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your habitVisit

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South & East Belfast Sinn Féin Advice clinicSinn Féin

Unit 3, 174 Ormeau Road,Belfast BT7 2ED(028) 90243194

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If you need help or advice then contact our office at the address opposite:Precisa de ajuda o aconselhamento? Contacte-nos no nosso escritorio ao endereço seguinte

Má tá cabhair nó comhairle uait gabh i dteagmháil linn ag an seoladh seo.

Irish reunification:a political and

economic imperative

Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2009

ADDRESSING THE SINN FÉIN ARD FHEIS: Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP.

2 www.sebelfastsinnfein.com An tEarrach 2009

No SouthBelfastRing-roadwithoutcommunityconsultation

International Women’s Daymarked

ALEX MASKEY MLA has said that localcommunities in the Markets and DonegallPass areas will be relieved at assurances giv-en by Regional Development Minister ConorMurphy MP that there will be no ring-road inthe Cromac Street/Ormeau Avenue area with-out full local consultations with the surround-ing communities.

The South Belfast MLA was speak-ing after meeting with Regional DevelopmentMinister Conor Murphy MP and a seniormember of the Roads Service to discuss theRing-Road proposal which had previouslybeen suggested for the Cromac Street/OrmeauAvenue area.

Speaking after the meeting Maskeysaid, "Over the past number of weeks therehad been growing concern, particularly in theMarkets and Donegall Pass communities, thatplans for a city centre ring-road, which wouldhave implications for these areas, would beimplemented irregardless of the views of lo-cal residents.

"I met with Regional DevelopmentMinister Conor Murphy MP and a senior rep-resentative of the Roads Service to discuss

this issue and to highlight the concerns of thelocal community.

"This meeting was extremely help-ful and constructive. What was made clear atthe meeting by the Minister was that the ideaof a ring-road is only one of a number of op-tions which exist for dealing with traffic prob-lems in the centre of Belfast. The Ministerwas also able to give a very firm commitmentthat absolutely nothing would be agreed with-out full consultation with the surroundingcommunities”.

BAIRBRE DE BRÚN said she wasdelighted to host the InternationalWomen's Day conference held in theBalmoral Hotel on Saturday 7 March,which was attended by over 100 peo-ple.

Historian Margaret Ward,author of Unmanageable Revolution-aries, was the guest speaker at theevent.

Welcoming participants, Msde Brún said: "This conference is partof a series of events being held to markthis important day.

"International Women's Daygrew out of the 1911 disaster in NewYork, when more than 140, mainly im-migrant, women and girls were killedin a factory fire.

"Improving workers' condi-tions and supporting the labour move-ment has long been emphasised duringInternational Women's Day and it hasgrown to also encompass many otherissues around achieving full politicaland economic equality for women.

"Here in Ireland, our empha-sis is on the role women have played,and continue to play, in the Irish strug-gle for freedom and equality for all,and we remember the contribution ofthose women today."

Earlier on Saturday, Ms deBrún had laid a wreath at the Women'sGarden of Remembrance in thegrounds of the Roddy McCorley Clubon behalf of Sinn Féin in memory ofthe women who had given their lives in

the struggle.Speaking about women par-

ticipating in politics today, Ms de Brúnsaid: "The proudest moment in my lifewas when Mary Lou McDonald and Iwalked in together to the EuropeanParliament. We were two Irish women,one from the North and one from theSouth - representing one country, oneparty."

Ms de Brún introduced Mar-garet Ward, saying: "Margaret has notonly provided an invaluable contribu-tion to documenting the contribution ofwomen in the national movement inIreland, she has also long played animportant role in women's organisa-tions, including the Women's Resourceand Development Agency."

Ms Ward provided a vividdescription of the struggles fought bythe Ladies Land League, Inghinidhe nahÉireann and Cumann na mBan. Shealso spoke on the experiences of Irishwomen leaders such as Hannah Shee-hy Skeffington.

Ms de Brún thanked her for"bringing to life" such strong Irishwomen from previous generations.

She also thanked the rangeof community and voluntary groupswho had participated in the day, in-cluding the Falls Women's Centre,WRDA, Tar Anall, the Equality Com-mission and the Women into Politicsgroup, and the alternative therapy or-ganisations who had provided tastersessions for conference participants.

RESIDENTS COMMITMENT:Alex Maskey MLA and ConorMurphy MP

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: Bairbre deBrún MEP lays a wreath atthe women’s remembrance garden to mark International Women’s Day.

An tEarrach 2009 www.sebelfastsinnfein.com 3

SINN FÉIN South Belfast MLAAlexMaskey has called for a full public in-quiry into the proposed runway exten-sion at Belfast City Airport.

Alex Maskey was takingpart in a debate on a motion calling forsuch an inquiry in the Assembly onTuesday 24th February.

Speaking after the debateMaskey said, "There are serious envi-ronmental, economic and social con-cerns around any planned extension toBelfast City Airport. These concernshave been highlighted by local resi-dents over a long period of time andalso highlighted on the floor of the As-sembly during today's debate.

"As someone who usesBelfast City Airport I recognise the

importance of having a functioningcity airport and commend them for theservice they provide, this should nothowever, be at the expense of publichealth and safety.

"I have met with BelfastCity Airport Watch Group, along withmy Party colleague and the party'srepresentative for East Belfast Niall ÓDonnghaile. We share many of theirconcerns and I believe any plannedextension must be subject to a rigor-ous public inquiry process.

"I welcome the Assemblydebate on a planned runway extensionat the airport and the decision of theAssembly to support the call from res-idents for a full public inquiry."

Pleananna móra donGhaeilge i ndeisceart BhéalFeirste

Assembly debatesCity Airport expansion

SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITY: Alex Maskey

I 1992, bhunaigh pobal na Gaeilge inoirthear agus deisceart Bhéal Feirstea n-eagraíocht féin chun athbheochanna Gaeilge a bhrú chun cinn sa taobhseo tíre. Tháinig said le chéile mar‘An Droichead’, óir is ó shean-cheantair stairiúla cois Lagáin atháinig siad – an Trá Ghearr, an Mar-gadh, agus an Ormeau Íochtarach –áiteanna ina raibh dhá naíscoilbunaithe acu cheana féin sna hoc-tóidí.

Thóg siad Lárionad sa bh-liain 2000 a raibh costas leath-mhilliún puint air. Is é Lárionad AnDroichid an t-aon lárionad Gaeilge i

ndeisceart agus oirthear BhéalFeirste, agus bíonn sé in úsáid ódhubh go dubh seacht lá den tseach-tain i rith na bliana.

There are now 150 chil-dren attending Scoil an Droichid. Aswell as a pre-school, primary schooland afterschool service, An Droic-head organize a wide range of lan-guage and cultural activities, classes,social events, dramas and displays.

They opened a youth clubin 2005, and then went on to win theGlór na nGael Trophy for the bestIrish language project in the country,which was presented to them at an

event in Stormont’s Great Hall in2006.

Tá pleananna á bhforbairtag An Droichead i rith ama chun anGhaeilge a chur chun cinn.

