Local election candidates. Sinn Fein

by :) Thu Apr 29, 2004 12:04

"Galway Co Council – Ballinasloe Dermot Connolly"

He really has abandoned the SP!!

by DLRboi Thu Apr 29, 2004 12:06

Interesting to see that in Dun Laoghaire SF are only standin in two wards. Nobody from SF will be standin in the Dun Laoghaire or Ballybrack wards. Is this really the case?

by p.j Thu Apr 29, 2004 12:28

I would say that they will contest ballybrack. probally have no candidate selected yet.

by DLRboi Thu Apr 29, 2004 12:31

They're cutting it a bit fine aren't they?? Everyone elses campaigns are well under way, even the SWP!

by SFwatch Thu Apr 29, 2004 12:32

Thanks for the original post, now I know who I WILL NOT be voting for. Thanks!

by WP voter Thu Apr 29, 2004 12:35

Can someone in the know please post up the details of the Workers' Party candidates. I kind find them anywhere

by sinn fein Thu Apr 29, 2004 12:35

its probally getting on all right. i would imagine by early next week it should be sorted and a candidate in place.

- with a name like SFWATCH i hardly think that this list influenced who you will vote for. just remember make sure you do vote, your opinions are important, i swear, really they are.

by la hedda irlandesa - the pirate with the starling on his shoulder. Thu Apr 29, 2004 13:25

for Tuatha De Danaan fans means:-
Ourselves Alone.
That means more than many a Shinner realises.
Coz like ye didn't leave us alone.
Ye even stopped believing in us.
Ye poured concrete on our special places,
and didn't do the things your grandparents did to keep us sweet.
And Ye fucked up our Sea.
Which is why we like came back into your homes to watch the mice a bobbing, and give ye uneasy dreams, and smell the hops.

Beir Bua libh wookies of End/Or!

by revolutionary socialist Thu Apr 29, 2004 13:26

That Coca Cola and FARC and the Viper and Tony Soprano are funding the campaign? That's what I was told at a meeting we had to plan the establishment of a 26 county Soviet Socialist Republic but of course the shinners probably think I am some sort of waster.

Charlatan sell-out stalinist big business anti worker and youth sectarian successful bastards

by Fianna Fan Thu Apr 29, 2004 13:39

Dear SF,

Please ask P. O' Neill and let us know which, if any, of the candidates have seen active service. That way we'll know who to give our number ones to.

Failing that you might tell us which, if any, have convictions for IRA membership since it would be a matter of public record anyway.

Ideology is all very well but can people who haven't fought the fight for Irish freedom be trusted with our votes.

And I want to know if the person I'm voting for has been man or woman enough to put on a balaclava in support of community policing anywhere on the island.

I'm sick of politicians who are all talk and no action. Whining about drugs but doing nothing to stop the dealers and the "odcs" who wreck our communities. The only thing these people respect is a good hiding and the free state police haven't the bottle to give them one.

They spend their time, scratching their arses, sitting in cars looking after cash deliveries... until they get shot dead by people Martin Ferris TD will eventually get out of their jail cells. Come to think of it... why aren't they SF local election candidates? 'Fraid they'd frighten the bourgeoisie, Gerry? Martin? Mitchell?

by Eamonn - None Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:06

Is this a joke that Sinn Féin is listed on this site? If so they should also list their sponsors - Coca Cola etc ..

Should we allow their fellow Nationalist gun-loving groups and parties - BNP, Front National, National Rifle Association etc also list on this site.

One thing history teaches us about such parties is that they are very clever at infiltaring and spreading theri racist/nationalist poison in grass roots movements.

by Counter Fit Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:16

These are the WP candidates , so far declared:

Ballymun: John Donedealwithbureaucrats

Lucan: Andrew Mc Superdollarpayforguiness

Finglas: Owen Markintimewhileshipsink

Waterford: John Halogenlightofproletariat

Waterford: Davy Squelsh

Drogeda: Peter Notshortoncashanymore

Meath: Sean Garlandoflowersfromgreatleader


Lots of dollars, very few members,

Warms up those stickie embers.

