Sinn Féin’s Alex Maskey MLA has today restated Sinn Féin’s determination to protect the most vulnerable in society from Tory welfare cuts.
Alex Maskey MLA said:
“In 2015, Sinn Féin secured the £585m mitigations package to protect the most vulnerable in society from Tory attacks on welfare.
“At that time, the First and deputy First Ministers asked welfare experts Eileen Evason and Kevin Higgins to design this mitigations package and Sinn Féin fully embraced and implemented their proposals.
“As that initial package now needs renewed, Sinn Féin fully supports the current proposals from Eileen Evason and Kevin Higgins to continue protections for the most vulnerable in our society and, specifically, to offset the draconian Tory bedroom tax and benefits cap.
“We have been working with other parties to reach agreement on these essential protections and I am satisfied there is broad political agreement on their extension.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson Declan Kearney has encouraged Trade Union members to attend tomorrow’s Irish Unity event organised by Trade Unionists for a New and United Ireland.
'Uniting Ireland! Uniting Workers!’ is being held in the Mandate Head Office in Dublin from 10am to 1pm. The event will provide a platform for discussion and debate on the role of the Labour Movement in a New United Ireland.
Speaking on this development the Sinn Féin MLA said:
“I want to commend the Trade Unionists for a New and United Ireland for organising this important and timely event on Irish Unity.
“The most recent initiative by Ireland’s Future called on the Irish Government to establish a citizens’ forum in a letter to An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar. The letter was signed by over 1,000 citizens, including almost 70 prominent Trade Union members and officials, and demonstrated again the desire for a conversation on the future of Ireland and the potential for constitutional change.
“The Labour Movement is an essential voice in this conversation. Labour cannot wait!
“The Labour Movement must make its voice heard in the debate on what shape a new Ireland will take and must ensure that workers’ rights and economic justice are at the heart of that discussion.”
Sinn Féin Health spokesperson Louise O’Reilly TD has said the human impact of the trolley crisis has been laid bare after reports emerged that a woman died in the corridors of Cork University Hospital without a bed.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“The reports of the tragic events in Cork University Hospital, which have surfaced today, are both shocking and distressing.
“The woman, who reports indicate passed away two weeks ago having been left in the corridors of Cork University Hospital without a bed, was let down by the system.
“There is significant human pain and suffering behind every patient who is sick and needs to attend a hospital, but there is a particular pain and indignity when someone is left lying on a trolley in a corridor or Emergency Department.
“It is easy to get lost in the stats, but the human impact of the crisis in our health service cannot be forgotten and the scandal of patients on trolleys can never become normalised.
“This should be a wake-up call to those running the health service that their inaction causes huge suffering and pain and reinforce the need to grasp this problem once and for all.”
Sinn Féin TD for Waterford David Cullinane today attended a protest outside University Hospital Waterford. Deputy Cullinane joined the protest organised by the PNA and supprorted by local campaigners. He said the current conditions at the Adult Mental Unit at the hospital are unacceptable.
Speaking from the protest today, Deputy Cullinane said:
“The Minister for Health Simon Harris and the HSE have known for years about the abject conditions at Waterford psychiatric unit and it remains in a state of crisis despite repeated warnings and reports.
“Citizens were shocked by the photos that emerged of the intolerable conditions of the psychiatric unit in Waterford, of beds made from chairs while other patients sleep on floors.
"Shocked, but sadly not surprised.
"The mental health commission recently published a report on the unit, and found that residents’ general health needs were not monitored and assessed in line with their specific needs.
"It also found that physical examinations were inadequate, that residents did not have access to a supply of appropriate emergency personal clothing, and that the centre was not clean, hygienic and free from offensive odours.
"Words are one thing; we now have photographic evidence revealing a unit that is operating under conditions that would make a Victorian workhouse blush.
"The staff are not to blame here; they are operating under incredible stress and distress.
"Both the Minister and the HSE know that is about funding and resources.
"Yet, despite this, they refuse to do anything about it.
"I have constantly raised the level of care at the unit, and quite frankly at this stage I am sick to the teeth of the Minister's excuses.
"What we need is not more tea and sympathy but action. We need more investment in primary and community mental health care to take pressure off the acute service."
This morning at Clare Circuit Court in Ennis, Ken Mayers (82) and Tarak Kauff’s (77) case was transferred to Dublin.