D'éirigh leo deontas de£200,000 a fháil ó fhoras na Gaeilgeanuraidh agus beidh siad ag toiseachtgan mhoill ar thionscadalturasóireachta cultúrtha mar chuidden chlár Eorpach INTERREG IV,rud a mbeidh maoiniú suas le £600kag dul leis.

Sa mhullach air sin uilig, tápleananna acu chun oll-ionad úr athógáil do phobal na Gaeilge i nDeis-

ceat Bhéal Feirste. This ‘bridge’ now reaches

from it’s Belfast base over in toCounty Down, both eastwards and tothe south, taking in many familiesfrom greater South Belfast and be-yond.

If you want to find outmore about An Droichead and theopportunities available here, includ-ing pre-school and primary educationin one of Belfast’s best schools,phone 90288818 or visit their web-site:

www.androichead.com

EAST BELFAST Sinn Féin represen-tative Niall Ó Donnghaile has calledupon the Alliance Party to explain tothe people of East Belfast why theirParty leader abstained in a vote of no-confidence in the Environment Sam-my Wilson at the Assembly Environ-ment Committee.

Mr Ó Donnghaile said,"Sammy Wilson's actions in relation tothe environment and particularly cli-mate change are totally unacceptableand have made us the laughing stockof the world. This was further exacer-bated when the Minister blocked aninformation campaign highlighting theclimate change issue

"The Minister's view thatpeople have no impact on climatechange flies in the face of the views ofexperts and scientists throughout theworld."

He concluded, "My experi-ence is that the environment is an is-sue close to the heart of the vast ma-jority of people in East Belfast. It is anissue which has been raised with me atdoor after door with in the constituen-cy.

"Given this I was extremelydisappointed to learn that the AllianceParty leader, David Ford, abstainedduring the vote of no-confidence inSammy Wilson. I would call upon theAlliance Party to explain this positionto the people of South and EastBelfast".

NIALL Ó DONNGHAILE has ex-pressed deep concern at the latest fig-ures issued by the NSPCC which indi-cate that the number of children ring-ing ChildLine bases in the North totalk about suicide has quadrupled inthe past five years.

Speaking about these fig-ures he said, "Figures just released bythe NSPCC show that the ChildLinesBelfast's office spoke to 265 children..

“These figures are a causefor concern and show that more andmore children are contacting Child-Line.

“Obviously this is a double-edged sword; no one wants a child tobe subject to any form of abuse but inthe unfortunate cases when they are itis vital they contact support groupslike ChildLine.

"ChildLine provides an in-valuable service to those children inBelfast and elsewhere suffering abuseand must receive continued supportfrom the Assembly and Executive forthe work that they are engaged in, inhelping children subject to any form ofabuse."

AllianceParty mustexplain abstentionfrom vote

ChildLineconcerns

BALMORAL SINN FÉIN representative Vin-cent Parker has welcomed commitments givenby the Roads Service in relation to landscapingthe area around the upgraded bridge at FinaghyRoad North.

The commitments were given after asite visit by Roads Service officials duringwhich, they met with Vincent Parker and localresidents.

Mr Parker said, "Since the completionof the necessary upgrade work on the bridge atFinaghy Road North residents of the area haveraised the issue of landscaping and have askedthat the bridge itself be made more visually ac-ceptable.

"I raised these issues directly with the

Regional Development Minister, Conor MurphyMP, and I also spoke with representatives of theRoads Service. Following this I received a com-mitment that the Roads Service would carry outa site visit and would meet with local residentsto hear any ideas and concerns which they had.

"This was followed by a site meetinglast month. This meeting was extremely usefuland I would welcome the commitments given bythe Roads Service at the meeting".

Mr Parker then went on to outline thecommitments that were given at the meeting,saying, "The Roads Service representatives gavea commitment to landscape both sides of thebridge with Birch, Oak, and Pear trees. Theyhave also retained a strip of land and will work

with residents in terms of landscaping the areain a way which would screen the nearby housesfrom the road as well as the visual landscapingof the bridge itself".

Vincent Parker concluded, "I am verypleased, as were the residents who were present,with the commitments given by the Roads Ser-vice.

“In addition to this the Arts Counciland Finaghy Crossroads Group will be holdinga consultation with residents in the area on howto make the bridge itself more visually accept-able in the near future. I look forward to contin-uing to work with the local community on theseissues, ensuring that they have maximum inputinto the project".

THE NEWS that the Roads Service is toinstall salt-boxes in the Primrose Hill areahas been warmly welcomed by SouthBelfast Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey.

Alex had requested that theRoads Service install salt-boxes after rep-resentations were made to him by localresidents during the recent snowfall inFebruary.

Speaking about the Roads Ser-vice announcement Alex Maskey said, "Iwas recently contacted by residents of thePrimrose Hill area who raised the issue ofthe traffic problems in the area which werecaused by the recent spell of icy and frostyweather. Residents had reported that somestreets had become extremely hazardousand that some vehicles had to be aban-doned.

"They also informed me thatthey were unaware of any of the streets be-ing gritted by Roads Service at the time.

"I immediately contacted RoadsService who did grit some of the streetsduring a further spell of bad weather butthey explained that their priority was togrit main arterial routes. I therefore re-quested that Roads Service explore thepossibility of installing salt or grit boxeswithin the Primrose Hill development”.

He continued, "I was extremelypleased to receive a letter from the RoadsService informing me that they had carriedout an objective evaluation of the area totake account of various factors includingtraffic volumes, gradient geometry and al-ternative routes. The aim of this is to en-sure that salt-boxes are positioned atstrategic locations on lightly traffickedroutes and in specific positions acceptedby residents.

"As a result of our request to in-stall salt boxes in Primrose Hill, they haveagreed to locate salt boxes in the vicinityof the junctions at Ballylenaghan Roadand Ballylenaghan Heights. I would fullywelcome this move and congratulate theRoads Service on acting so quickly indealing with this matter".


Parker welcomesRoads Servicecommitments

FINAGHY BRIDGE: Balmoral’s Vincent Parker, Regional DEvelopment Minister Conor MurphyMP, Stephen Magennis of the Finaghy Crossroads Group and South Belfast MLA Alex Maskeyduring an earlier site visit to Finaghy Bridge.

Primrose Hillsalt-box announcementwelcomed

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East Belfast DPPendorses closureof MountpottingerPSNI barracks

Níl aontas arbith fá staitistícíGaeilge snascoileanna –Sinn Féin

Call for LisburnRoad CycleLanes

THURSDAY 5TH MARCH saw the EastBelfast District Policing Partnership nar-rowly vote to endorse the recommendationthat Mountpottinger PSNI barracks beclosed. The vote to close the barracks waswon with the casting vote of Sinn Féin coun-cillor, and DPP chairman Gerard O’Neill, af-ter the vote was tied at four votes for andfour votes against.

Sinn Féin representative Niall ÓDonnghaile has welcomed the decision bythe DPP to endorse the recommendation thatthe barracks close.

Mr Ó Donnghaile said, "This de-cision follows last months public meeting ofthe East Belfast DPP in which the PSNI re-vealed that the barracks only functions on apart-time basis, it costs around £180,000 an-nually to retain, and in the year between Ju-ly 2007 and July 2008 it was used by only 16members of the public. They also revealedthat the majority of these 16 people were vis-iting the barracks for non-serious issues suchas having to produce their driver's license orto inquire about lost property.

