South & East Belfast Béal Feirste Thoir agus Theas Autumn 2020 • Fómhar 2020

British government must not renege on

Brexit- Mary commitments Lou McDonald TD Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald concerns of the people of Ireland. “I am absolutely clear that there can be TD has warned British Prime Minister Boris “Throughout the sorry saga of Brexit, Sinn no reneging on the British government’s Johnson and the British government that Féin have been very clear that Ireland cannot obligations to protect people in the north they must not renege on the Withdrawal become collateral damage to the posturing of from the damages of Brexit. Agreement or any commitments which the British government in this Tory Brexit. “Any u-turn by Boris Johnson would be ensure there is no hardening of the border “The all-Ireland economy, the peace an extraordinary and indefensible act of bad and protect the peace process. process and the Good Friday Agreement faith which would totally undermine his Teachta McDonald was commenting must be protected. There can be absolutely no credibility and that of the British following confirmation that the British hardening of the border. The Withdrawal government. government is planning to introduce new Agreement and the Irish Protocol cannot “The need legislation to override key parts of the be abandoned and must be honoured. clarity and certainty about Withdrawal Agreement. “The north voted to remain in the Brexit and must not be Teachta McDonald said: “I am deeply EU and across the community there treated as political pawns concerned that British Prime Minister are very real fears about the threat that by the British government Boris Johnson would step away from an Brexit poses to people’s livelihoods at this late stage in international obligation like this. To do so and the stability of community negotiations. would show total disregard for the lives and relations. “I would once again remind Boris Johnson of the British government’s “I would once again remind obligations within the Good Friday Boris Johnson of the British Agreement.” government’s obligations within the Good Friday Agreement.”

Sinn Féin: Éire chun cinn Putting Ireland First  www.sinnfein.ie Ceannasaíocht i mBéal Feirste 2 Sinn Féin delivering Sinn Féin Binning Deirdre Hargey begins role the as Minister of Communities Bedroom inCovid-19 exceptional has caused a seismic shift times Tax across the world and its impact has Sinn Féin Councillor John disproportionately impacted societies Gormley has said Sinn Féin most vulnerable worldwide. As is effectively binning the lockdown was put in place Minister bedroom tax in the north. Hargey was able to start her new role The Botanic Councillor and immediately ensure measures were said: employed to protect the North’s most “I welcome the vulnerable people and sectors with an recent announcement innovative people first approach. Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey MLA announcement from To meet the needs of those most at my party colleague and risk during the crisis the Department for to legally give 12 weeks’ notice for an Communities Minister Communities launched its COVID-19 Food eviction and can only do so with a court Deirdre Hargey of an Parcel Service. This was a £6.3m service order. As the courts are only taking urgent extension to mitigations to that was in partnership with local councils cases this removes any threat of eviction. the bedroom tax beyond and community organisations which saw This measure has now been extended to March 2020. 150,000 parcels delivered to all those in March 31st 2021. “Sinn Féin fought for and critical need over 12 weeks of the crisis. To Vulnerable sectors have also been secured a unique package of protect those most at risk while lockdown supported in this crisis as well. Minister protections for people in the was easing a further £1.5m was invested to Hargey launched a £15.5m fund to north and Minister Hargey ensure those who were medically shielding support the charity sector and mitigate has today extended those and those who had dire economic need had any losses during the crisis. A fund of £1.5 protections. their needs met after June 26th. This aspect million was given to support the North’s “This announcement of the crisis highlights the impact of Tory Arts sector. Innovative approaches were by Deirdre Hargey austerity in Ireland as 75% of those who taken to make sure all had their needs means that the bedroom applied did so for economic reasons. met including the use of crowdfunding tax has been effectively To ensure that everyone had a right websites to ensure that all artists are binned protecting 38,000 to a home in this crisis Minster Hargey given a boost in this crisis. households. announced a ban on housing evictions As this crisis continues and the “The bedroom tax is an that would ensure the safety of the possibility of a second wave looms, Sinn unfair and unjust Tory economically vulnerable during this Féin is committed to making sure that no policy designed to punish crisis. This meant that a landlord has person or sector is left behind. the poorest and most vulnerable in society. “Sinn Féin in government will work to protect those most in need and stand up for workers and families. “The minister has also pledged to bring forward measures to protect large families from the benefit cap and Sinn Féin will continue to look at further protections in the time ahead to ensure we protect the most disadvantaged.” Minister Hargey with Lisnasharragh representative Stevie Jenkins before a food parcel run

