26 February 2004 Edition

Government urged to reverse cuts in Public Transport Safety

26 February 2004

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Transport, Seán Crowe TD, has called on the Government to reconsider its decision to cut spending on Public Transport Safety following the tragic weekend events on Wellington Quay. "While we await the outcome of the various investigations into last weekend's tragic Dublin Bus accident in which five people lost their lives, I believe it is crucial that we put it into the context of over all public transport safety," said the Tallaght-based TD. Free article

Ferris calls for better deal for working mothers

26 February 2004

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris this week criticised the Maternity Protection Bill for not going far enough in facilitating women who wish to combine work with caring for their children. Speaking during a debate on the Bill in the Dáil. Ferris said: "While I welcome the introduction of any bill which seeks to ameliorate the rights and employment conditions of workers, it is disappointing that this Bill actually delivers very little for women seeking to combine motherhood with work. Free article

Doherty selected as council candidate

26 February 2004

On Friday night last at Teach Jack in Gweedore, the Northwest constituency EU Candidate Pearse Doherty was also selected as the Sinn Féin candidate for the Glenties electoral area for the local elections. Doherty, who polled almost 2,000 votes in the area in the 2002 General Election, was the only nomination at the packed convention. Free article

Brits plan to store nuclear waste 20 miles from Irish coast

26 February 2004

South Down MLA Willie Clarke has written to Direct Rule Minister Environment Angela Smith to demand an explanation over the proposal to store nuclear waste at the former RAF base at Machrihanish on the West Coast of Scotland. He described reports in the local Scottish press that the British Ministry of Defence is considering storing nuclear waste at the former RAF base as a cause of grave concern. Free article

Restrictions on EU migrant workers may be illegal

26 February 2004

Sinn Féin Dáil spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Human Rights Aengus Ó Snodaigh, has called on the Government to reconsider its decision to restrict the access of migrant workers from EU accession states to the benefits of social protections. He was speaking after the EU Commission expressed concern that such measures may be illegal. Free article

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Arrogant Cullen persists with electronic voting

26 February 2004

The decision by the cabinet on Tuesday to proceed with electronic voting for this year's local and Europeabn elections has been slammed by Sinn Féin Dáil spokesperson on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Arthur Morgan. He said that the decision to proceed was entirely irrational in light of the growing concerns about the safety of the system. Free article

Ahern evasive on Presidential voting rights

26 February 2004

Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin received a typically evasive reply from Bertie Ahern when he questioned him in the Dáil last week on the issue of Presidential voting rights for those in the Six Counties. Ó Caolain asked if this was a constitutional issue requiring a referendum or if it could be legislated for in advance of a possible Presidential election later this year. Free article

Dublin SF aims to take European seat

26 February 2004

The Dublin Sinn Féin Cúige held a very successful AGM last Saturday. The meeting was well attended, with delegates from every cumann, and was characterised by an atmosphere of excitement about the forthcoming European and council election campaigns. Alex Maskey, recently elected MLA for South Belfast, opened the meeting to thank Dublin party members for the help they had given in his election campaign. Free article

Lyre Volunteer commemorated

26 February 2004

The Clonakilty Sinn Féin Cumann held a simple and dignified commemoration at Lyre last Sunday in memory of IRA Volunteer Larry Cunningham, who was shot and mortally wounded there on 15 February 1923 by Free State forces. The cumann had earlier on the week painted up the iron cross that perpetuates his memory. Free article

Sinn Féin's Tallaght Ard Fheis

26 February 2004

In 1994, Killinarden in the South Dublin suburb of Tallaght played host to the 89th Sinn Féin Ard Fheis. The annual gathering took place at a key moment in the search for a workable peace process in Ireland. The Ard Fheis was held in the community hall in Killinarden because Sinn Féin had been again refused permission to hold its annual gathering in the Mansion House. Free article


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