"The PSNI also disclosed that dur-ing its public consultation period they re-ceived 4 submissions calling for the reten-tion of the barracks while 907 submissionswere made calling for the removal of thebarracks. This was down to the determina-tion of the local community to see the backof this barracks, which has been a blight on

the local area for far too long. The localcommunity need to be commended for thesupport which they have shown the cam-paign to remove the barracks, including at-tending the protest held at the barracks onthe night of the public DPP meeting in EastBelfast.

"The figures given at the publicmeeting by the PSNI speak for themselvesand it was clear for all to see that this bar-racks was a drain upon the resources of the

PSNI."Sinn Féin and the local commu-

nity have long campaigned for the removalof Mountpottinger barracks. The decision bythe East Belfast DPP to endorse the call forthe removal of the barracks was the onlysensible decision that it could have reached.I would welcome this decision and nowhope that the Chief Constable and the Polic-ing Board move swiftly to ensure that thisrecommendation is acted upon".

Balmoral Sinn Féin repre-sentative Vincent Parkerhas written to RegionalDevelopment MinisterConor Murphy MP to callfor provision to be madefor cycle lanes on the Lis-burn Road.

Mr Parker said,"There are many health,environmental and finan-cial benefits to cycling,especially on the journeyto and from work. This isparticularly true given thecurrent economic climateand the instability of theprice of fossil fuels.

"The LisburnRoad is one of Belfast'smain arterial routes andsuffers heavily from traf-fic congestion and pollu-tion from exhaust emis-

sions. The high levels oftraffic on this road putsmany people off cyclingin this area, and whenthey do cycle they oftenopt to cycle of the foot-paths for safety reasons.This, however, causesproblems for pedestrians

" M i n i s t e rConor Murphy has al-ready stated that he iscommitted to improvingthe cycle infrastructure inthe North in order to en-courage more people totravel by bike. I have,therefore, written to himto ask him to ensure thathis Department gives con-sideration to providing cy-cle lanes on the LisburnRoad".

Ag déanamh tagairt ar tuairisc snameáin cumarsáide ar na mallaibh dúirturlabharaí Shinn Féin i mBéal FeirsteSoir Niall Ó Donnghaile, nach bhfuilaontas ar bith ar go bhfuil níos mópáistí sna Sé chontae ag foghlaim naGaeilge nó tríd an Ghaeilge agus iad arscoil.

Dúirt an tUasal Uí Dhonng-haile, "Léiríonn na stáitistící seo go bh-fuil páistí a bhfuil Gaeilge acu ag dul iméid an t-am ar fad, ó 484 i 1992 go dtí3285 i 2008 anseo sna Sé Chontae.

"Chomh maith le sin tá tuil-leadh pháistí sa Bhreatain Bheag agussan Albain ag foghlaim á gcuid teangaceilteach s'acu fhéin.

"Ta níos mó tuismitheorí agtuigbheál go bhfuil buntáistí fíoréifeachtach le oideachais dhá-thean-gach agus is rud maith é seo.

"Sa tuairisc deireann an tOl-lamh Colin Baker go spreagann dháteanga an inchinn i bhfad níos mó náceann amháin.

"Is maith an rud é mar sin dego bhfuil Aire Oideachais again anseosa Tuaisceart, í fhéin ina Gaelgóir, atáag oibriú chun caighdeán teangachais aardú tríd na scoileanna ar fad. Is é sinan fáth a bhfuil seal ag páistí anGhaeilge nó an Spáinnis a fhoghlaimanois agus iad ar scoil”.

PETITION: Niall Ó Donnghaile and community workers fromthe Short Strand present a petition calling for the closure ofMountpottinger Barracks to the PSNI.

BALMORAL REPRESENTATIVE:Vincent Parker


Ard Fheis 2009 Presidential Address

THE economic crisis, Sinn Féin ingovernment in the North and a call forunity amongst left-of-centre partiesand community bodies to build a pro-gressive alliance made up the back-bone of Gerry Adams’s speech to theArd Fheis.

“Our economy is in a mess.Global circumstances may have con-tributed but the decisions and policiesof the Fianna Fáil/Green Party Gov-ernment, and its predecessors, and thegreed and dishonesty of somebankers, developers and speculators,have shaped this crisis and left Irishworkers and their families desperate-ly vulnerable to its effects.

“Businesses are closing atan alarming rate and hundreds ofthousands of people have lost theirjobs. These are the ordinary men andwomen who helped to build the CelticTiger economy. These are the peoplewith families to rear and often withelderly relatives to care for.

“This government protectsits wealthy friends and targets thesick, the elderly and children.

“This government hasfailed the people. It has opted to picktheir pockets and to mug lower andmiddle-income earners.

“The Government shouldgo.”

And he pointed out why theGovernment should go.

“At the same time the Gov-ernment is giving billions of euros tothe banks with almost no strings at-tached, it is spending public money,the people’s money, to bail out itsproperty developer friends in AngloIrish Bank, despite the way AngloIrish and Irish Life & Permanentcooked their books.

“Little wonder that thisstate is again being linked interna-tionally to corruption, cronyism andcosy cartels.

“Woody Guthrie oncewrote: ‘Some rob you with a six-gun,some with a fountain pen.’ Criminal-ity of any kind is unacceptable. Allcategories of gangsters or bankstersmust face the full rigours of the law.”

GOLDEN CIRCLEGerry Adams said that, in the boomtimes, Sinn Féin urged for investmentin public services and in policies thatwould build for the future. Sinn Féinwarned of the consequences of ill-conceived government policies.

These policies and theeconomy they sustain serve privategreed. “Our warnings were ignored.”

He castigated the Govern-ment and Fine Gael for their econom-ic policies.

“The boom times presenteda historic opportunity to build socie-ty that was squandered by FiannaFáil, he said. Now we face ongoingwaiting lists for essential hospitaltreatments and queues in A&E de-partments, thousands of children be-ing taught in pre-fabs while the gov-ernment withdraws special teachersupport from those with special needsand a housing list that grows longerwhile thousands of unsold housingunits fill empty sites across the coun-try.

“Fianna Fáil in the lastelection made outlandish promisesthey knew they couldn’t keep. Lestthe electorate forget: Fine Gael madethe same implausible promises as Fi-anna Fáil.”

POSITIVE PROPOSALSGerry Adams reiterated Sinn Féin’spositive proposals to turn the situationaround and urged people who feel an-gry but powerless not to be worndown by the scandals and ongoingrevelations.

“Twenty years ago, under-standably enough, they probablythought peace was impossible. Butpeace is possible. We have provedthat. Everything is possible myfriends. What is needed is politicalwill, determination, tenacity and or-ganisation and strategies.”Look at the North, he said.

“There the DUP is workingwith us – this is a party established toblock civil rights reform, a partywhich opposed power sharing and theGood Friday Agreement. The DUP isnow working all-Ireland institutions.