Sinn Féin: Éire chun cinn Putting Ireland First  www.sinnfein.ie Ceannasaíocht i mBéal Feirste 3 Sinn Féin delivering Response to Covid19 crisis in Balmoral - Cllr Geraldine McAteer

When the COVID 19 pandemic presented • our citizens with an emergency like no other Preparing Food Parcels for those Shielding before it, Sinn Féin elected representatives and activists responded quickly and Supporting local effectively to address emergency health and well-being needs and to protect jobs, businesses through businesses, livelihoods and the future of our children and young people. Protecting lockdown the most vulnerable and the needy was South Belfast businesses have faced Sinn Féin’s first priority. As the Balmoral unprecedented challenges due to COVID 19 and Sinn Féin Councillor, I knew we had to the Lockdown, though in a speedy response protect constituents who needed to shield from the Executive, a number of mitigations - particularly the elderly and those with including the Small Business Grant, the vulnerable health conditions –- and we Hospitality, Tourism and Retail Grant and the would need to have a clear, coherent well Furlough Scheme were established. publicized service available to all citizens in Cllr Geraldine McAteer helped local need. businesses in Balmoral to navigate the grants I contacted immediately application process: to secure the finance needed for emergency “Without any shadow of doubt, businesses services in the Balmoral area. These were in Balmoral and elsewhere faced totally channelled to a south Belfast community unexpected financial and staffing challenges group – Forward South Partnership. I due to COVID and whilst the grants schemes provided support to the group and very were swiftly announced to reassure speedily the South Belfast COVID 19 businesses, they understandably took quite a Helpline was established, alongside a food Collecting PPE from St Josephs School Prin- while to get up and running. I was pleased cipal parcel service for those shielding or in to be able to offer assistance to businesses need; a prescription collection service and who contacted me, when they faced the a referral service for those suffering from Contacting PSNI on behalf of challenges of long telephone waiting times mental ill health and for those seeking constituents regarding community safety and “red tape”. information. issues; Some grants were based on what During the lockdown – using social • Assisting local businesses to secure businesses paid in rates and some of the distancing & hygiene guidelines – my Small Business Grants; issues facing businesses were queries around personal role involved: • Acting on behalf of residents when local their rates payments and delays in paying • Promoting the South Belfast COVID 19 parks were used as drinking venues out grants. Thankfully, I managed to get this Helpline & Services; by large groups or when rubbish was resolved for a number of businesses and their • Volunteering as an emergency responder littered across the parks; grants of either £10k or £25k were paid out. for both the South Belfast COVID 19 and • Keeping in touch with schools to provide I have also welcomed the Eat Out to Help Belfast City Council Helplines; assistance if necessary. Out Scheme in Balmoral and promoted a • Setting up a system for preparing food I commend and am inspired by, the fabulous range of upskilling and reskilling programmes parcels to those shielding or in need in work and volunteering right across the which will help people who have lost their Balmoral; Balmoral constituency through which jobs – many of them in retail and hospitality - • Volunteering with residents from the so many people strived to protect and back into work. Finaghy Environment Improvement cherish the vulnerable and the needy in our I do, however, have real fears for increased Association to deliver shielding parcels community. unemployment when the furlough scheme across Balmoral and south Belfast; During lockdown, Belfast city did us all ends and it is absolutely critical that we • Delivering food parcels to newcomers proud, with many citizens volunteering to support local businesses as they start their who were in need; respond to meet the needs of the vulnerable recovery journey. To this end, as Sinn • Acting as a referral service for South and the needy. This tremendous effort was Fein’s representative at a recent Belfast Belfast Food Bank; underpinned by Deirdre Hargey MLA, City Council meeting with the Economy • Sourcing much needed PPE & delivering who as Minister for Communities worked Minister, Diane Dodds MLA, I emphasized the it to the Belfast Health & Social Care to ensure people had food and shelter. She need for an effective post-COVID Economic Trust; provided a substantial financial package Recovery Plan for Belfast through which we • Meeting weekly (by Zoom) with to Belfast City Council to provide needy support businesses - including SME’s, skills Belfast City Council, BHSCT, education citizens with the food and introduced development linked to our growth industries providers, fellow Cllrs and Forward legislation to ensure that tenants in south such as Cyber Security and an inclusive South Partnership to identify local need Belfast and throughout the north were growth programme which sees investment in & respond swiftly to it; secure in their homes. local businesses.”