Comrade Kim pays mighty fee

To Workers Party plc.

by Concerned Indymedia User Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:16

Last week Gerry Adams MP was at a Dublin Chamber of Commerce breakfast to address them on Sinn Fein's business policy. Why was there not any person raising this on indymedia? I'm regularly on Indymedia and there is usually a load of rubbish being thrown at the SP and SWP for no reason. But Sinn Fein are openly going to Business Breakfasts, taking money of Coca Cola and get away with it.

by SFwatch Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:20

"just remember make sure you do vote, your opinions are important, i swear, really they are."

Is this what Sinn Fein tell people on the doorsteps? SF are clearly sowing illusions that change can come through bourgeois elections. Well it can't, elections do not accurately reflect peoples opinions. The ruling class only allow elections as it gives their regime legitimacy, if an election could actually change something they'd be cancelled or rigged.

At least the SWP, SP etc acknowledge this, these groups would probably urge people to abstain rather then vote for careerist candidates of the establishment.

by feature it!! Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:23

Labour also passed a motion at their conference which condemned the anti bin tax protests, I noted that this didn't get a mention on this site either.

There shoudl be a feature on SF's links to big business and the right wing nature of the Labour Party.

by observer Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:24

Even the sight of a list of SF candidates is enough to spark a frenzy! Wait unti you see the results!!!!

by observer Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:26

Unlike the results of the election to the CC and EC of the SP/CWI, they are not available BEFORE people actually vote.

by Wotser Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:27

SF will do well in the elections, So what!!

So will Fianna Fail, what does it prove?

A rake of new councillors will mean nothing if SF is just another right wing capitalist party.

by democrat Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:28

SF beat their 'dissidents'

by Eamonn - none Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:29

Look the point is that people are entitled to vote for SF if they want to and SF are perfectly entitled to push their right-wing nationalist agenda but Sinn Féin should not pretend they are left-wing. They should be honest enough to acknowledge what they are which is a right-wing nationaist party.

If we substitute Protestant for Algerian what is the difference between Sinn Féin and the Front National in France??

Why are they obsessed with guns? - I called into one of their shops recently and all I saw was pictures of men with guns. I suppose every country has its gun lovers - in the US they are know as the National Rifle Association; in Ireland...

Tiocfaidh ár Lá how are ye!

by SFwatch Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:32

'observer', you seem to be a SFer. Will you please try to defend the actions of the SF leadership in taking cash of corporate america and attending 'business breakfasts' with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

(BTW this organisation is assisting the cops in their demonisation of May Day protesters and have on numerous occasions supported anti democratic measures such as the banning of protests in the city centre and the banning of postering)

The SF leadership are lackeys to big business, No amount of slagging of the SP/SWP will take away from this. SF members support this as they are not organising opposition to this rightward drift.

by observer Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:34

You are a cretin so Im not sure why I bother. However, how can you compare SF which was the first party to come out against the citizenship referendum to Le Pen. Even a fool like yourself should understand that.

As for the bit about guns...Listen I've heard lots of drunken trots over the years practically having orgasms over what a vicous thug Trotsky was and wondering how many bourgeois they will have to kill when they come to power. You are a pathetic joke.

by observer Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:36

You are not excluded from the above...

by SFwatch Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:39

SF are taking money of big business America. - FACT

SF attended a breakfast organised by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce - FACT

Gerry Adams has attended the World Economic Forum - FACT

SF took a $5,000 bung off Coke - FACT

'observer' is attempting to dodge the questions by throwing up red herrings - FACT

by Emer Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:45

What percentage of SF candidates are women?

by Swords Left Republican Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:47

Maybe we should have a feature on how John Campbell was shafted by the leadership after being selected as the SF by the Swords cumman.

by Draobno Thu Apr 29, 2004 14:51

Good question Emer, maybe soemone could also answer what percentage of SF candidates are members of the IRA, Gerry Adams has already voters have the right to know.

