Commenting in the Dáil last week on the confirmed cases of Foot and Mouth in County Louth, Cavan/Monaghan Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: Free article

A special presentation night to honour two long-serving members of Sinn Féin took place in Belturbet, County Cavan on 23 March. Kathleen Bogue of Bridge, Street, Belturbet and Bridie Cassidy of Castlesaunderson, Belturbet, were honoured by a capacity crowd. The presentation ceremony was chaired by Sinn Féin Belturbet Town Commissioner Benny Henry, who introduced the Leas-Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Charlie Boylan. Free article

``Nothing is a better indication of this government's approach to equality than their treatment of disabled people,'' says Mark Crosbie, a taxi driver from Cabra. He is instantly likeable, full of enthusiasm, the type of guy you know if you fell down in the street would be there to pick you up. Mark drives a wheelchair accessible taxi. Free article

John Dwyer, recently chosen as a Sinn Féin candidate for Wexford, suffered a vicious attack outside his house on Tuesday, at the hands of two young men probably ``high as kites'' who seemingly have connections with local criinal gangs. Free article

Kerry Sinn Féin County Councillor Martin Ferris this week said it is crucial that the new Statoil oil rig exploration due to begin off the Kerry coast in May ``brings jobs to Irish-based workers and benefits to the Irish people as a whole, not just to the oil company''. Free article

A Southwest-based Fishermen's organisation has warned Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources Frank Fahy of ``Impending loss of life at sea if he does not consider their request of the introduction of safety days.'' Free article

Last week, Dublin City Corporation gathered to discuss the city's new housing strategy, due to be launched for public consultation during the coming weeks. Free article

The Irish Business and Employers Confederation stated on Monday that the 2% pay increase due to be paid to over half a million workers in the 26 Counties on 1 April is ``not automatic''. The statement drew an angry reaction from trade unionists, who said that failure to pay would signal the end of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. Free article

Miguel Lluco, the first indigenous MP in Ecuador, who has been invited to speak at this year's Latin America Week, failed to arrive as planned on Sunday 25 March, at Dublin Airport. He was due to address the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Oireachtas this Wednesday, and several TDs were interested in meeting with him. Free article

A family resource centre to cater for the social needs of the Monaghan town areas of Mullaghmatt and Cortolvin was launched on 23 March with the turning of the first sod by Cavan/Monaghan Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin. The facility will cater for childcare, training, adult education, advisory and community support services. Free article