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CommunityReflections on lockdown by Lisnasharragh Solidarity representative Stevie Jenkins Five months ago when we were setting up a food bank in the , we needed food, boxes and donations. We approached local shops. They went above and beyond to make sure the community never ran short. A superb local initiative by Ormeau Boxing Club, Rosario FC, Bredagh GAC and many volunteers of all ages, saw donations of money, food and time to the community food bank based in Good Shepherd Parish Centre on the Ormeau Road. I was immensely proud of how our local community stepped up to the crisis. Stevie delivering parcels in Ro- People of different political and religious backgrounds worked together to deliver setta 683 food/care parcels every month from our Good Shepherd base. Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey visited and helped to deliver necessities in Ravenhill and Rosetta. The messages of thanks were accompanied by calls of support for the local independent retailers who provided an invaluable service during the period. Napier Medical Supplies stepped in to procure PPE for local food banks and residential care homes in Lisnasharragh. The Shared History Sailortown Group donated thousands of local Belfast histories which were warmly welcomed by the recipients. I think I’m going to write a book called ‘An Cómhra Corona’ or ‘The Corona Chats’ full of all the amazing anecdotes the people told me on the doorsteps. My job was the boxman- visiting local retailers on a daily basis to collect crates and boxes to pack the food parcels. When local retailers ran out, I could be assured that our friends in the LORAG or Antrim Road food banks would come to our aid. One Mairead O’Donnell with com- saying from the Gaeltacht stuck in my head throughout that challenging time- ‘Ar munuty volunteers delivering scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine’. In the shelter of each other the people live! food parcels

SHORT STRAND ROAD SAFETY ISSUES – some progress, more to be done Sinn Féin’s Mairead O’Donnell has number of collections being missed recently raised road safety concerns regularly due to cars blocking the path with Roads Service officials of collection lorries. Belfast City Council Ms O’Donnell said: are looking at providing smaller lorries “As part of our road safety campaign to help alleviate this problem. I have been engaging regularly “I have also raised with the with Department for Infrastructure Department the matter of parking and Roads Service around safety outside the playground and at the issues including problems related to Doyle Youth Club. commuter parking. Following representations I made I have made a number of suggestions on behalf of residents in 2019, Roads to Roads Service on how these issues Service had installed “No Waiting” should be addressed. We have looked Mairead with Hugh McComb CRJ and Doyle signs outside the playground. at parts of the area where perhaps Youth Clubs Paul McCrory discussing road I am pleased to announce that we a one way system of traffic might safety measures at the Club have been successful in also obtaining help alleviate some problems and the same type of signage coupled with are in the process of exploring how a that these schemes have proved to be double yellow lines for outside of Doyle residents only parking scheme could problematic to introduce in other local Youth Club. be introduced. While this may have areas. Any scheme would require the While we continue our negotiations the potential to help alleviate the full agreement of the community. with Roads Service I would ask that problems, it would need to be looked “There have also been issues around people who park in our areas do so at in more depth. I am very aware bin collection days, resulting in a with respect to the community.”