Maybe someone could also answer what percentage of SF election funds were raised through racketeering and drug dealing. Also how much of their money comes from corporate America? The public has a right to know

by Bin Tax activist Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:05

Look at the list of SF candidates for Dublin, how many of these actually did anything in the bin tax struggle? I've written a few comments on each candidates involvment, please feel free to add more.

Larry O’Toole - Nothing, was in jacks when crucial estimates votes were happening

Nicky Kehoe - Same as Larry O'Toole

Dessie Ellis - has a decent enough record, was active in organising meetings

Christy Burke - Like O'Toole and Kehoe, did SFA

Daithí Doolan - Did nothing of any substance other than turn up on the big demos

Joe Comerford - Turned up at the depot one day, got his name taken, got on a injunction, apologised in front of judge while residents faced possible jail sentences. Has since been attending meetings in his area condemning the SP and SWP before storming out in a huff.

Mark Daly - He voted against the charge but like Labour councillors he pays his bin tax and called on others to do likewise. In a letter to the local paper in Tallaght he even said the bin tax was just like 'any other bill', this was when 7 people from South Dublin were in prison.

Brendan Fearon - Has done nothing other than turn up at one local 'throw your rubbish in the back yourself' affair. Instead of getting stuck in and helping peole fuck their rubbish in the back he stood on the kerb on his phone and sneered at the residents. Brendan was a USI officer last year some have critisised him for doing nothing for a jailed member, but he was not in USI at that particular time. (BTW a bit unrelated but Fearon supported a Tory for USI president.)

All the other candidates have doen nothing to my knowledge. Please feel free to add to the records of the candidates

by ekjh Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:07

Who are the big businessmen that Gerry Adams and Martin McGuiness socialises with?

by sdfkj Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:10

http://www.indymedia.ie/newswire.php?story_id=63259&search_text=brendan%20Fearon&search_comments=on

by Swords Republican Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:14

Was John Campbell purged from the Party list in Swords? John was one of Sinn Fein's bright-young-things and is due to complete his undergraduate studies in University College Dublin next year. Why was John dropped? Has he been criticising Adams and co.? and then got purged? why are the Republicans of Swords being denied getting John to vote for, afterall he's the only man to step into the footsteps of Dick Mavis.

by Jonno Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:15

Sinead Pembroke standing in the Pembroke ward, does anyone else find that funny?

by Swords Left Republican Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:22

John indeed was deselected. He was endorsed by the Swords Cumman last year, he even took a year off college to campaign. But then all of a sudden the leadership came and imposed a pro leadership candidate. Although John has always backed up the 'party line' in public it is said that with in SF he voiced many concerns about SF links with big business as well as their inactivity on the bin tax issue. John was on some of the blockades in Swords. These are the reasons for his deselection. John will remain silent about it as he is still loyal to the party but this is what happened. SF leadership will not tolerate dissent.

by Women Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:23

From my reading of their list they have 39 women running. This is not much. I'm disappointed that for all their talk of building an Ireland of Equals there are not many women in Sinn Fein. But why should they recruit women, they cant beat up youngsters down dark alleyways as easily than their male counterparts.

by UCD Leftie Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:25

It is rumoured that Campbell was too close to the 'Mllies' of UCD for comfort.

Adams obviously didn't want to give the SP an extra seat in Fingal through the back door!

by Finglas Left Republican Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:25

Sandra 'Karaoke' Sludds, the second SF candidate in Finglas, did absolutely nothing in the Bin Tax Campaign. Even though she did'nt even attend any of the big meetings organised, she's now going around Finglas East claiming to be an anti bin tax candidate. Almost as brazen as Mary 'Community Consultant' Murphy, the Labour candidate, who likewise has never supported the campaign but claims to be against the Bin Tax now, even though her leaflets misinform people and try to undermine the non-payment campaign by claiming that 77% of residents have paid.

