24 September 2009 Edition
Rudderless SDLP opposes policing and justice transfer legislation
24 September 2009
SDLP leader Mark Durkan has this week confirmed that if he is re-elected as MP for Foyle in the next Westminster general election he will step down as party leader. He gave as the pretext for this move his desire not to hold a dual mandate at Westminster and the Assembly but speculation was rife about dissension within the party. Free article
The 'Non' Vote - foundation for a better Europe
24 September 2009
Beyond Irish shores there is distinct unease about the Lisbon Treaty. Here we get the perspectives of two French citizens on Lisbon as Communist Deputy of the French National Assembly, Michel Vaxes and Jean-Marc Fourneyron, also of the Communist Party, tell Ella O'Dwyer, why, given the chance to vote on the matter, they would deliver a resounding 'Non'. Free article
Pensions Regulator confirms ongoing investigation into Visteon
24 September 2009
SINN FÉIN President Gerry Adams, who last week called for a full and thorough investigation into the pensions scandal at Visteon and into the management and handling of company assets, has received confirmation from the Pensions Regulator that that office is continuing to investigate Visteon. Free article
Sinn Féin at international legal conference
24 September 2009
Britain's role in causing and sustaining the conflict here cannot be omitted from any genuine truth and reconciliation process, Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has told a gathering of international legal experts in Paris. The Foyle MLA was at the Assemblé Nationale last weekend to address an audience of progressive lawyers on developments towards a post-conflict truth process, and the potential role international humanitarian law could play in ending impunity for crimes by agents of the British state including extrajudicial execution and torture of republican suspects. Free article
Community sector to march against 'Bord Snip' cuts next week
24 September 2009
COMMUNITY groups across the 26 Counties reliant on jobs initiative schemes to deliver grassroots neighbourhood support services such as senior citizens help and meals on wheels, homework clubs, youth clubs support and family and advice centres are getting ready for a major march in Dublin next Wednesday against the McCarthy ('Bord Snip') Report which proposes axing state-backed employment initiatives. Free article
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'Efficiency savings' should not target hospital beds
24 September 2009
As major cuts to hospital services were threatened this week, Sinn Féin MLA and Deputy Chair of the Assembly's Health Committee, Michelle O'Neill, has stated that there should be no reduction of beds at Belfast hospitals. Free article
Hoax device in Lurgan condemned
24 September 2009
A hoax device was left in the Lake Street area of Lurgan prior to the victory parade by the jubilant All-Ireland winning Armagh Minor team. The team were on a pre-planned tour of the area when a local resident spotted the device and removed it, thus preventing a chaotic end to the celebrations. Free article
No decision taken to introduce water charges
24 September 2009
Speaking in relation to media reports which suggest the introduction of water charges in the Six Counties by 2011, Sinn Féin Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy said that no such decision had been made. Free article
Nuacht na nOibrithe
24 September 2009
Unemployment doubles in a year, Element Six in Labour Court, Jobs lost in Midlands and Adams meets Coca Cola workers Free article
RUC 'sick notes' at inquest challenged by victim's family
24 September 2009
The first day of the inquest into the death of a man attacked by the RUC in 1997 opened in Belfast on Monday 21 September. John Hemsworth, a US citizen who married and settled in Belfast was making his way home from St Galls GAA Club on the Falls Road in July 1997 when he was attacked by an RUC riot squad in Malcolmson Street and severely beaten. He suffered a broken jaw, head injuries and lacerations. He was left unconscious. Free article