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Sinn Féin East Belfast representative, Mairéad JOHN GORMLEY INTERVIEW O’Donnell, commends Short Strand community Covid19 response Like many communities across the length and breadth of Ireland, Short Strand faced immense challenges due to Covid 19 and the restrictions associated with it. Sinn Féin representative for East Belfast, Mairéad O’Donnell said “Shortages of essential items including some food products, toiletries, lockdown and the mental Cllr. John Gormley pictured with Deirdre Hargey MLA impact of this on many residents are just some of the difficulties we, like other communities, faced.” Sinn Féin rose to this challenge and under the direct In January 2020, Sinn Féin selected John Gormley to replace Deirdre intervention by Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey, Hargey as the Belfast City Councillor for the Botanic DEA following funds were released to allow communities like ours to Deirdre’s co option to replace Máirtín Ó Muilleoir as South Belfast MLA. access the means of providing a response to ensure on A well known community activist in the lower Ormeau community, we the ground delivery within and for communities. interviewed John on the day following his selection. Locally, Sinn Féin, have been instrumental in setting John, can you tell how and why you became involved in community up a Covid 19 response team and brought together all activism. groups that work within Short Strand to seek to provide them with the necessary assistance to deliver on that I was born in Omagh, County Lower Ormeau Residents’ Action response. Tyrone, into a fairly typical Group as I was impressed by its Mairéad O’Donnell, commended those within the nationalist family. Like many commitment to improving the lives community and voluntary sector on the impressive way families, we took to the streets in the of people in the area. I have been they were able to respond to the great demand and late 1960s and early 1970s to demand a member ever since and cannot increase in request for much needed support. basic civil rights but soon found praise the staff and volunteers Sinn Féin along with Short Strand Partnership, Short ourselves questioning whether the highly enough for the excellent Strand Community Forum and other community groups agreed on a collective approach to dealing with the northern state was actually capable work they do. impact of Covid 19 within Short Strand, to tackle this of delivering fairness and equality In 1992 the local community was challenge in a cohesive manner and how best their and wondering whether Irish Unity devastated by the murder of 5 men services could be utilised by all of our residents. was the solution. and boys, and the wounding of Mairéad O’Donnell said “that never before was their However, it wasn’t until I came 7 others, in the loyalist attack on as much pressure put on community and voluntary to work in Belfast in early 1974 Sean Graham’s Bookmakers on the services and the response from this sector has been that I became politically active. I Lower Ormeau Road. This was one phenomenal.” She went on to say that the community joined People’s Democracy (PD) of many attacks on the community, representatives are thankful for the direct intervention in South Belfast and was an active in which many lives were lost, from the then Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey MLA in directing funds to those most in need. member for a number of years. I but the scale and nature of the Ms O’Donnell thanked the hard work of all those who subsequently moved to live in attack motivated the community co-ordinated the response within Short Strand and the , returning to Belfast in to organise to support the families many volunteers who helped distribute much needed the late 1980s to study Computer affected. Following disgraceful supplies to residents. Science at Ulster University. My taunting by marchers during an They have done a magnificent job in getting out over wife, Mary, and I bought a house in Orange Order parade, Lower 500 food shielding packs, over 600 “Eat well – live well” the Lower Ormeau area where we Ormeau Concerned Community packs, 300 flower baskets, “Design your Scrubs” packs, reared our children and where we was formed to campaign for the 200 Afternoon Tea parcels, Hula Hoops, Footballs, Easter still live. re-routing of parades away from Packs and much more including a Prescription Pick Up Service, Good Morning Short Strand and dedicated Covid One of the advantages of living the area and I became an active 19 hotline number. in the Lower Ormeau was the member of the group. She went on to say that while at the beginning of proximity of An Droichead, the this crisis, the response was reactive, the community Irish-medium school in the area. Why did you decide to join Sinn sector, through this experience coupled with the funding Our 3 children all attended An Féin? released from the department, would be best placed to Droichead (and later Coláiste Over the years, my belief that direct any further interventions that may be required as Feirste) and had a great educational partition is a barrier to the creation we ease ourselves through this pandemic. and life experience. of a fair, just and modern society I soon became a member of the remained unchanged. I started to

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JOHN GORMLEY INTERVIEW ask myself whether there was more I could do to promote Irish Unity and that motivated me to initially help Sinn Féin out with electioneering and later to join the party. It’s a fantastic experience to be part of an organisation with a clear vision for Unity, a strong platform for creating a fair and just society and a proven track record in activism, and I would recommend it to anyone.

