Other News

On foot of Amnesty International's latest report, Undermining Global Security: the European Union's arms exports, An Phoblacht looks at the lax legislation that allows states, businesses and brokers to cash in on conflict and death around the world. Two weeks ago, we looked at Spain's military, security and police training package with Colombia, the sale of German rifles to the repressive Nepalese security forces and the British exports to China.

Council round-up

- Councils split on democracy The four new Sinn Féin elected councillors on Donegal County Council made history at their first council meeting, when they successfully challenged Fianna Fáil's 14 elected councillors, along with two Blaneyite 'Independents'. In a council of 29 members, these 16 had combined in a pact to monopolise all 180 council positions to be filled at the council AGM, and dictate council business.

Cormac

8 July 2004

NEWS IN BRIEF

Seven-year delay for Irish TV funds - East Derry MLA Francie Brolly said last Thursday that the delay in getting the resources from the £12 million fund for Irish language television and radio programming was a result of willful incompetence. The commitment to fund Irish programmes was made in 1998, however it will be 2005 before the allocated money is made available.

Parliamentary Question over band's UVF links

A loyalist band based in the Monkstown area on the outskirts of North Belfast is at the centre of controversy over its links with the UVF. The band, which was photographed last Thursday 1 July carrying loyalist paramilitary flags at a Somme commemoration march in East Belfast, is to be the subject of a Parliamentary Question at Westminster.

Anger as Parades Commission allows Ardoyne 12th parade

The Parades Commission has come under fire for allowing an Orange Parade to pass along the Crumlin Road and past the Ardoyne Shops in North Belfast next Monday 12 July.

Attack Roundup

A roundup of sectarian attacks in the past week. • A 25-year-old Catholic employee of Belfast's Mater Hospital has been told by the PSNI that he is under threat of death from loyalists. • A group of students, returning home from a night out in Derry city centre, were set upon by a loyalist gang armed with sticks. • North Antrim Sinn Féin Councillor Oliver McMullan is accusing Independent Unionist Councillor Jack McKee of "going out of his way to justify the unionist paramilitary threat" made by loyalists against a Larne woman. • A Catholic pensioner escaped serious injury after a loyalist gang hurled a rock through the bedroom window of her Newry home.

Taoiseach confirms Government did not ask for full status

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has described as "disgraceful" the Taoiseach's confirmation during Questions in the Dáil today that the government had not sought full official and working status for the Irish language during its EU presidency.

SF Deputy Mayor in Clones

• Clones Town Council elected Sinn Féin Councillor Debbie Moore as Leas Meara Bhaile (Deputy Mayor) at its recent AGM. Moore was first elected onto the council in 1994 and has since proven herself an able and efficient public representative. She played a key role in ensuring the party's increased representation from three to four seats on the nine-member council in the June local elections.

More British delaying tactics on inquiries

Sinn Féin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin on Monday described the postponement by the British of inquiries into the killings of Rosemary Nelson, Robert Hamill and Billy Wright as "just the latest delaying tactic".

Dublin remembers Jackie Griffith

Members of the Volunteer Hugh Hehir/Lisa Bell Republican Flute Band lead the annual Volunteer Jackie Griffith commemoration from Ringsend to the junction of Merrion Square and Harcourt Street, where the unarmed Griffith was shot dead off his bicycle by the Special Branch in 1943. Speaking at the commemoration, local Sinn Féin Councillor Daithí Doolan called on the British Government to fully reengage with the Peace Process.

Rain fails to dampen Pride spirits

Thousands of gays, lesbians and non-gays and non-lesbians took to the streets of Dublin last Saturday for the annual Pride march, culminating with a carnival at the Dublin Civic Offices. Everyone had a good time, despite the refusal of the weather to give in and accept that this is supposed to be summer.

Linfield manager caught offside

The presence of Linfield soccer manager David Jeffrey at a mini-12th parade in Glengormley, North Belfast, has provoked an angry response from Sinn Féin Councillor Breige Meehan.

Return to Top