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As unemployment rose to an unprecedented level of 327,861 Fianna Fáil Taoiseach Brian Cowen announced a Government package on Wednesday that targeted public service workers but did nothing for job creation. An average of 1,000 workers per day lost their jobs in January 2009.

DERRY: Bloody Sunday commemoration

THOUSANDS of people turned out on Sunday to take the route of the original Civil Rights protest against internment without trial when 13 unarmed marchers were shot dead by the British Army's Parachute Regiment on 30 January 1972 in what became infamous around the world as Bloody Sunday and "Ireland's Sharpeville". A fourteenth victim died later of wounds. Thirty-seven years on, the families of the 14 victims are still fighting for justice and Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún told the rally at William Street - the spot where the parade was stopped by British Army paratroopers in 1972 - "justice delayed is justice denied".

Photo: • REMEMBRANCE: Children bearing the names of some of those killed on Bloody Sunday in Derry 1972

Workers' sit-in at Waterford Crystal

A SIT-IN by workers at the Waterford Crystal plant in County Waterford looks set to continue as progress fails to be made by the receiver of the company in securing their employment and pension entitlements as An Phoblacht goes to press. The workers began the protest last Friday after an announcement was made that the world-renowned crystal-making operation would be closed. Staff are seeking to have this decision overturned

Photo: HERE WE STAND: Occupying the visitors’ centre

EDUCATION IN THE NORTH: Sinn Féin minister acts

ON 2 February, the Sinn Féin Education Minister in the Six Counties, Caitríona Ruane, issued guidance to schools on post-primary transfer procedure in 2010. In the face of continuing opposition from unionist politicians in the Executive to Sinn Féin's proposals to phase out academic selection over a three-year period, Ruane says she must act now to provide clarity on transfer arrangements for children, parents and schools.

Photo: Caitríona Ruane

Senior republicans lift lid on so-called 'dissident' groups

SENIOR republicans are determined to 'lift the lid' on groups whose criminal activities are discrediting republicanism and creating a climate of fear and intimidation within communities. The criminal activities of micro groupings such as the INLA and others using names like Continuity IRA, the Real IRA, IRLA, Óglaigh na hÉireann, Saor Uladh and Saor Éire was condemned by Gerry Adams several weeks ago.

McCrea challenged to clarify relationship with loyalist murderer

DUP MP for South Antrim Willie McCrea has been challenged to set out in detail the extent and nature of his relationship with the notorious leader of a loyalist murder gang. The call by Sinn Féin MLA Mitchel McLaughlin call comes after it was revealed at the Wright Inquiry this week that McCrea held meetings with the then UVF leader in 1991 and 1992 at the height of Wright's sectarian murder campaign in Mid-Ulster.

Photo: LINKS: The DUP's Willie McCrea with LVF founder Billy Wright

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