The only two candidates who have played an active part in the Bin Tax campaign in Finglas are Dessie Ellis of Sinn Fein and John O Neill of the ISN.

by Emer Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:26

39 out of how many? what's the percentage?

come to think of it what is the percentage of the other parties?

by Feminist Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:31

SWP - 3 out of 12 candidates are women(25%)

SP - 6 out of 13 candidates are women (46%)

Can't get data on other parties

by segr Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:34

Can you please stop throwing mud in your attempt to dodge the issues raised about SF's links to big business.

Not once have you tried to justify or critisise your party's position regarding big business donations. Please do so before making allegations about rival candidates. And if you insist on making allegations about your SP rivals then lets see the facts, give names please.

The stuff about John Campbell seems to be coming from a non SP source.

by Swords Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:36

Why was Campbell deselected? ANSWER!

I reckon a feature is in order

by Feminist Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:40

Of the candidates listed above I reckon 38 out of 239 are female, that would give SF a percentage of just below 16%. Which is not as good as the SP at 46% and the SWP at 25%

by Women Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:41

Sinn Fein are running for 238 positions in these elections. There are a number of candidates running for 2 positions as they are also going for Town Council. I'd say there are about 200 candidates. That means that the percentage of women is just under 20%

They are also running women for the token wards were there is no chance of SF getting seats. Women candidates are generally put on the slate for the sake of having women candidates.

by Curious Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:43

How is someone defined as an Anti Bin Tax candidate?

Is someone opposed to the Bin Tax if they campaign on a platform of opposing it?

Is someone opposed to the Bin Tax if they campaign against it?

Is someone opposed to the Bin Tax if they refuse to pay it?

Is someone opposed to the Bin Tax if they vote against it?

Is someone opposed to the Bin Tax if they take part in direct action protests?

Is someone opposed to the Bin Tax if they go to prison?

There seems to be an attitude that you not only have to oppose the Bin Tax, you have to fill out a checklist imagined by the SWP and the SP to qualify as being opposed to the Bin Tax.

Oh, and I counted 23 lies/inaccuracies in the thread so far. Well done to all concerned. Envy's a bitch ain't it?

by Feature is needed Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:46

It's interesting to see that the SF leadership are deselecting candidates. This on-top of Chamber of Commerce breakfasts, money from Coca Cola, links with paramilitaries, etc. I think that a feature is in order.

I'd like to know more about John Campbell. Is he being deselected for being too left wing? Is his stand on bin tax in the autumn harm his standing with the leadership? If there is a feature on a candidate not running for the SP, I definately think there should be a feature on this Deselection by Sinn Fein.

by Ray Thu Apr 29, 2004 15:56

You know, everybody can spot SP members when they come out with this kind of thing. Hiding behind stupid aliases just makes you look... stupid.
If you think there should be a feature about SF deslections, write an article about it, and write that article under your real name. Whining about how other people should do things for you isn't going to get you a feature.

by observer Thu Apr 29, 2004 16:03

John was never a candidate so he could not have been deselected.

Interesting, however, that you do supply some details regarding him that I'm afraid only serve to mark somebody's card .....

by how many poster did you get with my 6euro donation. Thu Apr 29, 2004 16:10

Great to see our candidates have caused a stir. As observer said, “wait till the results”. Oh I love the SP et al. they are so funny.
“I think a feature is in order.”
Who do you think reads this thing? Stupid fucking crust'ies sitting in front of their computer with fucking nothing else to do after the morning wank, people with too much time on their hands now that the bin tax protests have failed. Also do you think that Sinn Fein candidates are pissed off because they will not get credit for the failed protests, do the words “fucking over the moon”, spring to mind? I think this is absolutely gas. Do you honestly think Sinn Fein gives a flying fuck about, looking at the last elections, 30 smelly malcontents? Get real lads and wake up. I have an idea, why don't you get up, have a fucking bath, put on some clothes and go outand get a job like the rest of us oand stop spouting bullshit.