Sinn Féin Senator Paul Gavan has welcomed the decision to transfer the case of two US veterans charged with alleged criminal damage caused during a peaceful protest at Shannon Airport.
Speaking after the ruling, Senator Gavan said:
“This is a good result for Ken, 82, and Tarak, 77. The transfer of their case to Dublin will now allow an application for review of their bail conditions.
“In March of this year, Ken and Tarak were wrongfully arrested for trying to expose US military use of Shannon airport.
“There is nothing to be proud of in letting the US military use Shannon Airport, a civilian airport, as a military base.
“US warplanes, and those contracted by them, use Shannon to transfer troops and armaments to the endless wars of aggression across the Middle East, such as in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Ken and Tarak are two US veterans who have seen what the US war machine does to innocent people, and the disregard with which the US flaunt international law and disregards the sovereignty of nations.
“Ireland is a neutral nation, and that is something we are very proud of.
“These two fine, brave men have been held hostage on this island by the Irish government, which seized their passports.
“They committed no crimes. Our government is trying to cover up US war crimes, and these two men are being persecuted for trying to expose that.
“We need to give them back their liberty and allow them home for Christmas, a time when they should be with their families.
“It is a gross injustice that we have held them here for this long, and it’s time to let them go home.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment David Cullinane TD today slammed the government and ESB for broken promises to workers and their communities in the midlands, adding that a just transition plan must be put in place before the closure of Lough Ree and West Offaly power stations at the end of next year.
Deputy Cullinane said:
"The news that the ESB is to close two power stations in the midlands without any alternative arrangements in place is nothing short of a betrayal of the workers and their local communities.
"Both the ESB and the government promised that alternative measures and a just transition would be in place before any decision to close would be taken.
"That, it appears, is now off the table, delivering a devastating blow to the 80 ESB workers affected and the 1,000 Bord na Móna workers who rely in no small measure on the plants.
"The government must convene a Just Transition Task Force as a matter of urgency.
"This must be based on dialogue with trade unions and other stakeholders.
"This task force must negotiate a fair deal for workers and their communities and ensure an orderly and fair exit from peat.
"The people of the midlands need to be part of that transition.
"By his actions so far, it is clear that the Minister is interested only in importing fracked gas for private profit, instead of working to protect the communities most affected by the move to environmental sustainability."
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South-Central Aengus Ó Snodaigh has given a guarded welcome to the Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy's announcement that Mr Patrick Butler SC is to investigate the role of Dublin City Council in the payment of “protection” monies to individuals.
Deputy Ó Snodaigh TD said:
"I am giving a guarded welcome to Minister Murphy's announcement that he has appointed Patrick Butler SC to head up the investigation into the allegation that protection money was paid to criminals in Cherry Orchard.
"I do not believe Dublin City Council should be the sole focus of this investigation. I first raised these issues in December 2016 with his predecessor Simon Coveney, the then Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald and current Minister Catherine Byrne. I also contacted senior Gardaí, City Council and the voluntary housing body building the houses. It really is a case of better late than ever.
"I firmly believe the remit for Mr Patrick Butler’s investigation should be expanded to also cover their respective Departments. The public have a right to know why Ministers and State agencies ignored the warning signals back in 2016.
"Only as full an investigation as possible will ensure that whatever findings and recommendations produced reflect the full picture of what occurred since a construction company went onto the first of the three sites.
"In light of this, I believe the December 9th report back deadline is to tight. To do full justice to the gravity of the allegations, a more realistic deadline is March next year.
"I am deeply concerned that the issues raised in my letters to all the above parties in December 2016 and January 2017 about interference from criminals in State funded construction sites still exist.
"Communities are still being held to ransom. It is essential that Gardaí are immediately and adequately resourced to tackle this criminality head on."
Sinn Féin’s Mickey Brady has said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is attempting to avoid public scrutiny over Brexit with his clandestine visit to the north.
The Sinn Fein candidate for Newry and Armagh said:
"British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sneaked into Tandragee today on an unannounced visit but he can't escape the fact that the majority of people in the north rejected the reckless Tory Brexit.
"I'm sure the business community, the farmers, the agri-food producers, retailers, cross-border workers, young people and many others would have welcomed the opportunity to confront Boris Johnson about the impact of Brexit.
"When I speak to all of these groups they are cannot see anything good from Brexit and are hugely critical of the Tory/DUP agenda. They want to see the protections that have been secured in Europe for our economy, for our peace agreements and to avoid a hard border. And more and more are looking to a way back into the EU through Irish unity.
