Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness said the leadership shown by republicans contrasted sharply with that of unionist politicians. The Peace Process had threatened to go into free fall but the IRA had acted to re-energise the political process with a "courageous initiative". Free article

Going on the offensive on policing issue Elements of the media hyped it up as a, "potentially divisive" debate that would undermine the Sinn Féin leadership but the Ard Chomhairle position on policing was endorsed by a large majority of delegates last weekend. Free article

The session was opened by Bairbre de Brún MEP who highlighted the importance of many of the battles taking place at EU level that will have substantial implications for Irish workers. Free article

Fermanagh/South Tyrone MP, Michelle Gildernew, speaking on motions 131 and 132 dealing with the All-Ireland consultative forum and the failure of the Dublin and London Governments to move on the all Ireland agenda, told the delegates that partition is "not just bad for nationalists, it is bad for every citizen. Our task is to end it." Free article

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Cultúr agus teanga

Ar an rannóg a bhaineann le Cultúr agus Teanga, cuireadh roinnt rún os comhar an Ard Fheis, an chuid is mó acu ag iarraidh ar rialtais na hÉireann agus na Breataine tuilleadh tacaíochta a thabhairt don Ghaeilge.

Bhain cuid acu seo le hAcht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 ó Dheas a chur i bhfeidhm sa Tuaisceart. D'iarr... Free article

The Ard Fheis began with resolutions on the issue of Rights of the Disabled, of immigrants and asylum seekers, women's rights, the sex industry, civil and political rights, and Gender Equality. Important resolutions were passed committing the party to work to promote rights, in the context of international conventions. Free article

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún speaking to Willy Meyer MEP, Left Unity, Spain

EU policy developed further

Promoting a Europe of Equals

From the Basque Country to Congo, to the rights of migrant workers, this years Ard Fheis addressed a huge range of international items. Delegations from the GUE/NGL - Sinn Féin's group in the EU parliament, the Basque Country,... Free article

Newry/Armagh MP Conor Murphy sent greetings to republican prisoners in Castlerea and Portlaoise Prisons and spoke for the Ard Chomhairle motion calling for the Irish Government to fulfil its commitments under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement with respect to the release of political prisoners and the provision of support both prior to and after release. Free article

The bulk of motions on housing castigated both British and Irish Governments on their abysmal record in providing social housing and called for an All-Ireland housing strategy. Free article

Addressing the Ard Fheis Eibhlin Glenhomes, the party's Equality Co-ordinator said women were no more nor no less capable than men and Sinn Féin would continue to use affirmative action as a means of ensuring gender equality. Free article