By Carál Ní Chuilín
I note with concern the negative campaign being orchestrated by the group called STOP which seems intent on generating alarm and a volume of misinformation rather than resolution to the issue of contentious parades.
One of their conspiracy theories concludes that the proposed Public Assemblies Act is the ‘most draconian’ legislation in decades, and is a restrictive measure of the type which the civil rights movement came into existence to combat.
Provocative language makes no contribution to the search for a resolution to the parades issue and the right of citizens to live free from sectarian harassment.
I would have thought that the leaders of STOP would, through their experience possess enough political acumen to know the difference in ‘consultation’ which is an invitation to submit ideas, objections and criticisms and ‘legislation’ which is the final product which becomes the law.
Propaganda should never replace accuracy and facts if you wish to retain your integrity. The facts are that the consultation document invites submissions from any interested party, organisation or individual by 14th July and clearly states that it is only a draft.
Nothing is decided and will not be until all submissions are received and examined. All feedback and opinions to this consultation process are not just welcome but to be encouraged and valued.
The European Convention on Human Rights enshrines the right to assembly, and is the over-arching law that all domestic legislation will flow from and defers to. The draft bill will fully adhere to that. The proposed Bill enshrines the right to assembly, parade and protest.
Therefore those behind the STOP campaign are being extremely disingenuous in the claims that any final document could curtail rights.
In my view they are mistakenly claiming that new measures to deal with Orange parades will undermine legitimate protests against any Tory/Lib Dem cuts. I suggest that they would better serve the community by supporting the Sinn Féin call for a united front to oppose any attempted cuts to frontline services in the North.
Currently all organizers of public assemblies, processions and parades must notify the PSNI of their intention.
The suggested draft legislation moves this process to a new body (OPAPP).
A longer notification period, such as the proposed 37 day notice for parades, is something that residents groups, seeking to live free from sectarian harassment, have been calling for having identified the shorter notification, that is currently in place, as a deficiency in current parades legislation.
Once the new body has been notified of a planned parade it will then notify all the relevant bodies, groups and individuals. Late notification is allowed for, and assemblies organised at the last minute are allowed under the draft proposals.
No additional public order offences have been created. There are no new restrictions placed on the trade union movement by the new Draft Bill.
In fact Sinn Féin has met with representatives of the trades union movement in recent days to discuss the proposals with them. The legislation is designed to deal with contentious parades such as Orange Order parades.
Are STOP seriously suggesting that we leave parades up to the new Tory British Secretary of State?
I think that they would be better employed in directing their energies towards encouraging citizens to put forward submissions and assist in positively shaping the new way forward.
Friday, 28 May 2010
Kelly in Philippines to share negotiation experience
North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly met the Philippine government and warring rebel factions this week on a visit to the country, where he is sharing his experiences of the conflict and peace building in the North.
The Sinn Féin minister flew to the capital Manila on Sunday to deliver a lecture alongside figures such as the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Yusuf Kalla, the country's governor Irwandi Yusef and Nureldin Satti from the United Nations.
During the high profile visit the North Belfast MLA travelled to the rebel camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). MILF have been fighting for the establishment of an independent Islamic state in southern Philippines since 1981.
He also met with officials from the Philippine government including the country's current President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Kelly, who played a key role in negotiations with the British government before the ceasefires and Good Friday Agreement, said he is sharing his experiences with another country that is involved in peace talks.
"Obviously no two situations are the same and you can't match our own experiences with the Philippines," he said.
"But you can see what relevance they have to each other and how we can learn from both situations. Negotiations between MILF and the Philippine government broke down for a period recently, so talking about our own negotiations here in the North and how we worked through it can help."
Kelly also visited the MILF encampment to meet with the Islamic rebels.
"It is a huge camp with lots of personnel and their families all living on it. They are growing crops and have set up small shops on the site. Obviously it can be a dangerous place to visit and has been attacked before, but things are quiet at the minute because there is a ceasefire in place."
The Sinn Féin man is also set to deliver a lecture on negotiating this week.
"I will be talking about transparency and secrecy during negotiations and how it works. I will be telling them what worked in Ireland and how it could help their own situation.”
The Sinn Féin minister flew to the capital Manila on Sunday to deliver a lecture alongside figures such as the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Yusuf Kalla, the country's governor Irwandi Yusef and Nureldin Satti from the United Nations.
During the high profile visit the North Belfast MLA travelled to the rebel camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). MILF have been fighting for the establishment of an independent Islamic state in southern Philippines since 1981.
He also met with officials from the Philippine government including the country's current President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Kelly, who played a key role in negotiations with the British government before the ceasefires and Good Friday Agreement, said he is sharing his experiences with another country that is involved in peace talks.
"Obviously no two situations are the same and you can't match our own experiences with the Philippines," he said.
"But you can see what relevance they have to each other and how we can learn from both situations. Negotiations between MILF and the Philippine government broke down for a period recently, so talking about our own negotiations here in the North and how we worked through it can help."
Kelly also visited the MILF encampment to meet with the Islamic rebels.
"It is a huge camp with lots of personnel and their families all living on it. They are growing crops and have set up small shops on the site. Obviously it can be a dangerous place to visit and has been attacked before, but things are quiet at the minute because there is a ceasefire in place."
The Sinn Féin man is also set to deliver a lecture on negotiating this week.
"I will be talking about transparency and secrecy during negotiations and how it works. I will be telling them what worked in Ireland and how it could help their own situation.”
Councillor calls for end to graffiti vandalism
A North Belfast Sinn Féin councillor has condemned a graffiti attack on a local Orange Hall over the weekend.