“But this is not to say thateverything is rosy. Working with theDUP is very difficult and very chal-lenging. Holding that party to itscommitments and ensuring that theequality agenda of the Good Fridayand St Andrews Agreements are de-livered is hard work.

“But we have madeprogress in the transfer of powers onpolicing and justice, in tackling fuelpoverty; in securing additional fund-ing for economic investment and fortackling rural poverty, and in defer-ring water charges.”

And Education MinisterCaitríona Ruane is carrying out themost far-reaching and fundamentalreform of the North’s education sys-tem in 60 years, he said, and ex-

plained why Sinn Féin is committedto getting rid of the 11-Plus and re-moving academic selection.

“Look at last year’s figuresfor children transferring from primaryschool to grammar schools: On theFalls 44; on the Shankill 10; on theMalone Road 214. We want all chil-dren to do as well as the young peo-ple on the Malone Road.”

The enthusiasm, energyand discipline of Sinn Féin ministerslike Michelle Gildernew in Agricul-ture, Conor Murphy in Regional De-velopment, Caitríona Ruane in Edu-cation, and Gerry Kelly demonstratea commitment to this process and adetermination to make it work, GerryAdams said.

ENGAGING WITH UNION-ISTS“For our part we fully understand theneed to persuade unionists of the de-sirability of a shared, united Ireland.

“Republicans and democ-rats believe that the union withBritain is a nonsense, even in thesemore enlightened times. Under theunion, unionists make up fewer that 2per cent of the Kingdom. They wouldconstitute 20 per cent of the New Re-public. They would be citizens, notmere subjects. They would haverights, not concessions. They wouldbelong. They would be welcome. Wehave to persuade them of that. So toodoes the Irish Government.

“The British Governmentalso has its obligations. The demo-cratic imperative demands it. Theymust be based on the ending ofBritish jurisdiction on this island. Forour part we are the nation builders.”

“And as the nation buildersrepublicans have a responsibility toensure that unionists are comfortableand secure in a new Ireland.

“It is their Ireland also. Soit must be a shared Ireland, an inte-grated Ireland, an Ireland in whichunionists have equal ownership.”

ELECTION CHALLENGESIt is not enough for us to criticise gov-ernments or the conservative parties,Gerry Adams argued, encouragingpeople to do something about it in theEuropean elections and the local elec-tions and two Dáil by-elections in the26 Counties.

“In the Oireachtas,Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Arthur Mor-gan and Aengus Ó Snodaigh have al-so brought forward constructivepropositions. Senator Pearse Dohertyand Martin Ferris TD have both pub-lished comprehensive reports on so-cial and economic development in thewest of Ireland, and on the future vi-ability of agriculture and fisheries inthat region.

“We are bringing all theseideas to the people. We need to listento their ideas also.

“All over this island peoplein the voluntary and community sec-tor, including sporting organisations,residents associations, credit unionsand carers, are the glue holding ourcommunities together.

“They are the real experts.We need to listen to them and supportthem.

LISBON TREATYSinn Féin are not Eurosceptics, Ger-ry Adams affirmed.

“We are for a EuropeanUnion of equal states; a Europe ofdemocracy and transparency; a socialEurope.

“We objected to the lastLisbon Treaty because, unlike others,we read it. And we realised that it rep-resented a dilution of democracy, anassault on workers’ rights, a moremilitarised Europe, a more centralisedbureaucracy in Brussels and a trans-fer of power from the smaller mem-ber states to the larger ones.

“The electorate agreed withus.

“But all the signs are thatthe ‘Yes camp will attempt to foist thesame flawed treaty on the people.

They will try to link the current eco-nomic difficulties to last year’s treatyrejection. But such arguments arespurious and dishonest.

“Ní bheidh muidne sástaseasamh siar agus ligint don rialtasdalladh mullóg a chur orainn ná ar anphobal. Dúirt an pobal cheana nachraibh siad sásta leis an Conradh Lis-bon. Caithfidh an rialtas Conradh nuaa fháil. Gan sin beidh muid ag rá nílarís.

“It is an insult to ask citi-zens to consider the same treatyagain.

“A new treaty is needed – anew treaty for new times.

“This is what Sinn Féinwill campaign for.

“And we will base ourcampaign on what we consider to bein the best interests of the Irish peo-ple and the people of Europe.”

A NATIONAL REVIVALAlthough these are hard times, hesaid, we are especially called upon tocome forward, to be positive.

“Now is the time for anoth-er great national revival of our lan-guage and arts, our culture. Now isthe time to build national morale. Toensure that the Irish language flour-ishes.

“Tá obair maith ag dul araghaidh sa pháirtí le cur chun cinn naGaeilge, go háirthe leis na cumainngaelacha. Ach tá a lán le déanamh gofóill.

AN CHÉAD DÁILThis year marks the 90th anniversaryof An Chéad Dáil Éireann – the firstand only freely-elected parliament ofall the Irish people – Gerry Adamssaid, maintaining that the core princi-ples and aspirations of the Democra-tic Programme are as relevant now asthey were then.

“Bhailigh muid le chéile sachathair seo ceithre seachtain ó shin –sa Teach Ardmhéara do cheiliúrú aran Chéad Dáil, nócha bliain ó shin.

A sense of hope andpurpose

A VISION FOR IRELAND’S FUTURE: Gerry Adams MP

This is an edited version of Gerry Adams’ powerfulPresidential address given at the Sinn Féin ArdFheis in February. The full speech was broadcastlive by RTE and BBC and can be viewed atwww.ardheis.com.


Oíche speisialta a bhí ann má bhí túábalta fáil isteach! Bhí an áit plo-daithe.

“Sinn Féin is guided by theideals of public service and patriot-ism of those who assembled inDublin’s Mansion House in January1919. The First Dáil Éireann set out avisionary Democratic Programme ofsocial and economic goals based onequality.

“It is as relevant to the cri-sis in Ireland today as it was 90 yearsago.”

The Democratic Pro-gramme declared that Irish societywould be governed “in accordancewith the principles of Liberty, Equal-ity and Justice for all”. And it com-mitted the Republic “to make provi-sion for the physical, mental and spir-itual well-being of the children” andto ensure that “no child shall sufferhunger or cold from lack of food,clothing, or shelter”. The Democrat-ic Programme also declared “the rightof every citizen to an adequate shareof the produce of the nation’s labour”.

Highlighting all these ele-ments, Gerry Adams quipped of Fi-anna Fáil:

“It is little wonder the Gov-ernment forgot to book the MansionHouse for the 90th anniversary onJanuary 21st. The First Dáil was notabout political elites, gombeen men,golden circles or cosy cartels.

“It was a genuine and col-lective national effort to improve thelives of our people and the fortunes ofour country. This was patriotism inaction. This is the type of patriotismthat must enthuse and reinvigoratethe Irish nation now.”

Genuine republican valuesand republican politics have neverbeen so relevant or so necessary asthey are today, he said.

A NEW ALLIANCE FORCHANGE“This great country and its people areat another historic crossroads,” GerryAdams said. “We have decisions tomake about the core values of our so-ciety; about how we as an island peo-ple wish to live our lives.