P.S. I don’t work for a large soft drinks company while running a campaign against their biggest rival. Why? Because it would look just a bit too dodgy.

by J.p Thu Apr 29, 2004 16:12

A feature similar to the one about joan collins. get your own house in order first.

by Sambista Sinistra Thu Apr 29, 2004 16:14

a life long Republican (of four months)

by Fly on the wall Thu Apr 29, 2004 16:40

Oh to have been a fly on the wall at the SF-Dublin Chamber lurve-in... I can only imagine it went like this...

Polite applause after Gerry Adams's speech...

Q: Gerry, I have a problem with shoplifters in my shop in Sandymount....

A: I'll have a word with Daithí and he'll get in touch with you...

Q: Gerry, what have you to say about protests which block up the traffic and prevent me getting my deliveries to customers...

A: Protests should be orderly and take place at times which do not inconveniece people trying to do business in the city centre, unfortunately the Garda seem unable to police these properly and protestors no loonger recognise their authority on the streets... we'll get together with Aengus and Sean and arrange a community liaison committee to ensure that protestors take the busines community's representations on board...

Q: Gerry, I'll be voting SF in the election...

A: Thanks Mary Lou... (laughter)

Q: Gerry, many years ago my sister was held up at gunpoint when her post office was robbed and she's never been right since, the Guards never caught the perpetrators...

A: Yes...

Q: ...but they are convinced the Provos were responsible. Will the Provos apologise to my sister and repay the money stolen...

Q: I remain flabbergasted by the allegations and insinuations emanating from pro-British securocrats in the 26 counties. I myself have lived under constant threat of danger to life and limb, as have many others in the broad Republican family...

Chair: Mr Adams has another urgent appointment and we can detain him no longer, but... sorry Gerry?

Gerry: Anyone wishing to make an election donation may do so on the way out, Caoimhín will give you a receipt and if you'd like one of the party's security consultants to drop by just tick the appropriate box on the donation slip.

by real person Thu Apr 29, 2004 16:53

Its easy for SFers to ignore serious points raised cos they are mainly coming in the form of adolescent sniping from immature trots. But nonetheless there are real problems which SF members need to address. To take but one:

In his address to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce Gerry Adams implied that although SF were opposed to Service Charges in theory, in practise they were pragmatic and when it came to the crunch SF would vote for charges as they had had done in Monaghan and Sligo (he actually mentioned these examples). Now this can only be read in one way: business people can rely on SF to vote for charges if they hold the balance of power in the council chamber.

Now there are many tactics you can adopt to oppose service charges but voting for them is not one!

Left-wing SF members need to address issues like this and not just in a knee jerk way by attacking the questioners, silly and all as they may be.

by Shinner Thu Apr 29, 2004 17:14

"In his address to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce Gerry Adams implied that although SF were opposed to Service Charges in theory, in practise they were pragmatic and when it came to the crunch SF would vote for charges as they had had done in Monaghan and Sligo (he actually mentioned these examples). Now this can only be read in one way: business people can rely on SF to vote for charges if they hold the balance of power in the council chamber."

These are the comments made bt Mr. Adams to the DCC. Where are the Sligo and Monaghan votes mentioned?



Equality, Empowerment and Inclusivity

"Can I begin my remarks this morning by saying that I am a politician, not a businessman, so I look at the economy not just in terms of the creation of wealth but how that wealth can be used for the benefit of everyone.

Sinn Féin is a republican party, the only all-Ireland party. Our goal is to see a united Ireland, which delivers real social and economic change.

The core value of republicanism is equality; it is about people's rights and entitlements, including economic rights.

It is about empowering citizens; about creating conditions where people can use their talents and energy. It is about community and inclusivity.

The 1990s were a time of enormous economic growth in this state. During this time, more and more businesses emerged, more jobs were created and life improved for many people — although there are many questions about quality of life issues and the widening gap between rich and poor.

There is a fundamental issue of how we use the wealth we now enjoy. Is it for the benefit of everyone or for an elite?