"While Boris Johnson may want to avoid the people he can't avoid the polls and on December 12 the public will have a chance to have their say.
“Sinn Féin is calling on people to come out and reject the Tories, reject the DUP, reject Brexit, reject Westminster and vote for a better future on the island of Ireland."
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has welcomed the moving of the writs in the Dáil which marks the start of the four bye-election campaigns.
Teachta McDonald said:
“These by-elections are important. They are an opportunity for the people to give their verdict on the failed politics and weak government of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
“Sinn Féin is fielding an excellent slate of candidates in Cllr. Thomas Gould in Cork North Central, Cllr. Mark Ward in Dublin Mid West, Cllr. Ann Graves in Dublin Fingal and Johnny Mythen in Wexford.
“All four candidates are top-class activists who hard to stand up for ordinary people and deliver for local communities.
“Many people have been left behind by the recovery. They don’t see the benefits reaching their families and their communities. Sinn Féin wants to change that.
"We will deliver for hard-working families who see their wages hoovered up by rip off insurance costs, rents and childcare fees. To end the crises in housing and healthcare we need new policies new politics to deliver solutions.
“That is the platform on which our four bye-election candidates stand and I look forward to joining them on the campaign trail over the coming weeks."
Sinn Féin's Chris Hazzard, has today said the upcoming election is a chance to reject the 'profound economic damage' posed by Brexit.
Sinn Féin's South Down general election candidate was speaking following the annual Agenda NI Economic Conference, being held this year in the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle.
Chris Hazzard said:
"In whatever form it takes, it is clear Brexit will have a sharply negative impact on the all-Ireland economy, and particularly for the north of Ireland.
"Jobs, livelihoods, and whole communities along the border risk severe economic damage as a result of Brexit.
"This is especially true here in South Down, where large parts of our local economy play a key role in the all-Ireland supply chain and therefore they are at severe risk.
"In recent days I've met with small farmers, our local agri-food industry, and many local businesses who all feel extremely vulnerable to the DUP-Tory Brexit.
"Sinn Féin MPs have for been working to secure special status that would minimise Brexit disruption for the local economy in South Down.
"The coming election is an opportunity for voters to re-elect a Sinn Féin MP in South Down dedicating to upholding the economic interests of families and communities in this border constituency."
Commenting on the decision by the Royal College of Nurses to take industrial action Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill said today:
“The Health and Social Care service’s greatest asset is its staff but workers are underpaid and undervalued.
“Years of Tory austerity cuts to frontline public services, supported by the DUP, and the cap on public sector pay has our health service on its knees.
“The safety of staff and patients alike is being compromised as a result of staff shortages.
“There is a huge hole in health and social care services as a result of pay issues which are affecting recruitment and retention of staff.
“The Department of Health has compounded the difficulties in the health service by treating the workers and their representatives with contempt.
“Nurses now feel that the only way forward to deal with their well-documented grievances is to take industrial action. That is unprecedented.
“I have spoken with the RCN and pledged Sinn Féin’s support for the workers’ efforts to improve safety and their pay and working conditions.
“I am aware that other health and social care workers are also considering strike action and I wish to send solidarity to them as well.
“I am calling on the department to immediately begin a serious engagement with the workers and their unions to address their concerns.
“The incoming British government should reverse its disastrous austerity cuts which have brought our health service to the brink.”
Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD this morning met the new Governor of the Central Bank, Gabriel Makhlouf, to discuss upcoming challenges and the practice of dual pricing by companies within the Irish insurance market. The Governor agreed to Deputy Doherty’s request for an investigation into the practice, which punishes loyal customers and vulnerable groups with extortionate insurance prices.
Deputy Doherty wrote to the Governor of the Central Bank requesting an investigation into the practice of price discrimination on 25th September, and on 16th October submitted a formal complaint to the Central Bank requesting an investigation and justifying a banning of the practice of dual pricing in the insurance market.
The Donegal TD said:
“On the 25th September I wrote to the Governor of the Central Bank requesting an immediate investigation into the practice of dual pricing, or price discrimination, by the insurance industry. I also got the agreement of the Finance Committee to investigate this practice.
“On 16th October I submitted a lengthy complaint to the Central Bank requesting an investigation into the practice and justifying a banning of the practice in the market.
“Insurance companies in the Irish market are using dual pricing to target vulnerable customers who are more likely to renew and less likely to switch or shop around, and then charge them with extortionate prices.