Its a big step up from community activism to becoming a City Holy Rosary Councillor - what was your motivation in making that decision? In January this year, due to the retirement of Máirtín Ó Muilleoir from the MLA role and Deirdre Hargey assuming that role – two exceptional ROSETTA ROUND-UP public representatives – the opportunity arose for me to take on the role of Sinn Féin Councillor for the Botanic area. I retired from my job as NATIONAL LEADERSHIP, Director of Information Services at Queen’s University a couple of years LOCAL DELIVERY ago so knew I had the time to take it on, but it was still a daunting task to As local residents will be aware, the Holy Rosary try to step into Deirdre’s shoes! I’m honoured to have the opportunity of Chapel and parochial house has been sold and is being representing all of the people of the Botanic area and delivering for them. converted into a boutique hotel and restaurant. After consulting Ardmore and Rossmore inhabitants, Stevie Jenkins made a submission to the Belfast City Council What do you identify as the key issues to be addressed, what do you Planning Committee outlining parking concerns. Our hope to achieve? ultimate aim is still to get a safe pedestrian crossing at One of my main goals as a Councillor is to play a part in delivering a between Holy Rosary and the Good Shepherd. fair, compassionate and inclusive society. There is a lot of deprivation in Our active citizens are getting excited to see real the Botanic area and this shows itself in very real ways for many people: progress on the Lagan Gateway in recent months. A lower levels of educational attainment; poorer health; lower income; massive shout out goes to Máirtín Ó Muilleoir and poorer access to services and amenities. I want to play an active part in Deirdre Hargey for all their work in getting this project enhancing the lives of the most vulnerable in our society as part of the off the ground. It will be a real game changer for local walkers, runners and cyclists. wider strategy of inclusive growth that has been adopted by Belfast City Rosetta residents will be pleased to know that a local Council. consultation is taking place with a view to gauging I will continue my support for families affected by the conflict in our support for opening up pedestrian access to Cherryvale country. Over the years, the scale of collusion has emerged and families Playing Fields from Knockbreda Road. Our Lisnasharragh living in the Botanic area – and elsewhere – who were victims of collusion representative, Stevie Jenkins, has lobbied for this since deserve the truth. picking up the issue on the doorsteps of Knock Eden. Finally, I will continue to work for Irish Unity, based on the principles We can inform Wynchurch residents, who got in touch of mutual respect set out in the Good Friday Agreement and the about growing numbers of rodents, that the council mechanisms set out in the Agreement for the people of Ireland to express has undertaken to survey and maintain gulleys, drains and manholes outside the old Knockbreda site. We also their consent to Unity. The time to prepare for Unity is now and I urge contacted the Education Authority who agreed to cut everyone to play their part in that. back the large swathes of overgrown grass and bushes Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is any issue I can help you on the site. We will continue to address residents’ with. concerns about the volume of traffic in the area. Any other issues, please get in touch with Stevie CONTACT DETAILS through @macshinnickey on Twitter, or Stevie Jenkins, Email: [email protected] Lisnasharragh Sinn Féin on Facebook. Mobile: 07825 450526 Twitter: @johnpgormley Facebook: johnpatrickgormley

John Gormley with LORAG and MDA at John with former South Belfast Housing protest MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir Lagan Gateway