Business - Planning for the Future

As business people in Dublin, you have had your own experiences of the last ten years of what the peace process has meant and the impact of economic growth.

There are approximately 40,000 businesses in Dublin and 96% of these businesses employ less than 50 people.

The most important and overlooked statistic is that these businesses and their workers productivity have been the engine of employment creation and growth in the city for decades before the Celtic Tiger boom and are still here, with nearly 600,000 people at work in the city today. How much investment does central government make into those 600,000 jobs?

Sinn Féin wants to see one agency dealing with all the indigenous businesses in Ireland. We want to see the same level of investment and aid made available to local businesses as is available to multinationals.

Transport and privatisation

You know that this government promotes itself as the friend of business. You also know what it is capable, or not capable of.

Take, for example, the issue of transport in Dublin. The city's transport infrastructure is creaking. The people who are suffering most in all of this are ordinary households who need to travel to work, to school, to the shops every day and the businesses who have suffered loss of revenue because of the gridlock or endless building work outside their premises.

What consultation was there with the business community over the rollout of LUAS, and not just about the traffic chaos caused, but the loss to business generally and particularly along the routes?

Has central government consulted with you about the plans to privatise Dublin Bus?

Will you really be better off in ten years time if an unaccountable transnational transport company is running Dublin Bus?

If you, the representatives of the most powerful interest groups in the city, are being excluded from consultation and decision-making, what do you think is the experience of those on the very margins of society, who are caught up in a day to day struggle for housing and health services?

Sinn Féin's vision for local government

Local government, its funding and effectiveness, is of paramount importance. Sinn Féin wants a system where there is more democracy, more participation, more involvement of all those in society and most importantly where more powers and funding are wrested from central government towards the local communities. This is what real decentralisation means.

Taxing business

I am often asked if Sinn Féin would increase business taxes. We believe that everyone should pay taxes and that this should be on a fair basis. The government makes a big issue of tax cuts but at the same time businesses, particularly small businesses, are being crucified by insurance costs and service charges.

Sinn Féin opposed the cutting of corporation tax to 12.5 %, especially when minimum wage workers were in the tax net. So we are not in principle opposed to higher taxes, though we have no plans to increase them.

Instead, we want the comprehensive reform and overhaul I have outlined above. We also believe that tax cuts should be incentive driven. That would mean making low corporation tax linked, for example, to good environmental practices or providing childcare facilities or investing in worker training and education or developing new products.

We believe that there should be long term clarity on business taxes. This is crucial. That makes good sense for business. It also makes for a better economy.

A Forum for Dublin

I said at the beginning that Sinn Féin doesn't have all the answers to all these issues. But we have a willingness to learn, to engage and to be inclusive.

I have been coming to Dublin for over 40 years, since the first time Down won an All-Ireland back about 1961. At that time, this city was a smaller more intimate collection of wee small villages. I have been here in the terrible years of recession. I worked with local communities in the late 1970s, particularly against the drugs scourge, when I came out of Long Kesh.

I have always had a great fondness and familiarity with Dublin, not least because I can do normal things here like going to the pictures, or theatre or concerts or shopping, that I don't do so easily in my own city. So I delighted in how this city, not least because of the efforts of business people, pulled itself out of recession and into prosperity.

Of course, I am ultra conscious that this is a tale of two cities. Of poverty alongside wealth. Of a housing crisis. A real problem of law and order or the lack of it. I know many whose quality of life is reduced by stress, encouraged by gridlock and the madness of city life. I too have spent hours in traffic jams.

So I want to end by proposing that a special forum be convened to look at all these issues.

I propose that Dublin's 48 TDs, the elected representatives of the four councils, the Chamber of Commerce, the Dublin Council of Trade Unions, housing, local community and other groups from civic society sit down together to discuss, debate and ultimately plan a sustainable and fair future for all the people in this city.

Finally, I want to say that I believe that we share some common ground, especially in the recognition that we all have a responsibility to do what we can together to meet the many economic and social needs we face.