“Not only is this done without the knowledge of consumers, but it is known to target low-income and vulnerable groups, with some being charged premiums more than 100% higher than the average price for the same risk profile.
“In the United States dual pricing has been made illegal in as many as 17 states, including California and Florida.
“Irish consumers deserve the same protections as anyone else. But Irish regulators have done nothing to confront this practice.
“Today I met with Governor Makhlouf to discuss my complaint. This morning he agreed to carry out an investigation into the practice.
“We hope this investigation can begin immediately, with a clear and short timeline for its conclusion. I have invited the Central Bank into the Finance Committee on Tuesday 12th November
“Following an investigation we want to see the practice banned.
“The Consumer Protection Code 2012 makes clear that insurance companies should act honestly and fairly in the best interests of consumers.
“Dual pricing is practiced without the knowledge of consumers, discriminating against vulnerable groups and loyal customers, and undermining the integrity of the insurance market.
“While the Central Bank has no role in setting premium prices, it is able to ban pricing practices that are not complaint with principles of fairness and transparency.
“It is clear therefore that the Central Bank as the power to ban dual pricing. Irish consumers deserve no less.
“I welcome the Governor’s agreement to investigate this practice, and Sinn Féin will be calling for it to be banned.”
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill has today welcomed an announcement by the Green Party to support pro-Remain and progressive candidates across the city of Belfast.
Michelle O’Neill said:
"Sinn Féin welcome this positive and constructive development from the Green Party.
"It is a significant move to maximise the representation of pro-Remain and progressive candidates facing down DUP Brexiteers across Belfast.
"It is also reflective of the real concerns of voters from all backgrounds who are seeking to reject Brexit and its architects in the DUP.
"It further undermines clear DUP efforts to inject division into this election."
Sinn Féin deputy Dáil leader Pearse Doherty TD, speaking in the Dáil today, has said that Sinn Féin are fighting to win in the four Dáil by-elections being in Cork North Central, Dublin Mid-West, Dublin Fingal and Wexford on the 29th November.
He said that Sinn Féin has excellent candidates in all four constituencies, who work day-in, day-out to stand up for ordinary people and deliver for local communities.
Calling on voters to vote for Sinn Féin , he said "Sinn Féin will give workers and families a break, and we are the only party that are committed to Irish Unity".
Teachta Doherty said:
"I want to welcome the moving of the writs for by-elections in Cork North Central, Dublin Mid-West, Dublin Fingal and Wexford that will be held on the 29th November.
"I want to welcome the moving of the writs for by-elections in Cork North Central, Dublin Mid-West, Dublin Fingal and Wexford that will be held on the 29th November.
"I also want to welcome the fact that we are not waiting an undue period for these by-elections to be held - as we were ten years ago under the then Fianna Fáil/Green Party government when I was forced to go the Courts to ensure that the people of Donegal South West were afforded proper representation in the Dáil, which was denied to them for seventeen months.
"The government of the day - of which the Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin was a member - contended in the High Court that the Court - in adjudicating on the matter - would ‘tear asunder’ the provisions of the Constitution.
"Thankfully, the High Court found otherwise and stated that it was the ongoing failure of the government to move the writ for the Donegal South West by-election that 'offended the terms and spirit of the Constitution and its framework for democratic representation'.
"As I went on the win the by-election that ensued, I suppose you could say that I like by-elections. They are an important part of our democracy, and whilst it is high time that this government was put out of office and a general election called, these by-elections are important.
"Sinn Féin are fighting to win in all of these constituencies and we have an excellent slate of candidates; Cllr. Thomas Gould in Cork North Central, Cllr. Mark Ward in Dublin Mid West, Cllr. Ann Graves in Dublin Fingal and Johnny Mythen in Wexford.
"All four are top-class activists that work day-in, day-out to stand up for ordinary people and deliver for local communities.
"They will provide first class representation in the Dáil for their respective constituencies, and I want to send them my very best wishes and look forward to assisting them all over the coming weeks and getting out on the campaign trail.
"There is no substitute for talking to voters on their doorsteps. That is where you get a real sense of where people are at and I know there are people out there who are struggling.
"There are families here who are barely scraping by and are being burdened by the out of control cost of living, by sky high rents, by excessive childcare costs and rip-off insurance premiums.
"Those people have a voice here in this Dáil. They have Sinn Féin; a party that wants to give workers and families a break and they have in Sinn Féin a party that stands up for ordinary people and delivers for local communities.
