ONE of Ireland's largest local authorities, South Dublin County Council, has almost unanimously endorsed a Sinn Féin motion calling for a boycott of all Coca-Cola products during a dispute over the global drinks giant's sacking of 130 workers here in Ireland and the multinational's rejection of a Labour Court recommendation on redundancy or re-employment terms. Free article

SINN FÉIN Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has called for unity across the political spectrum and among healthcare providers to defend the network of public hospitals against centralisation and cutbacks. Deputy Ó Caoláin was speaking after a visit to South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel on Tuesday. Free article

AS the Lisbon Treaty fades in the public's memory and Opposition parties out-do each other on the Dáil expenses scandal, the upcoming Budget provides Sinn Féin with an opportunity to break from the pack. But with only seven weeks remaining till the day of reckoning, time to set out a real alternative is running out. In the first week of December, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan will present the most ferocious Budget in the history of the 26-County state. Massive spending cuts and hikes in taxation will lead, predictably, to a media frenzy. Free article

THE father of 9-year-old Patrick Rooney, shot dead by the RUC during the Falls Road pogroms of August 1969, was badly injured when death-drivers drove into him in the early hours of last Sunday morning, 11 October. The 71-year-old great-grandfather was returning to his Albert Street home from a night out when the incident occurred. Free article

THE Economic and Social Research Institute's proposal this week to cut Child Benefit by 20% has been described by Sinn Féin Vice-President Mary Lou McDonald, as outrageous, unfair and a scapegoating of children. She said: "Children should not be scapegoated for the incompetence of the fat cats. Child Benefit is part of the average family's income. Families are now struggling to make ends meet and the idea that children are now being asked to carry the can for the greed and incompetence of others is outrageous." Free article

A NEW plaque bearing the image of James Connolly was unveiled at Sinn Féin's Upper Falls constituency office, Connolly House, on Friday 9 October by party President and West Belfast MP Gerry Adams. Andersonstown's new Sinn Féin councillor, Caoimhín Mac Giolla Mhín, chaired the unveiling at which Gerry Adams spoke to the assembled crowd about the legacy of James Connolly and the important role Connolly House has played throughout the years in providing a service to the people of the Andersonstown area and beyond. Free article

SINN FÉIN Dáil leader and Health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has described as "nauseating" the decision of the Board of the Health Services Executive (HSE) to approve a €70,000 bonus payment for HSE Chief Executive Brendan Drumm. Free article

THE Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture Martin Ferris TD voiced his support for farmers who are engaged in a series of protests around the country on Monday in relation to falling incomes and other problems affecting the sector. The Kerry North TD said: "Farmers, in common with many other sectoral groups, are feeling the impact of the current economic downturn. And, as with other sectors, the impact of the recession has been exacerbated by a series of negative Government policies particularly in relation to the withdrawal of funding. Free article

THE new Cuban Ambassador to Ireland, Teresita Trujillo, tells An Phoblacht that despite expectations and the general perception by the International Community, the new US administration under Barack Obama has not meant a change in their blockade policy against Cuba. On the 28th of this month, the United Nations General Assembly will be asked, for the 18th consecutive year, to vote a resolution to end the 50-year-long US economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba. Free article

Under the heading of Rights and Revelry Irish langauge enthusiasts gathered in St George's Market, Belfast last Sunday 11 October for a day of craic but also to highlight the demand for an Irish Language Act for the North. The day was officially opened by Alun Ffred Jones who is the Culture and Heritage Minister in the Welsh Assembly. Free article