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October 24, 2006

Paisley's Condiditonal Yes Is a Positive Shift

News About Ireland & The Irish

SF 10/24/06 Paisley's Conditional 'Yes' Is A Positive Shift
SF 10/24/06 Parties Must Work Together To Maximise Peace Dividend
SF 10/24/06 Leading Republican Receives Loyalist Death Threat
SF 10/24/06 DUP Campbell Silence Over Stewart Vote Fraud Challenged
SF 10/24/06 Sinn Fein Comment On Springhill Shooting
IT 10/25/06 Inquiry Into Bombings Likely To Seek Extension
IT 10/25/06 De Valera To Resign As Minister
IT 10/25/06 Haughey Tipped To Benefit Fromde Valera Exit
IT 10/25/06 Ripping Off Of US Tourists Must Stop - Minister

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http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/16454

Adams - Ian Paisley's Conditional 'Yes' At Saint Andrews Is
A Positive Shift For Rejectionist Unionism

Published: 24 October, 2006

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has this afternoon
delivered the keynote address at a party conference
entitled "Building an Integrated Future for the Border
Region" in the Canal Court, Newry. In the course of his
remarks at today's conference Mr Adams spoke about the
current political situation and said:

There have been many positive developments in recent years.
I include the talks at St Andrews though there are elements
of the British and Irish governments agreement at Saint
Andrews which many republicans and nationalists would have
difficulties with. The text needs to be scrutinised
carefully and needs to be looked at in the context of
the overall peace process.

The most important outcome of the Saint Andrews talks is
that DUP leader Ian Paisley said yes, even if it was a
qualified yes and even if he has wobbled since then. The
fact is that Ian Paisley's conditional yes at Saint Andrews
is a positive shift for rejectionist unionism. That is
good for the rest of the people of this island.

There are justifiable concerns that the Programme for
Government has still not met as was planned. Sinn Féin
continues to be engaged with the two governments as we try
and work through the current difficulties which are
primarily between the DUP and the British government.

Republicans have to be magnanimous but we also have to be
vigilant that the two governments do nothing that would
undermine the Good Friday Agreement or its political
institutions.

The British government has to stop pandering to the
unrealistic demands of the DUP. And the Irish
government needs to assert it's role as co-equal
partner with the British.

It is crucially important that the Irish government doesn't
stand back from the process. They need to ensure that the
British government don't take short sighted decisions now
which could cause greater problems down the road.”ENDS

Full Text of Speech:

Building an Integrated Future for the Border Region - By
Gerry Adams MP Sinn Féin President

Let me begin by congratulating all of those who helped in
any way to plan and organise today's conference. Today's
theme is "Building an Integrated Future for Ireland's
Border Region".

This is a project central to Sinn Féin's political vision -
A New Ireland, an Ireland of Equals. Partition has been an
unmitigated disaster for all the people of this island,
nationalist and unionist; republican and loyalist. Its
imposition was not in the interests of the people of
Ireland. Its impact on the south was and remains profound.
Successive policies by governments in Dublin have
undermined the quality of life in rural communities, in
areas west of the Shannon and in the southern counties
along the border.

In the north we have survived over three decades of
conflict, preceded by 50 years of institutionalised
violence, discrimination and sectarianism. Partition
institutionalised sectarianism. It created a one party
state - an orange state - in which to be a nationalist or
to be a Catholic - was to be labelled not just second class
but in many ways 'a non citizen'. Citizens have rights. In
the north nationalists had no rights. This
institutionalised sectarian approach to economic
development and social provision saw border counties robbed
of resources.

Under British direct rule this structured discrimination
continued. And even now 8 years after the Good Friday
Agreement, and the acceptance at that time by the British
government of an equality agenda, there is a daily battle
to overturn the bad policies of the past. So should we be
surprised by the similarity of deprivation to be found on
both sides of the border? Should we be surprised that the
problems of dire economic planning, lack of investment,
poor housing, bad roads - and for the most part non
existent rail services - are common features of border
counties? Of course not.

The fact is that social, economic and spatial deprivation
is directly linked to the effect of the border.

And this in turn adversely impacts on the life chances of
the people who live there.

And, it isn't just Sinn Féin that is pointing to the
detrimental effects of the border.

Anyone who farms along the border can testify to this.

Anyone trying to do business along the border can testify
to this.

Anyone who wants to travel along or across the border can
testify to this.

And then there are those who are sick, or have to travel
long distances to visit doctors or hospitals when the
nearest facility is just a few minutes away across the
border.

Or the children who spend too long in school buses when the
nearest school is a few minutes away across the border.

The list is endless.

The operational plan for INTERREG IIIA confirms the
undesirable effect of partition .

"In general, borders can constrain economic activity by
limiting market areas, preventing optimal allocation of
resources and preventing competition. The Border has
certainly thus affected economic relationships in the past.

