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http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/17494
October 3, 2009
Speaking from Dublin Castle today following the announcement of the result in the second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said:
“I want to commend all those who came out and voted in this second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. To those hundreds of thousands of people who again voted No, I want to congratulate them for doing so in the face of huge pressure including threats that a No vote would have negative implications for jobs and the economy. You had the courage to make a stand for a better deal and to stand by the values of decency, citizenship, fairness and democracy.
“It is no surprise that there was a class divide in how people voted – those who gained little over the Celtic Tiger era were not swayed by promises from the Yes side of employment and prosperity. They knew their concerns about workers’ rights and other issues had not been addressed.
“Those, particularly in the Labour Party and Fine Gael who argued that economic salvation would come though a Yes vote, will have to be held to account in that regard. I have no doubt but that this Fianna Fail-led government, boosted by today’s result, will feel empowered to implement savage policies, including a brutal budget, NAMA and a range of cuts to social services as proposed in the McCarthy Report.
“The problems facing Irish society will not, in any way, be resolved by today’s result. Sinn Féin will continue to work for a better Europe – one that is more democratic and that puts the interests of ordinary citizens and workers above that of big business and bureaucrats. We will continue to work for a fairer Ireland and for an economy and a society which serves the interests of its citizens.
“The fact remains that this government and its policies remain deeply unpopular. For economic recovery and for social progress this government has to go.”
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/features/article_1504834.php/Irish-Lisbon-referendum-How-the-Yes-was-won-News-Feature
Dublin - Fear was the keynote of the Lisbon referendum campaign and many would argue that it was fear that drove the Irish people to vote 'Yes' for the EU's Lisbon Treaty Friday, which it rejected just 16 months ago.
The campaign run by the 'Yes' side had put fear into voters and had a huge effect, said North Kerry Sinn Fein Member of Parliament Martin Ferris.
Sinn Fein was the only parliamentary party to campaign for a 'No' vote on the Lisbon Treaty which was defeated in June 2008.
Sinn Fein MEP Mary Lou MacDonald a key figure in the 'No' campaign said that people felt vulnerable and had received the message to vote 'Yes' if you felt fearful about your future or your job.
'This was a dishonourable message,' she said.
'We are told that if we vote 'no' we will lose investment, jobs and support from our EU counterparts,' Caoimhghin O Caolain, Sinn Fein leader in parliament said in advance of the vote.
Patricia McKenna of the anti-Lisbon People's Movement said 'Today's result was inevitable. People voted not for the Lisbon Treaty but for economic recovery, jobs and EU membership.'
Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan had warned that a second 'No' vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum would 'shatter' international confidence in Ireland and lead to a rise in the cost of borrowing for the state.
A 'No' vote would signal to the rest of the world that Ireland had 'retreated into economic isolation,' he said.
Senior government politicians repeatedly reminded the electorate that endorsing the treaty was important in generating goodwill for Ireland.
The Lisbon Treaty, among other reforms, aims to streamline decision-making in the bloc, which has expanded rapidly from 15 to 27 members in recent years.
It would create a 'president' and de facto foreign minister for the bloc, as well as ending national vetoes on voting on many issues.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso's warnings also served as effective scare tactics.
There 'were some doubts now about the future situation of Ireland,' Barroso said on a two-day visit to Ireland on September 20.
'Some people have asked me: Is Ireland going to leave the EU? For investor confidence, it is important that there is certainty about the future of Ireland in the EU.'
These worries combined with fears that the government's recent gamble of spending 47 billion euros (68.8 billion dollars) on setting up a bad bank, the National Assets Management Agency (NAMA), could backfire spectacularly meant that some naysayers felt that it was their patriotic duty to vote yes.
'I'm furious at the current banking situation, but I'm holding my nose and putting on my jersey for Ireland,' said Independent Dublin North-Central member Finian McGrath, who voted 'No' in the last referendum.
This feeling was strengthened by the fact that the European Central Bank had effectively bailed Ireland out.
Big business's entry into the fray added to the jitters for many.
Computer processor manufacturer Intel published a full page advertisement in the Irish Times calling for a 'Yes' vote to Lisbon.
Intel's claim that their campaign is motivated by a sense of 'corporate social responsibility' was strongly disputed by the 'No' side.
Anti-Lisbon campaigners suspect it had more to do with Intel's appeal against the EU's recent anti-trust ruling against the company.
Yet the argument from Intel boss Jim O'Hara that a 'No' vote would send out the wrong message to multinationals considering investment in Ireland proved irresistible to many.
The fact that the notoriously anti-Union, no-frills airline Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary also come down heavily in favour of Lisbon did nothing to allay the fears of those anxious about the erosion of workers' rights.
But O'Leary's repeated mantra that the rights of those without jobs mattered most struck a chord as Ireland's unemployment rates have soared since the last treaty to 12.5 per cent, up 7.8 points since December 2007.
Those on the 'No' side had their own scaremongering to do, but the fears perhaps did not take root this time as they were countered by some heavy hitters on the 'Yes' side.