"That is the basis on which we are seeking a mandate in these by-elections.
"We want to give people an alternative to the failed policies of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil and the failed experiment that is so-called “new politics”.
"The past three and a half years have seen the housing and homelessness crisis spiral out of control. We have two parties that are wedded to failed policies and are doing nothing to improve the situation for ordinary workers and families and get us back to a position where the State and local Councils are building houses.
"We have a health service that is in a state of perpetual crisis.
"Crime is spiraling out of control, in both urban and rural areas.
"Sinn Féin would take a fundamentally different approach to the conservative alliance of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in tackling the issues that affect ordinary people and communities.
"We want to give workers and families a break.
"To do that we would help renters by reducing rents by up to €1,500 per year.
"We would reduce the cost of childcare by an average of €100 a month per child.
"We would provide two free GP visits for every person without a medical card so that nobody delays going to the doctor because they are worried about the cost.
"We would end the insurance rip-off.
"We would introduce free travel for 5 to 18-year-olds on public transport, so that we take meaningful steps to tackle climate change.
"And we are the only party that are seriously committed to Irish unity.
"Where the others pay lip service, we want action and preparation for unity must begin now.
"An All-Ireland Forum on Irish unity should be convened without delay; to map out making the transition to a United Ireland a success for all the people who share this island, for our economy and for our public services; and we want a referendum and to win that referendum.
"These by-elections are an opportunity for voters to vote for positive change.
"I make the appeal today - as I will over the coming the weeks - to the people of Cork North Central, Dublin Mid-West, Dublin Fingal and Wexford to vote for Sinn Féin."
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has called on the government to get its head out of the sand and act to help homeowners with latent defects.
Speaking during Housing Committee hearings on the issue this morning, Deputy Ó Broin said:
“This morning we heard from the Construction Defects Alliance who are campaigning for the implementation of the cross-party recommendations of the 2017 Safe as Houses report.
“The government is refusing to take action to help homeowners, in particular the Department of Housing, is deliberately mis representing the key asks of the report.
“They cannot continue to ignore the issue of latent defects and hope it will go away.
“The Construction Defects Alliance estimate that there may be as many as 92,000 Celtic Tiger apartments affected by latent defects. These homeowners are facing remediation costs of up to €900m.
“The reality is that many struggling home owners don’t have the money to pay for defects which they were not responsible for.
“We are calling for all five recommendations of section four of the Safe as Houses Report to be implemented by government.
“A latent defects redress scheme must be established to help homeowners pay for remediation work on their homes.
“This scheme will provide a number of solutions, including an information and advice service, mediation services and if this doesn’t work legally binding adjudications on cases will be made.
“Where defects are uncovered, and the builder/developer is still trading, the original developer should pay for the remediation works.
“However, in cases where the developer is no longer trading, the scheme will administer a compensation fund for homeowners that will be paid for by a levy on the construction industry and will be matched by the government.
“A State wide audit of homes built during the Celtic Tiger period should also be conducted in order to assess the scale of the problem.
“The government has already acknowledged and set up a scheme to help homeowners facing remediation costs due to pyrite and mica.
“We must also remember that it was the State’s light touch self-regulation that has left homeowners in this mess, so the State must play its part in fixing the problem.
Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has signed a declaration in support of the European Parliament Intergroup on Children’s Rights.
Speaking as she supported the declaration Martina Anderson said:
“I am proud to be in support of the Intergroup on Children’s Rights.
“This group is working to end all forms of violence against children, break the cycles of poverty, inequality and conflict for future generations, invest in children inside and outside Europe and listen to children’s voices by involving them in decisions affecting them and act on children’s views.
“Tory/DUP Brexiteers are planning to scrap the Charter of Fundamental Rights post-Brexit, which means rights that safeguard children in the Charter will be scrapped.
“In my work within the European Parliament during the previous legislature, I ran a social media campaign called ‘One Thing’ for young people and hosted a delegation of young people in Brussels to have their voices heard.
“There are around 100 million children and young people across Europe, their views and concerns need to be taken into account when it comes to developing policy and legislation that affects their lives.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Jobs, Workers Rights and Pay Equality Maurice Quinlivan has said today that the announcement from RTÉ was a slap in the face for Limerick. RTÉ prides itself on being the national public service, but today’s announcement from them will make it more D4 centred.