[the border] remains a social and psychological barrier
which is an impediment to the exchange of ideas and
information and a barrier toeffective co-operation and the
development of effective local policies/strategies.[.]

The economic weaknesses of the Border area are
characteristic of rural areas outside the dynamic growth
centres on the island.Moreover, the existence of the border
is an obstacle to the remediation of economic problems."

These are damning words - their meaning is clear - but they
point us in a definite direction

If the border counties are to maximise their full potential
the key to achieving that will be found in strategies which
are built on the twin foundations of integration and
participation. It was with this process in mind that in
October 2003 in Armagh, Sinn Féin launched its policy
document - Reunification through Planned Reintegration.

This document was primarily aimed at the Border Corridor
Area.

It called for development of Integrated Area Planning. In
summary it seeks:

· Integrated Spatial Planning

· Integrated Economic Planning

· Utilising the Common Chapter and the Strategic use of EU
Funds

· Developing a Multi Agency approach to Cross Border
Integration

· The need for training in the Public Sector on Cross
Border Development

· The enhanced development of the Cross-Border Corridor
groups

· The Integration of Social Partner Networks to develop a
"Community" of stakeholders to promote cross-border
integration

That was just over three years ago.

Since then Sinn Féin has been working, consulting and
debating with the business community, the farming sector,
voluntary and statutory bodies and others to deliver these
goals.

Sinn Féin doesn't have all the answers. We know that.

Through this process of engagement we have sought to fine
tune our ideas.

A crucial part of conferences like this is that we learn
from each other and help shape and reshape our opinions and
ideas.

In the area of cross border work it is possible to report
progress.

The various levels of local government, along with
implementation bodies, cross-border corridor groups,
development agencies, the community sector andbusiness
sectors, are moving ahead in developing linkages across the
border.

So, we all have a part to play in advancing the all-Ireland
agenda and improving the quality of life of citizens living
within the border corridor.

And we have a role to play in challenging government or
governments when they fail to deliver what is required.

For example: six years ago the two governments said they
were committed to developing the Letterkenny-Derry Gateway.

More recently they launched their North West Gateway
Initiative.

But all of this is non-statutory - it is not obligatory -
government agencies are under no direct obligation to
implement it.

So despite an extensive consultation the people of that
region are left with an initiative which might not be worth
the paper it's written on.

Six years on - the people of North West deserve better.

But so too do the people in the Border Corridor who live
and work and seek to build a future for themselves and
their families in the most difficult ofconditions.

The governments have also said that the next ten years will
see tens of billions spent on infrastructure projects
across this island.

So let all of us, in business, in the rural and farming
sector, in local communities, work together and define and
cost the complete infrastructuralneeds for the entire
Border Corridor region.

And then let this be presented to the two governments as an
agreed plan for the future development of the counties
affected.

And if we are successful than in a relatively short time
the border will in every way imaginable be redundant. It
will serve no purpose.

In his inaugural speech when becoming President of a new,
free South Africa Nelson Mandela said:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our
deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is
our light not our darkness, that most frightens us".

What do those words say to us?

Do not fear the economic, social, cultural, political
opportunities that the peace process have opened up and are
expanding each day - reach out andgrasp them.

Understand that if we work together no problem is
insurmountable; no difficulty is beyond our ability to
resolve.

Republicans are convinced of this.

Why? Because we have a vision for the future.

A vision which goes beyond the current, troubled and
protracted phase of Anglo-Irish relationships.

It is far-sighted and strategic.

It is inclusive.

Ireland today is a country in transition.

There have been many positive developments in recent years.
I include the talks at St Andrews though there are elements
of the British and Irish governments agreement at Saint
Andrews which many republicans and nationalists would have
difficulties with. The text needs to be scrutinised
carefully and needs to be looked at in the context of the
overall peace process.

The most important outcome of the Saint Andrews talks is
that DUP leader Ian Paisley said yes, even if it was a
qualified yes and even if he has wobbled since then. The
fact is that Ian Paisley's conditional yes at Saint Andrews
is a positive shift for rejectionist unionism. That is good
for the rest of the people of this island.

There are justifiable concerns that the Programme for
Government has still not met as was planned. Sinn Féin
continues to be engaged with the two governments as we try
and work through the current difficulties which are
primarily between the DUP and the British government.

Republicans have to be magnanimous but we also have to be
vigilant that the two governments do nothing that would
undermine the Good FridayAgreement or its political
institutions.

The British government has to stop pandering to the
unrealistic demands of the DUP. And the Irish government
needs to assert it's role as co-equal partner with the
British.

It is crucially important that the Irish government doesn't
stand back from the process. They need to ensure that the
British government don't take short sighted decisions now
which could cause greater problems down the road.

A lot of the old certainties are gone.

A lot of the old conservatism has been weakened.

