10 March 2005 Edition

Collusion protest at British Embassy

10 March 2005

Upwards of 300 republican protestors held a protest outside the British Embassy in Dublin during the Ard Fheis weekend. Free article

Government slammed for undelivered health promises

10 March 2005

The government's failure to provide a quality health service for all was the dominant theme of this year's health, special needs and childcare debate. Opening the session, Sinn Féin Dáil group leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD said that tax paying workers deserve an equitable and efficient delivery of health services, but that the Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney disagreed. Free article

Party politics cause a stir

10 March 2005

The debate around Party Development proved one of the most interesting at this year's Ard Fheis, and this can be seen in the number of motions actually lost in the section. Delegates queued patiently, as one by one they argued points on elections, potential coalitions, Ard Fheis organisation, internal education, party officials, terminology and An Phoblacht. Free article

Housing Minister should be sacked for incompetence

10 March 2005

The necessity for increased provision of social housing was a theme of many speakers during the housing section of this year's Ard Fheis. This comes as no surprise when you consider the fact that in the 26 Counties alone, there are 48,000 families on social housing waiting lists. The fact that housing is a key campaigning issue for Sinn Féin was evident from the wide array of housing issues covered in the clár including social housing, affordable housing, ground rents, house prices and the private rented sector. Free article

Smoke and mirrors minister under fire in justice debate

10 March 2005

The man leaving a bad taste in everybody's mouths last weekend, Michael McDowell, featured prominently in the debate on justice, community and drugs. Free article

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Ard Fheis rejects EU Constitution - By Eoin O'Broin

10 March 2005

"I want to begin by sending out international solidarity greetings to all those who strive for freedom, justice and peace around the world and to those who continue to suffer oppression and marginalisation - Sinn Féin stands with you." With these words, Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald opened the 2005 Ard Fheis section on EU, Neutrality and International Affairs. Free article

Warm welcome for Wurtz

10 March 2005

Following the votes in this section, Mitchel McLaughlin introduced the guest speaker, President of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) group in the European Parliament, Francis Wurtz. Free article

Ard Fheis rejects private public partnerships

10 March 2005

The Ard Fheis opened with resolutions on the Economy and Communications. Delegates endorsed a number of important resolutions, including Sinn Féin's opposition to public private partnerships and to the privatisation of essential services. Free article

Agriculture needs all-Ireland approach

10 March 2005

Michelle Gildernew led off the debate on agriculture, rural development, tourism and transport, and there were many resolutions to discuss on each of these hugely important issues. The session began with agriculture and rural development, which are interdependent. Free article

Education is a right

10 March 2005

Introducing the debate on Education, Dublin TD Seán Crowe focused on the issues of disadvantage and of the need for investment in special needs education He acknowledged that recent years have seen additional resources put in place. "They are most welcome, if long overdue and insufficient," he said. Free article


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