If the broadcaster truly wants to be a national public broadcaster, must maintain not just its commitment to Limerick but to regional Ireland as well.
The Limerick TD said:
“For many years RTÉ has seemed detached from many people. Licence payers were often outraged that RTÉ was asking for more money while at the same time paying many of its top presenters massive out of kilter wages.
“The closure of the Lyric FM studio in Limerick is not acceptable and abandons RTÉ commitment to the regions as it retreats to D4. What economist can tell me that it will be cheaper to produce material in Ballsbridge than at the Cornmarket in Limerick? Along with their middle class, D4-focussed output, this decision shows how D4 centric the organisation is in its productions and now in its proposed future.
“The RTÉ facility in Limerick is a world-class operation and should be retained.
"I am also very concerned at the scale of the job losses indicated. Any job cuts must be carried out in full consultation with the relevant unions.
“The Government has a huge responsibility here as it has failed to address the funding issues at RTÉ for the last number of years. As an interim measure, the Government must commit to increase the funding that is ringfenced for independent productions at RTÉ.
“This would alleviate some of the pressure on the broadcaster, while creating jobs in the regions and supporting our indigenous screen producers.
“Public broadcasting must be an incubator for local talent, and both RTÉ and the government need to re-embrace this function if we are to have any hope of creating a genuine public service broadcasting sector.
"If RTÉ truly want to be a national broadcaster, it must retain its presence in the regions and Lyric FM must stay in Limerick.”
Sinn Féin Communications spokesperson David Cullinane TD said today that while the excessive pay of presenters and management at RTÉ has long been a barrier to reform at the public broadcaster, the other cuts announced this morning appear scatter-gun in approach and lack proper consultation.
Deputy Cullinane said:
“It has long stuck in the throat of people that RTÉ was asking for more money while paying its top presenters Celtic Tiger-type wages.
“Today’s announcement of a fifteen per cent reduction appears to be at least some acceptance of reality from the public broadcaster.
“It is about time RTÉ recognised the public anger that is out there on this issue.
“The other measures announced, however, are quite worrying.
“The closure of the Lyric FM studio in Limerick along with the entire digital radio network is a regressive move and one at odds with the remit of a national public service.
“The loss of 200 jobs next year is regrettable and must be carried out in full consultation with the relevant unions.
“As an interim measure, the Government should commit to increase the funding that is ringfenced for independent productions on RTÉ.
“This would alleviate some of the pressure on the broadcaster, while creating jobs in the regions and supporting our indigenous screen producers.
“Public broadcasting must be an incubator for local talent, and both RTÉ and the government need to re-embrace this function if we are to have any hope of a genuine public service broadcasting sector."
Sinn Féin’s Michelle Gildernew has wished Lady Sylvia Hermon well following the announcement she is to step down from elected politics.
The Fermanagh South Tyrone candidate said:
“Lady Hermon was a diligent representative for the people of North Down and we have been friends since we were both elected to Westminster.
“While we held different political perspectives, I found her to be someone who acted at all times with respect and integrity.
“I want to wish Lady Sylvia and her family well in the future as she leaves elected politics at this election.”
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín called tonight on the DUP to make clear its opposition to the sinister actions of loyalist paramilitary groups and others attempting to derail the democratic process in north Belfast.
Carál Ní Chuilín was speaking after her party made a complaint to the police that men with their faces covered removed posters from the Oldpark Road in Belfast.
Carál Ní Chuilín said:
“Only last week, the UDA threatened members of the Ulster Unionist Party simply because the party had indicated it might field a candidate in the election in North Belfast.
“Those threats were made only days before the UUP said it would not enter the contest, giving a clear run to the DUP.
“On Monday Sinn Féin contacted police about vile posters erected by loyalists in the Shankill area attacking John Finucane and his family and the memory of his father Pat who was murdered by a UDA death squad colluding with the state.
“Tonight, men with their faces covered mounted a ladder to remove Sinn Féin election posters from the Oldpark Road in Belfast
“Our party has made a complaint to the police about this criminal act of theft.
“A pattern of threats and intimidation is emerging in this contest and this latest action is another sinister attempt to derail the democratic process.
“There is a responsibility for these threats and attempts to demonise John Finucane to be condemned across the board and a duty on the police to take these actions seriously.
“It’s time for the DUP to make it clear it supports without any equivocation the democratic process and to put distance between itself and active loyalist paramilitary groups engaged in intimidation and threats to kill.”