Let's take this step and make the next decade one that can deliver a better Dublin for all."

by Joe Mac Thu Apr 29, 2004 17:20

Left Republican Swords - you are obviously close to the siuation out there. Knew John in Ógra some years ago. Is a sound activist. Any more info on it. Hadn't heard anything about it previously. His cards seem to have been Marked from what your saying.

by Observer Watcher Thu Apr 29, 2004 17:25

I think that the text of Gerry Adams' speech confirms a lot about Sinn Fein. He says Sinn Fein opposes increases in corporation tax. He says that Sinn Fein think that tax cuts should be 'incentive' driven. He says that he wants to see the TD, Councillors, Bosses and the Trade Unions sit down in a social partnership. Does this confirm that SF are pro-partnership? Adams also says that small and medium businesses should get funding on the same basis as Multinationals. So, SF will continue to fund Multinationals from taxpayers money.

Sinn Fein are not a socialist Party. They are a petty-bourgeois nationalist populist party. Very similar to Fianna Fail in the 1920s.

by people have to eat. Building an Ireland of equals Thu Apr 29, 2004 17:32

I tell you what, lets do way with the economy and we will all sit around naked and pick berries. be realistic.

Also the post which talks about Monaghan and Sligo should be removed as it has ben proved to be wrong.

by Real person Thu Apr 29, 2004 17:42

Shinner, rather than dealing with the issue simply avoids it. I stand corrected only in relation to the minor detail that Adams made the remarks about service charges during the Q and A session that followed his speech, not in his actual speech. Here are the relevent quotes as reported in the Irish Times last Saturday. Is Shinner saying that the IT quoted Adams incorrectly? If not, can he/she respond to the substance of the quotes rather than ultra defensively calling me a liar.

'Although Adams's prepared speech was interesting and polished, his subsequent replies in a 20-minute question-and-answer session were even more so. Displaying the more complex colours emerging in Sinn Féin's attitude to business, Adams's background message was that his party understands the need for pragmatism.

Asked about public-private partnerships, he acknowledged that Martin McGuinness had reluctantly accepted the need for private investment while in power in Northern Ireland.

"Well, we are against them," he said. "Having said that, Martin McGuinness, as education minister, faced with the reality that he would either have no schools or an involvement in a qualified way with private finance, went for it. So I suppose you could argue that that is the emergence of pragmatic politics."

Equally, Sinn Féin's acceptance of service charges in Sligo was justified by Adams, despite all of the party's railings nationally against such bills.

"Sinn Féin councillors in Sligo, rather than seeing the service go entirely over to privatisation, and seeing the aged, or people on low incomes, suffering, then went for a more pragmatic approach. The same thing has happened in Monaghan. Our position is against it. But in terms of the actual practicalities of working out these matters, as part of local government, the party made compromises on it," he told the gathering.

On taxation, Adams offered soothing words that meant little: "I am reluctant to say that we would do A or we would do B. We are not in principle against tax increases, but we have no plans to introduce them. We just think that there should be a far, far better way of doing business."

by observer Fri Apr 30, 2004 00:43

So abuse of SF candidates is okay? - Karaoke Sludds, Snackbox Corcoran, and downright lies about a non-existent candidate in Swords.

Why are they still here?

by observer Fri Apr 30, 2004 00:45

is that okay?

How about Lisa 'Marshall' Maher?

by tired editor Fri Apr 30, 2004 06:41

.

by ShinNeR Fri Apr 30, 2004 10:50

SINN FEIN will surprise you all come election time.

If you want an Ireland of Equals & not one where Fianna Fail are taking backhanders to turn our city in to a Concrete Slab

YOU KNOW WHO TO VOTE FOR!

or of course you can still vote for fianna fail , pay bin taxes & pay bribes for planning permo any where in North County Dublin...

You may slag Gerry off till your indenial Hearts content...

