Díomá faoi seasamh McCausland ar Acht na Gaeilge

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

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

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

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

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

Adams pays tribute to Cumann Lúthchleas Gael

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

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

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

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

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

Adams warns British government

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

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

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

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

Speaking today in Toronto Adams said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speaking on the issue of Irish reunification Adams said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sinn Féin MP for North Belfast a real possibility

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

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

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

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

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

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

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