Sinn Féin: Éire chun cinn Putting Ireland First  www.sinnfein.ie Ceannasaíocht i mBéal Feirste 7 Sinn Féin delivering All to play for at Strangford Playing Fields Strangford Playing Fields is all set to benefit from ideas for paths to be created in Strangford Playing facilities should have full access for people of a “Trim trail” which will enable children from Fields. They wanted smooth paths on which they all ages with disabilities. I also pointed out nearby special education schools to walk and cycle could ride bicycles and also enjoy a good walk – that Harberton special education school nearby in comfort and safety around this Belfast City something which would really be fun for them, has over 250 children with moderate learning Council park. This is the expectation of Balmoral let them enjoy fresh air and nature and enhance difficulties, who would also enjoy better Sinn Féin Cllr Geraldine McAteer, who has their health and wellbeing. infrastructure in the park”. promoted the project within Belfast City Council. “The children explained that Strangford Playing City Council officials have now submitted an Cllr McAteer says that inspiration for the Fields was frequently muddy and damp and application to the Alpha Fund which funds project came from the pupils of Glenveagh Special virtually impossible for them to walk around yet projects making a positive impact at ground School. Geraldine explains: alone cycle. level, either through developing facilities for “Glenveagh pupils often have physical “I went along to Glenveagh School - which is community use or encouraging bio-diversity and disabilities and/ or severe learning difficulties. in my constituency - and met with their teacher, environmental improvements. With over 200 children in the school, the outdoor Jim Salter, who showed me the very limited Cllr McAteer says that she hopes The school space is very limited indeed and the outdoor space the children had to play in at the Alpha Fund will not hesitate “to support children wanted the opportunity to cycle and walk school. We went for a walk in Strangford Playing this wonderful project and ensure that there in the lovely spacious surroundings of nearby Fields which is only a matter of metres away are cycle and walking paths in Strangford Strangford Playing Fields. from the school and it was clear that the ground Playing Fields . It will not only be fantastic “I was invited to an event hosted by Belfast in Strangford was muddy and unworkable for the for Glenveagh but also for the other schools in Healthy Cities at which I was struck by the children”. the area- Fleming Fulton and Harberton.”. She enthusiasm of the children from Glenveagh “I promoted the children’s project within added that the trail will also provide comfort Special Education School who presented their own Belfast City Council as I feel that all our Council and safety to people of all ages and abilities.

‘New Decade - New Approach’ immigration changes come into effect Sinn Féin’s Seanad Leader Niall Ó Donnghaile has welcomed a change in the British government’s immigration rules in line with what was agreed in the ‘New Decade - New Approach’ deal and the campaign raised by Emma and Jake DeSouza. Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said: “The change in the British Ó Donnghaile appointed Leader government’s immigration law is a victory for the steadfast and Sinnof FéinSinn President Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald Seanad TD recently Team appointed Seanadóir courageous campaign fought by Niall Ó Donnghaile as the leader of Sinn Féin’s Seanad group. Emma and Jake DeSouza. Mary Lou McDonald said: “It’s totally wrong and “I was delighted to confirm that Seanadóir Niall Ó Donnghaile from completely unacceptable that Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile with Belfast will be the new leader of the Sinn Féin team in the Seanad. “Since his election in 2016, Niall has been a strong voice for the people of Emma was put through so much Emma and Jake DeSouza. the north in the Seanad and has effectively made the accessible trauma because she simply sought to citizens from to Belfast. failure to address the Good Friday to assert her right to identify and be “Niall will continue to provide strong representation for the north, accepted solely as an Irish citizen. Agreement’s citizenship and alongside Derry’s Elisha McCallion and a strong Sinn Féin Seanad team. “These changes are an identity rights. “The current makeup of the Seanad does not reflect the change that outworking of the ‘New Decade “I have been proud to stand with people voted for in February, nor does it offer the solutions to the very real New Approach’ deal and clearly Emma and Jake throughout their problems that people face. demonstrate the distinct political, campaign; as I have said many “Sinn Féin’s priorities in the coming term will be to effectively hold historic and societal differences times before, their stand is a stand the government to account and to deliver the real change that people that exist here – the very reason we for us all. Today will be a good day want; building affordable homes, freezing rents, tackling the trolley crisis, have the Good Friday Agreement for all the families who will benefit securing a State pension age of sixty-five and preparing for Irish Unity.” in the first place. from these changes. Speaking about taking on his new role Senator Ó Donnghaile said; “There is still much concern with “The definitive and ultimate “Our Sinn Féin Team in the Seanad will be active and effective voices the time-limited nature of these resolution to the issues raised in for the change so clearly demanded by the electorate; we will stand for changes given that they only run Emma and Jake’s case is respect Irish unity, for equality, justice and greater investment in the housing and until the end of the Brexit transition for, adherence to and the full healthcare systems. At such a crucial political, economic and societal time period, and more broadly with the implementation of the Good Friday for Ireland, it is of vital importance that voices from the North are heard in the Oireachtas – I am deeply honoured to lead our team and look forward British government’s continued Agreement.”