“Sinn Féin says that our so-

ciety needs core values based on so-cial justice, fairness, equality and de-cency. Ireland needs the determina-tion and commitment that achievedpeace out of conflict.

“There can be an egalitari-an alternative to the politics of greed,inefficiency, waste and corruption.These have been the hallmarks ofgovernments in this country for toolong. Their arrogance should be a callto action for the people of Ireland.

“It is a call to revitalise thesocial movements and for our youngpeople to engage in meaningful andfulfiling political activity. It is a callfor a new phase of citizenship and anew generation of peaceful politicalstruggle. I believe the time is right fora new alliance of all people and par-ties that want real and fundamentalchange.”

The replacement of thecurrent coalition at some future elec-tion by another coalition with FineGael as the main party would be likereplacing Tweedledum with Twee-dledee, he said.

“In my view, the LabourParty has a duty not to prop up eitherFianna Fáil or Fine Gael. Instead,Labour should explore with us andothers the potential for co-operationin the future.

“I invite all these potentialallies to come together to forge astronger, more united progressive anddemocratic movement for our coun-try – one that aims to meet the needsof all citizens.

“I include parties likeLabour, the Greens (if they can sur-vive the fall-out from their participa-tion in this right-wing government);other smaller parties; the tradeunions; the community organisationsthat are on the frontline in the strug-gle for equality; Gaelgeoiri; ruralagencies and organisations, includingfarming bodies and fishing commu-nities; women’s groups; the students;youth organisations; and those whospeak for the disabled, the poor, theunemployed, the homeless and themarginalised in our society.

“Sinn Féin is ready to joinwith all of those who want realchange and who recognise that the

road to real change requires unity ofpurpose, of ideas and of energy.”

A SENSE OF HOPE ANDPURPOSE“Of course, the forces of reaction, ofconservatism, of cynicism are strong.But that should not put us off.

“If we believe, if we havehope, if we work together, if we draw

upon our strengths, if we really wantfairness and decency and equality, wecan change our society. Peacefullyand democratically. That is what Ire-land wants today. Ireland needs citi-zens to step forward. To make a com-mitment.

“To share and create acommon purpose based upon ourrights as citizens. And our pride and

confidence in Ireland and in our peo-ple. That is what Ireland needs today.

“And that is Sinn Féin’scommitment. Mary Lou put it welllast night. The day of mé féin politicshave failed. Now is the time for thepolitics of Sinn Féin. Bígí linn.“An Phoblacht Abú!”

DELEGATES: A small section of the large number of delegates and visitors who attended the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis at the RDS inDublin

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SOUTH BELFAST Sinn FéinMLA Alex Maskey is chairpersonof the Policing Board’s Communi-ty Engagement Committee.

A major program of workfor the Committee is overseeing thecommunity engagement strategy,ensuring that the public’s voice isheard and that the PSNI respond tothe views of the public in the waythat they do their work.

As Alex explains, “Com-munity engagement is really aboutgiving people a voice”. This in-volves taking the public’s views onboard and ensuring that the Boardhas a full understanding of the pub-lic needs. The Board can then usethis information to shape the Polic-

ing Plan and to ensure thatthe Police are held to ac-count on their delivery ofthis plan.

“In trying tomaximise our engagementwith the public it is essen-tial that we talk to as manypeople as possible”, ex-plained Maskey. “To dothis the Board has set upreference groups to targetspecific social groups.These include young peo-ple; older people; lesbian,gay, bisexual and trans-gendered people; ethnicand linguistic minoritiesincluding Irish and Ulster-Scots speakers, andwomen”“We prioritised these so-

cial groups because of the risk theyface from certain types of crimesuch as hate crime. These groupsnow meet regularly with the boardto explain the policing and publicsafety problems that their commu-nities face. An example of this isthe issue of on-street drinking byyoung people, where the policemust tackle the problem but it alsoessential that they do not alienateyoung people”

“If people aren’t crimi-nals then we should not be crimi-nalising them, nor should we begeneralising all young people”.

“Older people, especial-

ly, want to feel safe and the fear ofcrime often affects how they livetheir lives while racially-motivatedattacks target ethnic minoritygroups and the boards referencegroups advise the police on how toimprove race-related training.

“We have to listen tothose specific groups to hear whattheir concerns are and help them tohelp us to shape the type of polic-ing service, because at the end ofthe day if the Police Service is notresponsive to the needs of commu-nities, then they will not get thesupport of those communities”.

“In addition to this theBoard recognises the need to reachout to loyalist and republican com-munities which have traditionallyhad a bad experience of policing.We are actively considering howbest to deal with this”.

Expressing the view thatthe concept of “Policing with theCommunity” must work on theground Alex Maskey said, “Wehave to lift that from a policy and agood idea to a reality, and thatmeans that we have to find practi-cal ways of making sure that ‘Polic-ing with the Community’ becomesjust simply ingrained in the way inwhich the police do their work andthe way in which the communitywill see the police.

“We have come from avery different kind of policing situ-ation over many years and the idea

that a community will be policed isreally an outdated model and whatwe have to have, and the PSNIrecognise this readily, is that theywill be much more successful as apolice service when they are work-ing with the community as opposedto either working for the communi-ty or just policing the community”.

The role of District Polic-ing Partnerships (DPPs) is crucialin making all of this work. As Alexexplained, “DPPs help to identifythe local problems, design localpolicing plans and are tasked withensuring that the police deliver onthese local policing plans. Themore successful the DPP is in hold-ing the police to account, then themore confidence it will create.

“However, the reality isthat some DPPs have been more ef-fective than others with poor levelsof public attendance often cited asa problem. We need to continuallyfind ways of delving down more in-to local communities to hear thevoices of people locally. The Boardis keen that local people get in-volved in their DPPs as the partner-ships must know what is happeningin their community.

“The better we engagewith the public in the way in whichwe are trying to now, and I have nodoubt that there will be more issuesthrown up as a result of that en-gagement”.

Policing with theCommunity

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:Alex Maskey MLA

Transfer 2010 - childrenby and large will go totheir nearest school

SOUTH BELFAST Sinn Féin MLAAlexMaskey, speaking after Belfast City Coun-cil set its rate for the year at 6.97% has saidthat Sinn Féin was determined to get thelowest rate possible while maintaining agood standard of public service.

Alex Maskey MLA said, "SinnFéin were determined to keep any rates in-crease to a minimum. A number of monthsago it was recommended that rates be in-creased by substantially more than the2.88% increase that was struck this week.

"When a substantial increasewas recommended councillors directedthat each Department head on each coun-cil Department go back and trawl throughtheir Departments to identify areas wheresavings could be made. This was an exam-ple of councillors taking a hands-on ap-proach to scrutiny of how public fundswere being used.

"In a cost saving move fundinghas also been withdrawn from a number ofkey events such as the Proms in the Park.These were tough decisions to make, butforemost in our mind was ensuring thatany rates increase was kept to a mini-mum".

He concluded, "We in Sinn Féinwere extremely conscious of the increasedfinancial pressures being faced by familiesand businesses at this time. With this inmind we were determined to keep anyrates increase to a minimum while also en-suring that we maintain a good standard ofpublic services. The figure of 6.97% wasthe lowest that we could get. All politicalparties on the council were unanimous onthis".