The peace process and the Celtic Tiger have brought about
great changes.

Our task is to make best use of the opportunity for
progress that all of the hard work of recent years have
created.

Our task is to ensure that the people of Ireland, and in
the context of today's conference, the people of the border
counties experience a new future, a new beginning, a change
for the better in their daily lives. ENDS

*************************

http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/16453

Parties Must Work Together To Maximise Potential Of Peace Dividend

Published: 24 October, 2006

Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP has said
that parties must work together to maximise the potential
of the Peace Dividend ahead of the all-party meeting with
British Chancellor Gordon Brown on November 1st. He also
welcomed the commitment of the Irish government to playing
its' full role in delivering a Peace Dividend.

Mr McGuinness said:

"Sinn Féin have been encouraging the Irish government to
make a major contribution to a Peace Dividend that can
support a new Executive, particularly in addressing the
infrastructure deficit in the Border areas and West of the
Bann, for some time.

"Last week we met Irish Finance Minister Brian Cowen. The
Irish government have now given a clear commitment to
playing its' full role in delivering a Peace Dividend.

"I believe that there is a responsibility on all of the
parties, but particularly DUP, to work together to maximise
the potential of the Peace Dividend ahead of the all-party
meeting with British Chancellor Gordon Brown on November
1st. This is the approach we argued for when Gordon Brown
last came to Belfast and I believe that an agreed approach
provides the best chance of success in terms of delivering
a maximal package." ENDS

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http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/16455

Leading Republican Receives Loyalist Death Threat

Published: 24 October, 2006

North Belfast Republican Martin Meehan has received what he
has described as "the latest in a long line of death
threats from loyalist paramilitaries".

Mr Meehan made his comments after he was visited by the
PSNI at the weekend and warned his life was in danger.

Speaking today Mr Meehan said:

"At approximately 7.10pm on Saturday evening last, the PSNI
arrived at my door with a sheet of paper which claimed that
my life was under threat from loyalists. This is the latest
in a long line of death threats made against me over the
years and the threat stated that a phone call had been made
to the Samaritans claiming that an unnamed loyalist
organization had been involved in a shooting at what it
believed to be my home.

"No such incident has taken place as far as I am aware, and
it is likely they targeted the wrong house after a number
of incidents in recent times. I would remind all
nationalists to remain vigilant given this serious threat
against me." ENDS

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http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/16452

Gregory Campbell Silence Over Dessie Stewart Vote Fraud Challenged

Published: 24 October, 2006

Sinn Féin Coleraine councillor Billy Leonard has said that
the sentencing of former DUP Coleraine Mayor Dessie Stewart
today raises fundamental questions for East Derry DUP MP
Gregory Campbell.

Cllr Leonard said:

"The admission of former DUP Coleraine Mayor Dessie Stewart
that he was guilty of vote fraud in the last local
government elections, that occurred on the same day as the
Westminster elections, raises fundamental questions for the
local DUP MP Gregory Campbell that cannot be brushed under
the carpet.

"For many nationalists the constant lecturing from the DUP
about the nature of democracy rings hollow. Time and time
again the DUP have been exposed as being prepared to
undermine the democratic wishes of the people of Ireland,

not least in relation to the Good Friday Agreement.

"Across the north the DUP continue to try and
disenfranchise the democratic mandate of both nationalists
and republicans. Yet they still claim to be democrats.

"This admission of guilt challenges the DUP claim to be the
defenders of democracy and exposes their hypocrisy. It is
time that we heard from Gregory Campbell about the true
nature and extent of this attempt to subvert the democratic
process by vote stealing.

"If a member of any other party, particularly Sinn Féin,
was being sentenced today for stealing votes then the media
would be hounding them." ENDS

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http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/16445

Sinn Fein Comment On Springhill Shooting

Published: 24 October, 2006

Sinn Féin Councillor Jarlath McNulty, commenting on the so-
called punishment shooting in Springhill Park in Strabane
last night said,

"After an extended period of time whereby the Strabane area
was totally free of such incidents, last night's attack
combined with other recent attacks of a similar nature have
somewhat dented the hope that there was now a universal
acceptance that such actions offer no long-term solution to
problems within the community and are often counter-
productive.

"It goes without saying that such attacks are wrong and
should not be happening." ENDS

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http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/1025/1161565746984.html

Inquiry Into Bombings Likely To Seek Extension

Marie O'Halloran
25/10/2006

The inquiry into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings is
expected to seek a further extension, possibly for six
weeks, to complete its work, according to Taoiseach Bertie
Ahern.

Mr Ahern said senior counsel Patrick MacEntee had met
officials from his department and indicated that he would
seek another extension for the inquiry, which was due for
completion by Tuesday.

Mr MacEntee had completed his investigative work and "has
received quite a lot of co-operation and has followed a lot
of new lines".