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RTÉ block on Six County competition entries should be lifted - Ó Donnghaile Sinn Féin Seanadóir Niall Ó Donnghaile has called Cllr Ryan on RTÉ to end its block on northern audiences Carlin with entering premium RTÉ competitions. Deirdre Speaking after a recent meeting with Minister Hargey MLA for Communities Carál Ní Chuilín to highlight the issue, Senator Ó Donnghaile said; Lough Moss must have “When this problem first came to light, RTÉ cited regulations in the North as the reasons 4G pitches as part of for the bar on audiences here entering their 5-year investment plan ‘premium’ competitions however it seems there is nothing in legislation here to support their Local Sinn Féin Councillor Ryan stance. Carlin has again impressed on the “Their recent move to exclude entries from council the need to ensure that this part of Ireland caused considerable upset amongst regular and longstanding viewers and listeners in the Six Counties, who justifiably multi-use 4G pitches are delivered felt further excluded by the broadcaster, not least when competitions involving GAA county as part of the councils upcoming teams were concerned. 5-year investment plan. “I welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue with Minister Carál Ní Chuilín and the next Councillor Carlin, a member steps in addressing the problem; we will be working closely with her and Sinéad Ennis MLA, of the Leisure and Communites who sits on the Communities Committee, and Senator Elisha McCallion, to engage with RTÉ committee has called on the council in the time ahead in order to ensure the necessary steps are taken, North and South, to help to ensure that the huge demand make sure that there are no further barriers in place for RTÉ audiences in the Six Counties. for 4G facilities from Carryduff’s “The Minister has also committed to engage with RTÉ and bring forward solutions to this local sports teams is met urgently, block on viewers in the north.” following excellent presentations from Carryduff Colts and Carryduff GAA to the Committee. Carlin welcomes Lisburn Museum project “We have two massive sports Lisburn-Castlereagh Sinn Féin teams in Carryduff providing top Councillor Ryan Carlin has welcomed class training and coaching of soccer the launch of Lisburn Museum’s and GAA for all ages and levels in new virtual exhibition exploring the our community. Yet the council have “Swanzy Riots” and encouraged other continually failed to deliver for councillors to explore what is one of the them.” Said Cllr. Carlin. most difficult and traumatic episodes “It’s certainly not a case of in the City’s history. finances. It makes financial sense for “At a recent Council meeting, I council to provide these facilities, as noted the centenary of “The Swanzy currently, it is missing out on tens Riots”, one of the darkest moments in upon to sign the following declaration: of thousands of pounds that the Lisburn’s history when an estimated ‘I...... hereby declare I am not a Sinn Feiner nor have any sympathy with clubs currently spend on facilities 1000 Catholic’s were driven from the Sinn Fein and do declare I am loyal elsewhere.” city and their homes and businesses to king and country’ as the mob “When elected, I committed to burned to the ground.” Said Cllr Carlin. “The event has had a lasting effect continued it’s pogrom of the local ensuring investment was brought catholic population. out of Lisburn and Dundonald, to on Lisburn and its demographics to this day and I encouraged fellow Violence also swept across Belfast in areas like ours in Carryduff, Four councillors to explore and reflect on the the wake of the riots and a total of 22 Winds and Newtonbreda. This exhibition which documents the event people were killed in one week. type of investment would be a start and its history.” Cllr Carlin added “It is paramount to addressing the historic under- The riots also targeted numerous we remember events like this when investment in our facilities, and Sinn Féin activists, their family homes we reflect on the upcoming centenary I’m committed to ensuring it is and businesses at that time. Lisburn’s of partition and why for many like delivered as soon as possible.” first ever Sinn Féín councillor William myself, it will not be seen an occasion The Council are currently Shaw was attacked, and James Strong, to celebrate.” finalising their development, a Sinn Féin candidate for the Board The online exhibition of the investment and capital programmes of Guardians, had the contents of his Swanzy Riots is available at www. for the next period and Sinn Féin home emptied and burned in the street. lisburnmuseum.com/virtual- believe this must be key to that. Workers at local mills were also called museum/the-swanzy-riots-1920/