Not least by the Referendum Commission which repeatedly told people that the referendum could not impact the minimum wage, neutrality or Ireland social and ethical laws.
Fears spread by the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) were dismissed by many on both sides as racist and spurious.
In fact, analysts felt that UKIP's interference only served to strengthen the 'Yes' side.
Persuasion played a role along with fear with the intervention of many respected figures on the 'Yes' side. Not least were the efforts of Nobel prizewinning Irish poet Seamus Heaney.
The poet said that if Ireland voted 'No' again, the Republic and its people would 'have lost ourselves in the modern world.'
In an interview with British Sunday newspaper The Observer on his views on Europe and the referendum on October 2, Heaney said the loss for Ireland from a 'No' vote was 'inestimable.'
'I was in Italy when the first referendum came in, and I was distressed for Ireland in Europe because of the kind of refusal of commitment after decades of benefit. It is inestimable, the loss of influence, status and trust that occurred with a 'No' vote: it is palpable and real.'
Ireland's national poet must be breathing a sigh of relief Saturday.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/viewpoint/editors-viewpoint-our-discord-is-economic-suicide-14520446.html
The DUP and Sinn Fein, as the major parties in the Assembly, may share power but they share precious little else.
First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are no 'Chuckle Brothers', sharing at least the personal bond evident between Mr McGuinness and the Rev Ian Paisley. It is clear that there is both political and personal antipathy between the two men - and that is a dangerous image for this province.
The latest stumbling block in the work of the Executive is over the timing of devolution of policing and justice powers. Sinn Fein wants it as quickly as possible, the DUP are just as keen to keep it on the long finger. The Prime Minister is due to come to the province next week in an attempt to break the logjam, and the fact that he has to fly here while fighting for his own political life shows that this is a serious problem.
Later in the month Hillary Clinton is also due here. Perhaps she may be able to sprinkle some of legendary Clinton stardust on the political process here. She will certainly need to. Sinn Fein are also set against DUP proposals to reduce the number of departments at Stormont and also the number of MLAs - a cut in bureaucracy that many would agree with at this time of financial stringency. Meanwhile the DUP, albeit with others, still block Sinn Fein's plans to reform the education system as articulated by the Education Minister Caitriona Ruane.
All these issues show that there is an inherent flaw in the current devolved system of government. Any major party can veto meaningful progress on any issue - hence the DUP's wish to reform the voting system in the Assembly to make it potentially easier to get measures passed. Sinn Fein, not unexpectedly, opposes any change to the current system.
While all of this is discouraging enough for those who live here - and who voted the parties into power on the basis that they would share it - how much more significant does it appear to those outside, particularly those who might wish to invest in Northern Ireland. Anyone seeking to invest in the province will want to be assured that there is political stability. We desperately need investment, but as Secretary of State Shaun Woodward pointed out yesterday, bickering among the parties will not persuade anyone to set up shop here.
It was always something of a miracle that Sinn Fein and the DUP agreed to share power. A major reason was that they had nowhere else to go. They were the biggest parties in their respective communities and sharing power was the only way they could exercise their influence.
The same imperatives still apply, yet they seem willing to risk collapsing the devolved administration. That would be an extremely dangerous option given the dark dissident forces still operating in this community.
It would also be economic suicide. This week a report into the economy revealed that we had largely wasted the international goodwill which flowed from the restoration of devolved power. Are our politicians really willing to put off investors again and set the gains of the past few years to naught? Surely not.
http://www.belfastmedia.com/news_article.php?ID=3690
North Belfast News 2nd of October 2009
Aine McEntee
North Belfast Irish speakers and supporters are for a big day of glad rags and circus frills in celebration of the Irish language next Sunday (October 11).
The 'Rights and Revelry' event in St George’s Market will be opened by Welsh Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones and has been organised by POBAL, the Irish language umbrella organisation, to mark the third anniversary of the government's commitment to enact an Irish Language Act.
Already the event has grown with Irish language schools and others eager to take part in the music and fun, as well as using the event to raise the profile of their organisations through information stalls and exhibitions.
Among recently added activities will be a performance of songs from the musical Grease by pupils from Coláiste Feirste, dramatised historical tours, art workshops by acclaimed North Belfast-based artist Andrew Whitson as well as professional and school choirs.
Irish language development officer at the McCracken Cultural Society, Niall Mathews said action from the British government was long overdue.
"The British government had given a commitment, through the St Andrew’s Agreement, to enact an Irish Language Act at Westminster but has fallen short on its promise," he said.
"The aim of this Rights and Revelry Fair is to highlight cultural diversity in our society today and the need for such an act for the Irish language community living in the North of Ireland.
“I would encourage everyone involved in the Irish language in North Belfast and further afield to come out and attend this fun-packed family event at St George’s Market and show their support for their native tongue."
POBAL’s CEO Janet Muller said the event was primarily a celebration of Irish language and culture.
“We are organising this event to give the Irish speaking community and those who enjoy and support diversity, the chance to get together and celebrate all that is colourful and vibrant about our community.