Mr Ahern said: "I am informed by British sources and by the
Secretary of State that there has been quite an engagement
on these issues."

He added that "how the information Mr MacEntee has got can
be legally used is the issue".

The investigation had cost €1,822,266, of which €1,155,223
was spent on legal costs with €667,043 going towards cost
of support staff and administrative costs. "The costs are
well below those associated with a tribunal of inquiry."

© The Irish Times

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http://www.breakingnews.ie/2006/10/24/story282395.html

De Valera To Resign As Minister

24/10/2006 - 18:12:25

Sile de Valera today announced she is to resign as Minister
of State on December 8.

The moves comes almost a year after the Fianna Fáil TD for
Clare said she was quitting politics for good by not
running for re-election next year.

Ms de Valera, Minister of State at the Department of
Education and Science, has been a TD since 1977.

She also served as Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht &
the Islands from 1997 to 2002.

“In my letter to the Taoiseach I thanked him for giving me
the honour of serving as Minister for Arts, Heritage,
Gaeltacht and the Islands and as Minister of State at the
Department of Education and Science over the last nine
years,” she said.

“I also assured him of my continuing support in the run up
to and during the forthcoming election and said that I
looked forward to celebrating his return to Government for
a third consecutive term in office, in June.”

The de Valera name has been associated with politics since
1917.

Ms de Valera is the granddaughter of the former Taoiseach
and President, Eamon de Valera, and a cousin of Minister
for Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamon O Cuiv.

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http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/ireland/2006/1025/1161565747823.html

Haughey Tipped To Benefit Fromde Valera Exit

Stephen Collins, Political Correspondent
25/10/2006

Seán Haughey was being widely tipped in Fianna Fáil last
night to succeed Síle de Valera as a junior minister when
she steps down from her post as Minister of State for
Education in December.

Ms de Valera announced yesterday that she had written to
the Taoiseach advising him that she would be resigning from
her post as Minister on December 8th.

Mr Haughey, who has been a TD for Dublin North Central
since 1992, publicly expressed his frustration when he was
passed over for promotion last spring.

At that stage he said he was considering his future in
politics, but since then he has made it clear that he
intends to run again at the next election. The son of the
former taoiseach is highly regarded across the party
spectrum in Leinster House and it will be a major shock if
the Taoiseach passes him over once again.

Ms de Valera said last night that her decision to step down
"follows on from my suggestion to the Taoiseach in November
2005 that I should resign as Minister of State in December
2006 as I would not be running for re-election in 2007",
she said in a statement.

Ms de Valera added that in her letter to the Taoiseach she
had thanked him for giving her the honour of serving as
minister and minister of state over the last nine years.

"I also assured him of my continuing support in the run-up
to and during the forthcoming election and said that I
looked forward to celebrating his return to government for
a third consecutive term in office, in June."

Ms de Valera announced in 2005 that she would not be
contesting the next election in Clare, which she has
represented in the Dáil since 1987.

There was a political controversy last spring when the
Taoiseach appeared to indicate his desire that Ms de Valera
should resign her ministerial post at that stage in the
light of the fact that she would not be contesting the next
election.

However, it subsequently emerged that Mr Ahern and his
Minister had discussed the issue in November 2005 and that
in the course of that discussion Ms de Valera had told him
she would not be stepping down until December of this year.

© The Irish Times

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http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2006/1024/breaking55.htm

Ripping Off Of US Tourists Must Stop - Minister

By Áine Dilleen Last updated: 24-10-06, 15:04

Ireland must stop ripping off tourists if it is to continue
to benefit from the increasing number of American tourists,
Minister for Tourism John O'Donoghue said today.

John O'Donoghue

Speaking at the announcement of the North America: Land of
Opportunity strategy, aimed at boosting tourism from North
America, Mr O'Donoghue said Ireland needs to "tackle value-
for-money issues" and that an improvement in the "warmth of
our welcome" was necessary.

According to research by Tourism Ireland, Ireland has seen
a 30 per cent increase in the number of Americans
travelling here over the past five years.

The Republic is the sixth-most popular European tourist
destination for Americans, with almost one million visiting
annually. Only Britain, France, Italy, Germany and Spain
attracted more American tourists last year.

The Tourism Ireland study also found that 56 per cent of US
travellers are "extremely or very likely to visit or
revisit Ireland", with almost half of these expressing an
interest in visiting within the next five years.

Mr O'Donoghue said the country had a "sizeable and unique"
opportunity to avail of the growth in the number of
tourists arriving here by refocusing marketing efforts.

Tourism Ireland chief executive Paul O'Toole called on the
tourist industry to introduce new services to aid this new
profile of visitors.

One of the recommended services is the use of Shannon
airport as a "gateway" for tourists. A new "open skies"
arrangement is also to be examined, with the aim of
facilitating tourists travelling from the west and south of
the United States.

© 2006 ireland.com

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