25 June 2009 Edition
Loyalist decommissioning confirmation expected
25 June 2009
GENERAL John de Chastelain is expected to confirm that a process of weapon decommissioning by unionist paramilitaries has begun. The process is believed to involve all the main loyalist organisations, including the UVF, the Red Hand Commando, the mainstream UDA, the breakaway south-east Antrim UDA and the LVF. Free article
Sinn Féin Ministers and Oireachtas members meeting
25 June 2009
Sinn Féin Ministers in the Executive were in Dublin on Wednesday to meet with the party's Oireachtas members to discuss the all-Ireland economic agenda. The party's Joint First Minister Martin McGuinness and Dáil Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin stated that measures to tackle the recession need to be undertaken bi-laterally by the administrations North and South and that economic recovery will require an all-Ireland approach. Free article
Call to disband PSNI Reserve
25 June 2009
PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde has announced that 299 of the 660-strong PSNI Reserve will be let go over the next 18 months but that the reserve will be retained for deployment on security duties such as guarding buildings. The retention of the reserve has been criticised by Sinn Féin Policing Board member Alex Maskey. Free article
Unionists challenged after attack on graves
25 June 2009
THE Republican Plot in Miltown cemetery in Belfast was desecrated on the night of Wednesday, 17 June. Racist and sectarian slogans, along with Combat 18 graffiti was daubed on the Republican Plot and a considerable amount of damage was done to the graves. The attack came in the aftermath of a series of racist attacks on Romanian families in the Belfast. Free article
Call for Ó Cuív to secure future of Foinse
25 June 2009
SPEAKING ahead of a Foras na Gaeilge meeting which was addressed by the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív, Sinn Féin Donegal Senator Pearse Doherty called on the Minister to step up and guarantee the future of the Irish language newspaper Foinse. The Senator has also called on the government to ensure that the Irish Language Strategic Plan 2028 be delivered throughout the 32 counties. Free article
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End funding of sectarian bonfires
25 June 2009
SINN FÉIN Antrim Borough Councillor Anne Marie Logue has stated that there needs to be an urgent review of Antrim Borough Council's policy and procedure surrounding funding for 12 July bonfires Logue said that evidence from last year highlighted that funding is being delivered to some groups who are placing sectarian symbols, Irish flags and effigies of the nationalist tradition on to their bonfires yet they continue to receive council monies because Antrim Borough Council refuses to make conditional funding on the basis of damage being done to good relations. Free article
Firefighters may ballot for strike
25 June 2009
Two thousand firefighters employed in the 26 Counties may ballot for industrial action after management failed to consult with their trade union representatives on a new committee that will oversee the sector. The Irish Government has established a new 'National Fire and Emergency Committee' to inquire into the operation of the fire service. The secretary of the SIPTU Firefighters' Committee, John Kidd, has said that members refuse to attend the new committee as they believe it will not address their safety concerns and there is a lack of public participation. Free article
Ó Snodaigh opposes renewal of Offences Against the State Act
25 June 2009
SINN FÉIN Justice Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has opposed the renewal of the Offences Against the State Act in the Dáil. Ó Snodaigh said no emergency exists that could possibly warrant what he described as the 'draconian measures' included in the Bill. He also criticised the use of British agents provocateurs to perpetuate conflict on the island. Free article
Doherty speaks at Hammersmith on British-Irish relations
25 June 2009
SINN FÉIN MP Pat Doherty addressed a well-attended meeting at London's Hammersmith Irish Centre on 17 June to speak as part of a series of lectures organised at the centre looking at the current and future relationship between Britain and Ireland. The West Tyrone MP drew particular attention to the party's initiative to open up a wide discussion on Irish reunification, which will see a major conference in Britain in early 2010. Free article