"As well as the first official visit of Alun Ffred Jones, the Welsh Minister to the North, there will be high flying circus acts, song and dance, arts and crafts, exhibitions, a céilí and lots of surprises. "
The Irish Language Act for the North is currently on hold, but it is expected that new rights-based Welsh language legislation will be introduced in the Welsh Assembly next year.
Janet Muller said that the experience of Wales shows that legislation is nothing to fear.
“In fact it is a good way to encourage the whole community to share in the cultural wealth of a society. POBAL met Alan Ffred Jones in Wales earlier this year and we are delighted that he is coming along to our event to show his support."
The event starts at St George’s Market on Sunday October 11 at 1pm and finishes at 5pm.
http://www.belfastmedia.com/news_article.php?ID=3688
North Belfast News 2nd of October 2009
Aine McEntee
Ardoyne Residents have formally established a committee to address the issue of contentious parades in the area.
The Crumlin Ardoyne Residents Association (CARA) elected an interim committee in the aftermath of the July rioting and this week the elected residents said that getting rid of the Parades Commission was their top goal.
The group, made up of residents from the Crumlin Road, Mountainview, Balholm Drive, Ardoyne Road and the Dales has called for the current membership of the Parades Commission to stand down.
"At a public meeting in Ardoyne over the summer, the Parades Commission didn't take on board the strength of community feeling about Orange parades," CARA chairperson Liam McCafferty said.
"It is a fact that contentious Loyal Order parades will be high on the agenda of this association.
"CARA is now publicly calling for the resignation of the current Parades Commission. Their lack of understanding and total disregard for the residents most affected by these parades is shameful."
A spokesperson for The Parades Commission said the body would prefer the residents to come in and talk about the issues.
"We don't see it as a one-off engagement, we see this as an ongoing process," he said.
"The Commission are totally committed to doing the job they were appointed to do and they want to enter into constructive dialogue with the new committee."
The creation of the residents association has already courted controversy locally with some residents claiming it is being managed by Sinn Féin.
CARA chair Liam McCafferty said it was important to stress that members were from the areas most affected by the parades. "There is no elected representative of Sinn Féin on this. It is a panel of residents. That's all I know. Where people's allegiances lie is none of my business.
“We will work with and for the people in this community without distinction of sex, race, political, religious or other opinion. Our goal will be to advance the well-being of residents within this area."
He added that a survey that went around doors in Ardoyne two weeks ago asking for views on parades, is nothing to do with CARA. "Some residents of the area and the wider Ardoyne in general have asked if CARA is involved in a recent questionnaire regarding the parades issue. We are not. Any documents that our association forwards to local residents or further afield, we will take ownership of, by means of headed paper."
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/funding-row-over-loyalist-lsquogarden-of-reflectionrsquo-14521106.html
By Claire McNeilly
Saturday, 3 October 2009
A row has erupted after it emerged that funding for a loyalist ‘garden of reflection’ has come from the public purse.
Objections arose after three black stones bearing inscriptions dedicated to the “glorious memory” of the UDA, UVF, and Red Hand Commando were unveiled in a memorial in the Kilcooley estate in Bangor.
The project, part-funded by the Department for Social Development, was supposed to be linked to the removal of loyalist murals and graffiti.
Alliance Party Assembly member Stephen Farry said he had written a letter to Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie complaining of the “glorification of terrorism”. A spokesman for the DSD said the funds had been distributed by the Housing Executive under a neighbourhood renewal project, adding that the paramilitary plinths were “not in accordance” with agreed plans.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1004/breaking25.htm
British prime minister Gordon Brown will fly into Belfast tomorrow in a bid to resolve the deepening wrangle at Stormont over the devolution of policing powers.
With relations between Democratic Unionist First Minister Peter Robinson and Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness having deteriorating rapidly in recent weeks over the contentious issue, Mr Brown’s visit is being seen as an attempt by No 10 to heal the rift and inject new impetus toward an agreement.
He will meet for face-to-face talks with the two leaders at Stormont Castle in an effort to hammer out a deal on what is viewed as the last piece of the peace process jigsaw.
While the two main parties in the powersharing executive both support the transfer of law and order responsibilities from Westminster, they are at loggerheads over the timing of the move.
Sinn Féin claims it should have happened months ago, but the DUP says it will not approve devolution until the UK Treasury stumps up an appropriate cash package - thought to be in the region of £600 million — to support the region’s new justice department.
Though the republican party acknowledges funding is important, it believes Mr Robinson is using it as an excuse to delay the transfer in the face of resistance from hard-line elements within his ranks.
Senior Sinn Féin figures also believe the DUP is wary of the electoral impact of the move, given the vocal opposition to devolution from the anti-agreement Traditional Unionist Voice party.
The First Minister has insisted that, aside from money, there also needs to be sufficient confidence within the unionist community before he will give the go ahead.
Nevertheless, the issue of funding is seen as the main key to a deal and is sure to dominate talks between Mr Brown and the Stormont leaders tomorrow.
Updated: 10/4/2009
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