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Fáiltíonn Carlin roimh thuairisc

ChomhairleTá sé iarrtha ag Comhairleoir Shinn Féin,na Ryan hEorpa Carlin, go ar theangacha ndéanfar an tAcht Gaeilge ó thuaidh a reachtú i ndiaidh foilsithe tuairisc Chomhairle na hEorpa fá theangacha. Dúirt Comhairleoir Carlin: “Tá tuairisc chriticiúil eile fá Rialtas na Breataine foilsithe ag Comhairle na hEorpa fána chur chuige seanchaite leis an Ghaeilge. “Léiríonn an tuairisc go leor easnaimh fá mar atá rudaí, seirbhísí aistriúcháin sa chóras breithiúnach, sa tionól ó thuaidh, sna bardais áitiúla agus ag go leor seirbhísí poiblí. “Déanfaidh cur i bhfeidhm an Achta Gaeilge, ar aontaíodh mar chuid den ‘New Decade, New Approach,’ aghaidh a thabhairt ar chuid de na ceisteanna seo. “Cuirim fáilte roimh an 20 molta á dhréachtaigh Comhairle na hEorpa a chothódh agus a chosnódh an Ghaeilge, tá cur i bhfeidhm an Achta Gaeilge mar chuid de seo. “Ní thig na moltaí seo a chur ar an mhéar fhada, caithfear gníomhú orthu. “Ní thig moill a bheith curtha le cur i bhfeidhm na hAchta Ryan Carlin, Caoimhe Ní Shluáin & Gemma McGibbon calling for Gaeilge. Acht na Gaeilge at last Ard Fheis “Tagraíonn an tuairisc den Ghaeloideachas, d’oibrigh sinne gan staonadh ó thuaidh agus theas leis an earnáil a chothú ó thuaidh teacht ar na meáin Ghaeilge, mar atá TG4. Iarrfaidh agus a chaomhnú. Tá Earnáil an Ghaeloideachais ar cheann de muid cruinniú le TG4 le haghaidh a thabhairt ar an cheist seo. na hearnálacha atá ag fás fá láthair. “Tá pobal na Gaeilge ilghnéitheach agus ag fás, déanaimis “Tagraíonn an tuairisc fá bhac tíreolaíochta ag saoránaigh achan bheart tacaíocht phraiticiúil leis an fhás seo a chothú.”

YOUR LOCAL SINN FÉIN REPRESENTATIVES BOTANIC - Cllr John Gormley  07825 450526 -  [email protected] -  @johnpgormley  johnpatrickgormley BALMORAL - Cllr Geraldine McAteer  07795160028 -  [email protected] -  @CllrGMcAteer  Cllr Geraldine McAteer CASTLEREAGH SOUTH - Cllr Ryan Carlin  0773143819 -  [email protected] -  @Ryancarlin  RyanCarlinSF LISNASHARRAGH - Stevie Jenkins  07543723406 -  [email protected] -  @macshinnickey  Stevie Jenkins for Lisnasharragh TITANIC - Mairéad O’Donnell  [email protected] -  @modshortstrand  Mairéad O’Donnell Deirdre Hargey MLA  028 90 243 194 -  @Deirdre Hargey  Deirdre Hargey

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