Cuireann An Phoblacht fáilte roimh litreacha ónár léitheoirí. Scríobh i nGaeilge nó i mBéarla, 200 focal ar a méid. Déantar giorrú ar litreachta más gá. Cuir do litir chuig [email protected]
An Phoblacht welcomes readers’ letters. Write in Irish or English, 200 words maximum. Letters may be edited for brevity. Send your letters to [email protected]. No attachments please

FF backbenchers need to stand against new Social Welfare Bill

Can I ask our local Fianna Fáil public representatives to please explain what is the thinking behind the Government’s proposals in the new Social Welfare Bill?
This Government continues to punish the least well off for the economic mess its policies created while bailing out its banker and developer friends.
This Bill penalises low income families yet again.
I challenge the backbenchers of Fianna Fáil to stand up and prevent this draconian Bill from going any further.
Paul Hayes,
Clonakilty Sinn Féin.

What about the Dinosaurs Nelson?

According to the north’s ‘one culture’ Minister Nelson McCausland, the earth was created by God over six 24-hour days, sometime between the last 5,700 and 10,000 years.
Nelson lambasted the Ulster Museum for disproportionately promoting the notion of evolution. Instead Nelson demands the museum afford equal space to his concept of ‘creationism’, which he claims is supported by some 30% of the north’s population.
If that 30% exist according to Nelson, who don’t forget, also claims that Ulster Scots is a language and that the Orange Order is a cultural body, then perhaps the Assembly should invest in a crane to lift the big rock they’ve been living under for the past 200 years.
‘Young Earth Creationists’ which can count great thinkers like ‘George W Bush’ in their ranks, dismiss Darwin’s theory of Evolution, mountains of scientific fact, the discovery of tonnes of fossilised animals, plants, and dinosaurs, carbon dated millions of years back, never mind a good dose of common sense.
But hey, who ever let science, or a wee bit of carbon dating get in the way of a good story?
Chris Conwell
Fermanagh
Ógra Shinn Féin

National Draw

The National draw tickets will be out in the next few weeks. We have taken onboard advice given to us from various areas across the 26 counties and reduced the price to €10.
 Out of this €10, €3 will go towards the cumann.  The reduced price should make the ticket easier to sell and we hope to bring the sales back up to the 2008 comparable.
 We are asking that areas keep the month beforehand free from local fundraising to push the draw.  The draw will take place on 16th October.
 Please let us know if you have any queries on this.
Noeleen O’Reilly
Finance Department

Connor challenge

I must admit to being slightly confused having read the reports of the last week or so reporting that Rodney Connor has contested the recent election result in Fermanagh South Tyrone. Just what exactly is the reason for the challenge?
 UUP MLA Tom Elliott says it is because Rodney is a ‘man of integrity’ and that “We will not sit on the sidelines and watch republicans or anyone else win a seat by default.” - There are previous examples of this seat being won by default in the past, the clearest in 1955 when it has taken from a victorious Sinn Féin MP and handed to a defeated UUP candidate.
 DUP MLA Maurice Morrow gives his explanation for contesting by saying “As the margin was just four votes, we believe the result could have been different.” -
 Rodney Connor himself stated “The election petition will allow the opportunity for the court to determine what the people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone decided on May 6.” The people have spoken, their decision is clear and Michelle Gildernew is the MP for Fermanagh South Tyrone. The sooner those opposed to equality and the democratic will of the people comprehend that, the better
Confused Democrat
Kinawley,
Co Fermanagh