SINN FÉIN spokesperson on Policing is-sues Alex Maskey has accused the SDLP ofbeing in their usual disarray when it comesto policing legislation. Mr Maskey's com-ments came after the SDLP leader MarkDurkan seemed incapable of making up hismind on whether he supported the transferof powers or not.

Speaking from Westminster MrMaskey said, "Given the SDLP record ondealing with policing legislation it shouldcome as no surprise that they are onceagain in some disarray on the issue. Re-member it was the SDLP who when facedwith the Mandelson Bill which gutted Pat-ten first voted for the legislation, thenagainst and then abstained. Seamus Mallonfamously declared after the passage of thatBill that no more policing legislation waspossible.

"Unlike the SDLP who havedone nothing to secure the transfer of Polic-ing and Justice powers Sinn Féin has re-mained committed to this key issue. We areworking to ensure that the process led byMartin McGuinness and Peter Robinsonwill lead to the transfer of powers being ad-vanced.

"Achieving this will remain thefocus of Sinn Féin in the time ahead and wewill not allow ourselves to become dis-tracted from that task by Mark Durkan oranyone else."

THE 11+ IS GONE. 10 and 11 year old childrenwill no longer have to sit this discredited test. Weinherited a deeply unequal education system inthe North of Ireland - a system that determined achild's future on the basis of 2 one-hour tests atthe age of 10 or 11.

It was unfair, discriminatory and need-ed to change. No 10 or 11 year old should be do-ing such a high stakes exam at this young age.

Children throughout Europe spend thelast two years of their primary school learninglanguages, sports, music, interactive science,computer skills and going on school trips. Chil-dren in the North spent the last two years worry-ing about an outdated exam devised in 1947 andworrying about what school might accept or re-ject them.

The system failed every child, it failedthe children that passed the 11+ and it failed thechildren that did not pass this exam. It dividedcommunities, it divided families and it created atwo tier system that disproportionately affectedour most disadvantaged children.

Every year over 12,000 young peopleleave school after 12 years of formal educationwithout English and Maths GCSE, 47% of ouryoung people. That is a shocking indictment ofour education system.

Sinn Féin believes that every child de-serves a fair chance. Since taking up office 18months ago I have met with children, teachers,educationalists, trade unionists, parents andpoliticians. The vast majority of people supportchange in the system.

A small vocal minority of people aretrying to block change. There is nothing new inthis. They have been doing it for years, fordecades. They make up excuses – they justify theeducational apartheid that is the education sys-tem in the North. We have heard them all before- it ranges from outright unapologetic support foracademic selection, to claims that they needmore time.

Sinn Féin knew when we chose edu-cation that these people would try and blockchange. We knew the challenges that faced us.

We never underestimated the opponents ofchange.

We are carrying out a radical overhaulof the education system, here in the North, bring-ing it into the 21st century. We are putting equal-ity at the heart of our system and we are chang-ing the way our children transfer from primaryto second level education once and for all.

Transfer 2010 - children by and largewill go to their nearest school, they will transferon the basis of admissions criteria based largelyaround community, family, geography and socialjustice. This will keep communities together,keep families together. It is the way the vast ma-jority of young people transfer throughout Ire-land and Europe.

We can have academic excellencewithout academic rejection of many of ouryoung people. Sinn Féin is determined to bringabout a system that puts children, not institutionsat the centre, a system that gives every child, nota select few a fair chance, a system that we canbe all be proud of.

Maskey comments asBelfast CityCouncil decideon rates figure

SDLP in disarray overpolicingtransfer

by CaitríonaRuane MLA


Short Strand housingboost welcomed

An Droicheadculturaltourisminvestmentwelcomed

WELCOME: Alex Maskey MLA.

EDUCATION MINISTER: CaitríonaRuane.

EAST BELFAST: Niall Ó Donnghaile.

Education budgetwelcomed

Sinn Féin's East Belfast Representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has welcomed the news that27 Apartments on the Short Strand in East Belfast will be used by Clanmill Housing as-sociation for social units.

Speaking about the development Niall Ó Donnghaile said, "I want to welcomethis boost for the local community and in particularly for those currently languishing onthe housing waiting list.

"Sinn Féin is constantly campaigning for the development of the necessarysocial housing for this part of the city. This announcement will come as good news toeveryone as there has been, up until now, a degree of uncertainty around the future forthe Pottinger's Quay development.

"I look forward to working with Clanmill Housing Association to ensure thatthis development will be as good as it can possibly be for the residents who will livethere.

"Sinn Féin will continue to campaign for social and affordable housing as wellas the highest standard of community facilities for this part of East Belfast and beyond."

THE RECENT BUDGET, announcedby Education Minister Caitríona RuaneMLA, has been welcomed by SouthBelfast MLA Alex Maskey as paving theway forward for a progressive and adapt-able education system.

Speaking in the wake of theEducation Minister’s announcement AlexMaskey MLA said, "I support the Educa-tion Minister's commitment to enhanceeducational opportunities for all and thisbudget is a massive step forward in that.Despite serious issues' regarding funding,which affect all sectors in the current eco-nomic climate, education today is a win-ner”.

Overall the budget has in-creased by almost £38 million from lastyear. All school pupils, but in particularthose in primary level, will see the bene-fits with an average increase of £266 perpupil in primary schools, with an increasealso in the post primary and secondarysectors.

"On top of this”, said Maskey,“parents with children at primary schoolswill now be able to benefit from the

schools uniforms grant scheme."Undoubtedly the economic

downturn has had a massive impact onlow income families, with parents havingto make ends meet every day. This moveby Caitríona Ruane as Education Minis-ter recognises this and she has extendedthe current grant scheme to assist low-in-come parent to buy school uniforms.

"Previously this scheme onlycatered for parents who has children atsecondary schools. Now the Minister hasextended this to the primary school par-ents which will undoubtedly ease somepressures of low income families and willreceive a warm welcome."

"The youth sector will alsobenefit from the Minister's announcementwith a much needed injection of fundinginto the sustainability of youth workerposts recognising the role youth workersplay in extra curricular education and de-velopment.

"In all, this budget points theway forward for a progressive and adapt-able education system that will benefit allof our young people."

Paving the way forward to a progressive andadaptable Education system

SOUTH BELFAST Sinn Féin MLA AlexMaskey has welcomed the announcement that£600,000 is being made available as part of theEU's INTEREG 4 scheme to develop a culturaltourism project in which South Belfast's AnDroichead cultural centre will be the lead part-ner.

Alex Maskey MLA said, "I wouldcongratulate all of those who have been in-volved in developing this proposal to create amajor cultural tourism network which willstretch from Donegal to Belfast and to Skye inScotland. It will involve Irish language groups,Scots Gaelic groups and the Ulster-Scotsagency.

"The establishment of this networkwill see the creation of two full-time posts inSouth Belfast's An Droichead centre. It will seethe development of a training course in culturaltourism and a top-class online learning re-sources".

"That An Droichead will be the leadpartner in this project is a tribute to the greatwork which is being done by all of the staff atthis centre and will no doubt benefit SouthBelfast.

