the heart of government. Sport, evictions and youth services were raised by the delegation with the DSD Minister on Monday
"Ardoyne's voice needs heard at every opportunity and I raised threatened evictions, youth funding and sports facilities with the DSD Minister," said the Ardoyne councillor.
"Sinn Féin have been campaigning for local tenants under threat of eviction due to property companies going bust and I took this chance to put it on the minister’s table.
“The Bone Hills leisure proposal was also raised along with concerns about short term funding from the SDLP Minister for long term youth projects," said Gerry.
"While it is vital to continue to press home the concerns of Ardoyne people I'm not convinced we heard the answers we needed from Alex Attwood. However we will engage positively with government to advance every equality battle."

Praise for Newington residents

Sinn Fein's Mary Clarke has welcomed builders in Newington pledge to secure sites after hours.
"Children are climbing up scaffolding into building sites and are at risk of serious injury,” said Mary.
“This site in Newington needs secured after hours as children will naturally explore and aren't aware of the dangers involved.
“I fully support the work of the Newington Residents to have this site secured and am appealing to local parents to keep children away from building sites.
“These homes are much needed by this community and it’s essential building work is completed safely.
“Damage is also being caused to the site by vandalism and securing the area is in everyone's interest.
“The pledge to secure this site is welcome and praise must go to local people for ensuring children are kept safe," said the Sinn Féin spokesperson.

Leaders must lead – Lavery

After the latest attack on a Fire Crew in North Belfast. Sinn Féin's Danny Lavery said it is important we defend our workers.
“Yet again Fire Crews have been attacked as they came to the rescue of our community,” said Danny.
“Every single time this happens leaders must lead from the front. I'm publicly challenging those responsible that your reckless, mindless actions could cause someone’s death, it's as stark and as dangerous as that.
“This community is 100-per-cent behind our Fire Crews and we are showing that here today in the face of this latest disgusting attack.
“Be it workers injured or fire engines damaged, just stop and think, it could easily be your own family who's life is being put at risk." said the Sinn Féin Councillor.