The Orange Hall has been attacked a number of times in the past and has been the scene of sectarian tensions over the years as the local nationalist community have objected orange marches in their area.
Sinn Féin councillor for the area Tierna Cunningham condemned the attack.
"Graffiti of any nature is horrible and very unsightly," she said.
"Particularly at this time of year when tensions are heightening and this kind of graffiti isn't helpful. There have been a number of incidents of graffiti in the area over the past while and I would appeal for people to take pride in their community and stop."
The Orange Hall has been attacked a number of times in the past and has been the scene of sectarian tensions over the years as the local nationalist community have objected orange marches in their area.
Sinn Féin councillor for the area Tierna Cunningham condemned the attack.
"Graffiti of any nature is horrible and very unsightly," she said.
"Particularly at this time of year when tensions are heightening and this kind of graffiti isn't helpful. There have been a number of incidents of graffiti in the area over the past while and I would appeal for people to take pride in their community and stop."
Kelly praises McGimpsey intervention
Speaking today after the Belfast Trust intervened to fly home a North Belfast man from Spain after life saving treatment, fellow Executive Minister Gerry Kelly said:
"The case of Paddy Herron has touched the hearts of us all as he was struck down with a brain tumor whilst on his honeymoon in Spain. We had lobbied the Health minister to intervene to pay for an air ambulance to bring Paddy home after his insurance company refused to meet the cost."
"The brilliant campaign by Paddy's family to fund raise and lobby to have Paddy returned home has now paid off and the Belfast trust are to fly Paddy home at the start of next week. I want to commend Michael McGimpsey for his efforts on behalf of our constituent and I am glad that common sense has prevailed"
“Hopefully now we can get Paddy home and continue the recovery process along with his family."
"The case of Paddy Herron has touched the hearts of us all as he was struck down with a brain tumor whilst on his honeymoon in Spain. We had lobbied the Health minister to intervene to pay for an air ambulance to bring Paddy home after his insurance company refused to meet the cost."
"The brilliant campaign by Paddy's family to fund raise and lobby to have Paddy returned home has now paid off and the Belfast trust are to fly Paddy home at the start of next week. I want to commend Michael McGimpsey for his efforts on behalf of our constituent and I am glad that common sense has prevailed"
“Hopefully now we can get Paddy home and continue the recovery process along with his family."
De Brún asks EU Ministers to make older people's rights a priority
Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún today met with Joan Harbison, the Older People's Advocate and Irene Kingston, the AGE Platform Europe representative to discuss issues on ageing and intergenerational solidarity.
Among the topics under discussion was the issue of a European Union directive on equal access for goods and services, specifically insurance products, for older people.
Ms de Brún said "The draft directive on equal treatment in access to goods and services is still being blocked by some member states. It is essential in the interests of non-discrimination that this directive is adopted."
"In advance of a key meeting of Employment, Social Policy, Health and Social Affairs Ministers on 7-8 June, we need to let the governments know how such a directive would help tackle such problem as upper age limits for access to finance or insurance, health services or education.
"Some countries are questioning the relevance of such directive, and the more the governments show their support for it the better.This is vital to combat age-related and other discrimination, not only here at home but right across the EU"
Among the topics under discussion was the issue of a European Union directive on equal access for goods and services, specifically insurance products, for older people.
Ms de Brún said "The draft directive on equal treatment in access to goods and services is still being blocked by some member states. It is essential in the interests of non-discrimination that this directive is adopted."
"In advance of a key meeting of Employment, Social Policy, Health and Social Affairs Ministers on 7-8 June, we need to let the governments know how such a directive would help tackle such problem as upper age limits for access to finance or insurance, health services or education.
"Some countries are questioning the relevance of such directive, and the more the governments show their support for it the better.This is vital to combat age-related and other discrimination, not only here at home but right across the EU"
Councillor and residents to continue fight
Pineview resident and Sinn Féin councillor Tierna Cunningham said although locals are angry and disappointed that plans to build 28 apartments close to their homes have been given the go ahead, they are not giving up the fight against the plans.
Residents of Pineview on the upper Whitewell Road are up in arms over a developer's plan to build four apartment blocks, which will make up 28 apartments on the wood at Pineview. The wooded area links Pineview and the Antrim Road and is one of the few green spaces left in the area.
"Obviously as a local councillor and resident I am very disappointed," said Tierna.
"There were numerous objections from residents and an objection from Belfast City Council but the Planning Service still went ahead and approved it. It is most disappointing.
"As a group of residents we will continue to challenge these plans as much as we can."
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Sinn Féin welcomes North Belfast housing announcement and congratulates residents work
Sinn Féin MLA for north Belfast and member of the DSD spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín has welcomed the announcement that the Long Streets, Parkside and Victoria Gardens areas of North Belfast is to receive a £38million pound redevelopment and has paid particular attention to the residents who have campaigned tirelessly to see that this scheme was delivered.
Speaking today Ní Chuilín said:
“This announcement is to be welcomed and is long overdue. I have to congratulate the residents who have been persistent in their demands for better and adequate housing and have campaigned tirelessly to achieve this over the past year while living in substandard conditions.
“However I do have to say that it is with a measure of contempt that the Minister has shown in ignoring the democratically elected representatives of the local housing and residents groups who have been to the fore in this campaign in the fact that the residents had to find out about this announcement through a highly visible media event despite their continued and indeed recent requests for a meeting with Margaret Ritchie.
“The housing shortage in North Belfast remains at crisis point and whilst this is a step forward it actually will do little to tackle the stark inequality of the waiting lists where three quarters of those in need in north Belfast are nationalist.”
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