He concluded, "This is a major in-vestment into An Droichead and will greatly en-hance the tourism potential in this area as wellas delivering significant resources to the Irishlanguage sector. Once again, I would welcomethis funding and wish all of those involved inthe project good luck in its development".


Putting the Lisburn Roadon the map

Easier to register in Birmingham,Alabama, than Belfast

THE MOTIVES of the Electoral Office havebeen questioned after it was revealed that it iseasier to get onto the electoral register inBirmingham, Alabama, than it is to get on theregister in the North of Ireland.

Explaining how the revelation cameto light, Sinn Féin’s Bairbre deBrún MEP said,"Sinn Fein contacted officials in the ElectionsDivision of the Office of the Alabama Secre-tary of Statein the US to enquire about theprocess involved in getting onto the electoralregister in Alabama.

"Alabama election official BrandonWalters confirmed to us that extra identifica-tion evidence is not required in Alabama ontop of filling in a registration form”.

The historical significance of thisdiscrepancy between here and Alabama willnot be lost on those who have read about thecivil rights struggle in 1960’s America.

In the 1960s Birmingham, Alaba-ma, was the centre of the Civil Rights strug-gle for African Americans. It was a placewhere discrimination was institutional.

Ms deBrún continued, "Today wefind that the process involved in getting regis-tered in Alabama is much simpler and easierthan the process in the North of Ireland. Allyou need to do in Alabama to get on the reg-ister is fill in an electoral registration form andsend it in.

"Yet here, in the North of Ireland,even after filling in a registration form andproviding their name, address, date of birth,national insurance number and signature, peo-ple are still been denied their place on the reg-ister.

"In the year from Dec 2007 to Dec

2008, in Belfast as a whole,over 3,500 people were de-nied their rightful place onthe electoral register aftertheir forms were rejected.

"This is unaccept-able and is a clear denial ofthe right to vote and wehave to question the motivesof the Electoral Officewhich is accountable to, andfunded by, the NIO and istherefore not independent.

"The ElectoralOffice has access to lists ofdeaths, people who will beturning 18, Central ServicesAgency, council and NIHEdatabases which deal withchanges of address. This ac-cess to information shouldallow the Electoral Office totrack changes themselves.

"Many people areturned off by the complexprocess involved in gettingregistered. These are largelypeople from disadvantagedareas, who already feel detached from the sys-tem.

"The Electoral Office must endtheir excessive demands on individuals for un-necessary additional evidence and they mustprioritise getting those people who are not onthe electoral register onto the register.

"In particular, the Electoral Officeneeds to be proactive in bringing forward ini-tiatives to bring increased numbers of people

from disadvantaged areas onto the electoralregister. These are the people who are suffer-ing most from the excessive demands of theElectoral Office.''

"I am sure that people in Belfastwill be shocked and alarmed that it is easier toregister to vote in Birmingham, Alabama,once the centre of discrimination againstAfrican Americans, than it is to register in theNorth of Ireland”, she concluded.

LEIS AN ARD-MHÉARA: Sinn Féin Mayor of Belfast, Tom Hartley, joins local traders on theLisburn Road for the launch of the “Lisburn Road Retailers Map” which was produced by retail-ers in the area in conjunction with Belfast City Council.

QUESTIONING THE MOTIVES OF THEELECTORAL OFFICE: Sinn Féin MEPBairbre deBrún.

Motives of the Electoral Office questioned

The elections to the European Parliament takeplace in the North on June 4. But you will not beentitled to vote unless you are on the electoralregister and have suitable photographic ID.

The final date for people to register intime for the Euro election is April 7. If you arenot on the register by then, you won't be able tovote.

To check if you are listed on the Elec-toral Register contact the Electoral Office on0800 4320 712 or email [email protected] withyour name, address and date of birth.

If you have any concerns please to con-tact your local Sinn Féin office.

There are also serious concerns that theElectoral Office is not doing all it can or shouldbe doing to ensure that everyone who is entitledto vote is on the live register.

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún said,“There are some serious problems in relation torolling registration and particularly for peoplewho have moved home or fallen off the register.

“British legislation removing thehousehold registration option has decimated theElectoral register over the last number of years.”

Sinn Féin’s East Belfast Representative Niall ÓDonnghaile has branded the decision to distrib-ute recruitment literature for the British Army inthe Short Strand area as both ‘inappropriate’ and‘deeply offensive’.

Mr Ó Donnghaile said, “Like manyother residents in the Short Strand I was surprisedto find glossy recruitment literature for the British‘Territorial Army’ in my letter box.

“I have been contacted by a number ofresidents highlighting their offence at this movesince then.

“The Short Strand is an area that hassuffered greatly at the hands of numerous BritishArmy regiments over a long number of years.

“I spoke with one resident today,whose brother was gunned down by the BritishArmy on the streets of this Parish while goingabout his daily business; understandably he isdeeply hurt and angry that this literature wouldbe directed at trying to recruit his sons into thatsame Army, I share his anger at the move.

“Society in the North is moving on;even Hugh Orde accepts that there is no need forthe British Army to return to our streets. There isalso no need for this inappropriate and offensiveattempt by the British TA to recruit young Irishpeople from this community under false promis-es of some sort of worthwhile career.”

Ensure thatyou are entitled tovote?

Short StrandBritish Armyrecruitmentdrive slammed


SOUTH AND EAST Belfast Sinn Féin haswelcomed the decision by Education MinisterCaitríona Ruane to extend the uniform grantfrom secondary schools on to primary schools.

Commenting on this developmentBalmoral Sinn Féin representative VincentParker said, "South and East Belfast Sinn Féinwelcomes the announcement by EducationMinister Caitríona Ruane that she is makingprovision within her budget to extend the schooluniform grants scheme to primary schools.

"Previously this scheme only cateredfor parents who have children at secondaryschools. Now the Minister has extended this to

the primary school parents which will undoubt-edly ease some pressures for low income fami-lies and will receive a warm welcome.

"With the current economic situationand the financial impact on families, these timesare difficult for everyone but particularly so forthose in our community with young familieswho will struggle to meet the cost of basic everyday needs, such as the cost of school uniforms.

"I would like to thank the Minister forher commitment to addressing this inequalityand anomaly and look forward to the schemebeing implemented as soon as possible."GERRY ADAMS MP, speak-

ing at an event discussing therecent Eames/Bradley Reportsaid that the recent “processunveiled by the ConsultativeGroup on the Past is deeplyflawed and incapable of estab-lishing the Independent Inter-national Truth Commissionwhich we believe is neces-sary.”

Mr. Adams said, “Amonth ago I facilitated twovery important meetings on theissue of truth and justice be-tween victim families and theBritish Secretary of StateShaun Woodward.

The families gavegraphic and moving accountsof the brutal killings of theirloved ones and of the subse-quent cover-up by the Britishstate into the events surround-ing their deaths.

These families are aonly few among many hun-dreds who also seek the truthabout the circumstances sur-rounding the deaths of lovedones and friends and neigh-bours.

Other campaigninggroups like Relatives for Jus-tice, Justice for the Forgotten,the Pat Finucane Centre, AnFhirinne, Firinne and the Ar-doyne Commemoration Projectare making similar demands.

Some are victims ofrepublican actions who are al-so seeking truth.

The issue of statekillings and of collusion –which was an administrativepractice and part of the BritishGovernment’s strategy – mustalso be dealt with.

The evidence of theBritish government’s inade-quate and dishonest responseto demands for truth has raisedunderstandable concerns aboutits commitment to a viable andeffective truth recoveryprocess.

For example, theBritish government’s refusal tohand over files in relation tothe killing of Pat Finucane andothers; and its willful stallingand obstruction of the SavilleInquiry, are all evidence of anunwillingness on the part of theBritish Government and itsmilitary and intelligence estab-lishments to end the cover-upsand take responsibility for theiractions during the conflict.

Brushing it under thecarpet, revising our history toexorcise the role of the Britishstate in fomenting and pro-longing conflict in our country,is in no one’s interest.

Republicans haveclearly acknowledged many

times the hurt we inflicted dur-ing the conflict.

Sinn Féin believethat as society seeks to leaveconflict behind and to moveforward there is a requirementthat all of us address the tragichuman consequences of thepast.

Sinn Féin supportsall of the families in their ef-forts to achieve truth.

The publication ofthe ‘Consultative Group’ reportbrought a renewed focus ontothe issue of truth and truth re-covery.

Sinn Féin is current-ly engaged in a consultation onthe detail of the report. How-ever, sometime ago we made itclear that the establishment ofan independent and interna-tional commission establishedby a reputable internationalbody like the UN is necessaryto properly address this issue.

The appointment bythe British Government of aLegacy Commission as pro-posed by this report falls veryshort of these fundamental cri-teria.

In Sinn Féin’s view aproper and transparent truthprocess is essential and in 2003we published a discussion doc-ument which identified funda-mental principles which we be-lieve are essential to such aprocess of truth recovery.

These are: Allprocesses should be victim-centred and deal with victimson an all-Ireland basis and in-deed with victims outside Ire-land; Full co-operation by allrelevant parties is essential tothe success of any commission;There should be no hierarchyof victims; All processesshould be politically neutral;Any future panel should be in-ternational and independent;

One of the purposesof any future panel/commis-sion should be to examine the‘causes, nature and extent’ ofthe conflict; An objective ofany process should be healing– both for direct victims andfor society in general; A com-mon aim should be to enablesociety to build the peace; Rec-onciliation should be the coreaim of any truth process; andrespect and generosity shouldinform the parties seeking toreach agreement.

Those of us chargedwith political responsibilitymust agree and deliver aprocess that is meaningful andsubstantive.

That means thinkingbeyond any sectarian, section-al, party political or self-inter-

est.Such a process must

deliver truth to bereaved fami-lies as a result of independentinvestigation, as well asanalyse the policies and prac-tices that sustained and fuelledthe conflict.

Given that theBritish government was themajor protagonist in the con-flict how can bereaved familiesor those seeking truth and jus-tice, feel anything other thandeep concern at the processthat is being proposed by theEames Bradley Group?

The British Govern-ment cannot be the objectivefacilitator of any truth recoveryprocess. It also cannot with anyhonesty write the remit of anygroup tasked with that role.

Any truth processwhich has the finger prints ofthe securocrats in Whitehallanywhere near it simply willnot work.

Objectors to a truthprocess disingenuously arguethat the high cost of inquiriesinto the past is a reason for do-ing nothing.

It is not inquiries in-to the past which cause the ex-pense – it is the British govern-ment policy of concealmentand cover-up, most clearlydemonstrated in the Saville In-quiry into Bloody Sunday,which has seen that Inquiry lastand cost as much as it has.

The process un-veiled by the ConsultativeGroup on the past is thereforedeeply flawed and incapable ofestablishing the IndependentInternational Truth Commis-sion which we believe is nec-essary. Of course, this does notmean that we give up.

The Eames Bradleyproposals need to be thorough-ly discussed by bereaved fami-lies, as well as by society gen-erally.

Having spoken tomany families over the years Iknow that they realise thatachieving truth is not going tobe easy.

There are vestedgroups who do not want thetruth and who will seek tothwart the creation of a mean-ingful truth recovery process.We must not let them. We mustpersevere.

Sinn Fein supportsthe bereaved families and thatsupport will remain steadfast inthe difficult time ahead.

Looking after vic-tims and victims’ families andsurvivors is a significant andimportant part of this.

ConsultativeGroup on the Pastreport is deeplyflawed - Adams

Sinn Féin welcomes Primaryschool uniform grant

Join Sinn FéinSinn Féin is the fastest growing political party in Ireland. We are ac-tivist based and have cumann (branches) throughout Ireland, work-

ing locally and nationally to bring about an Ireland of equals.If you live in Ireland and are over the age of 16 you are eligible tojoin. If you are between 16 and 25 you can join Ógra Shinn Féin.

Contact our office at (028) 90243194 or fill out the online applica-tion form at:

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South & East Belfast SinnFéin constituency service

Sinn Féin’s All-Ireland team selected for European elections

• Dealing with the DHSS

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• Benefit claims

• Filling in forms

Sinn Féin is an activist based Par-ty intent on giving you the best

representation possible.

Your local Sinn Féin representa-tives are:• South Belfast MLA & Laganbankcouncillor: Alex Maskey• Balmoral: Vincent Parker• East Belfast: Niall Ó Donnghaile

If you need help or advice on anyissue, no matter how big or small,feel free to contact our office at:

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THE EUROPEAN UNION is a more dominant force thanever in the political, economic and social life of Ireland.Sinn Féin has a policy of critical but constructive engage-ment with the EU. We want to build a Europe of Equals -a true partnership of equal sovereign states, co-operating insocial and economic development in Europe and beyond.We want an EU that promotes peace, demilitarisation andnuclear disarmament and the just resolution of conflicts un-der the leadership of a reformed, renewed and democra-tised United Nations. Ultimately, we want a future UnitedIreland to take an active, leading role in such a reformedEU.

In order to do this Sinn Féin has selected six can-didates to represent all the constituencies in Ireland for theforthcoming European elections in June, building upon ourprevious results in Europe which saw the Party elect twoMEP’s, and ensuring that there is dedicated All-Ireland rep-resentation at the heart of Europe.

In the Six County constituency Sinn Féin ac-tivists have once again selected sitting MEP Bairbre de-Brún to stand for re-election.

Bairbre de Brún is an member of the Sinn Féin'sArd Comhairle and MEP for the Six Counties. She waselected as an Assembly member for West Belfast. Born inDublin, she lives in the Andersonstown area of Belfast. Sheis a teacher by profession and taught in the growing sectorof Irish medium education.

ALL-IRELAND TEAM: Sinn Féin’s EU candidates pictured with Gerry Adams MP from left toright: Kathleen Funchion (East), Tomás Sharkey (East), Mary Lou McDonald MEP (Dublin),Pádraig MacLochlainn (North West), Bairbre deBrún MEP (Six Counties), and Toiréasa Ferris(South)

www.sinnfeineu.com

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