The fact of the matter is , he has dedicated his entire life so that Ireland may be free...& has set out to prove the injustice that every Irish person in the free state has been ignorant to. ( not intentionally- i blame propoganda). There are serious issues that have been left ignored in this country. Namely RUC collusion with Death Squads.

So before you all let your tongues run wild, perhaps you should do a little more research on the situation at hand.

Maybe pop in to Berties local on a fri nite in drumcondra ...you just mite catch him in his true colours...I know I have before.

& beverly cooper flynn, my god do I have to say any more.

Fianna Fail & the rest of SF bashers , you make me laugh, isnt it gas that most our taxpayers € is goin towards legal battle trying to get FF heads off the hook from taking bribes!

by Voter Fri Apr 30, 2004 15:25

Will some shinner please come on here and account for what Gerry Adams said at the Chamber of Commerce bash last week. These are serious points. SF are going around in these elections saying they are opposed to bin tax etc well what will happen if SF councillors are given the undemocratic choice between bin tax or privitisation?

by Sinn Fein Tue May 04, 2004 11:21

Michael O'Brien will be the Sinn Fein candidate in the area.

by SPwatch Tue May 04, 2004 15:41

First we have Dermot Connolly standing for SF in Galway now we have Michael O'Brien standing in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown!! What is happening to the SP :-)

by Concerned Female Tue May 04, 2004 15:45

I see Sinn Fein so are not standing any women in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council Elections, I also see that SF have a very low level of female candidates in the elections and those that are standing are in general not standing in winnable wards for SF. I will not be voting Sinn Fein partly for this reason.

by Concerned Socialist Female Tue May 04, 2004 16:04

I see the Socialist Party are not standing any women in the Dublin City Council Elections, I also see that the SP have deselected a female from one of the city wards. I will not be voting SP partly for this reason.

by Concerned Female Tue May 04, 2004 16:14

Why the hell do you think I'm an SP supporter/member??

I am certainly not, I see myself as an anti war pro poor feminist. I think that the lack of female candidates from the establishemnt is a serious problem. It is a fact that SF are one of the worst offenders with less than 20%. The Socialist Party have in fact on of the highest levels of females standing at 46% so it is completely disengenous to say the SP are not standing a decent number of female candidates.

by Sanity Tue May 04, 2004 16:22

This thread is something else!

Someone comes on and raises a legitimate critisism of SF and what happens?? A SF supporters come on and has a go at the SP for no real reason instead of answering the issue at hand. Is this what SF canvassers do at the doorsteps? If my local SF candidate knocked on my door and I raised issues like women in politics would I be told about the alleged 'crimes' of the SP? Could some sane person from SF please come on and tell us about their policies regarding women and about what measures if any are taken to encourage women in the SF party.

I would say the same about the critisisms of SF regarding their links to big business, these are legitimate concerns. People have a right to know SF's real attitude to big business. Another concern about SF I would have is the fact that Mary Lou McDonald attended a reception of the EU ambassadors on Saturday, hours after speaking at the Another Europe is Possible event. Could some sane person please clarify what exactly SF's policy is towards the EU?

by Insane in the membrane Tue May 04, 2004 16:24

... I suppose you are not a member of the SP either?

by Concerned Young Man Tue May 04, 2004 16:27

I see Sinn Fein are not standing any young men in the Fingal County Council Elections, I also see that SF have deselected a young male from the Swords ward, for supporting left wing policies. I will not be voting SF partly for this reason.

by Amused leftie Tue May 04, 2004 16:29

1. SF are running far more candidates than your than your pitiful 14. It's easy to make statistics look whatever way you want them to.

2. How many women are part of the troika then or inner circle?

3. The SP have a 100% record when it comes to deselecting female candidates.

by Sanity Tue May 04, 2004 16:31

What if I am? What if I am not? All I want is a sane debate about these issues instead of endless trolling.

by Sanity Tue May 04, 2004 16:32

What if I am? What if I am not? All I want is a sane debate about these issues instead of endless trolling.

by Amused SP supporter Tue May 04, 2004 16:34

"1. SF are running far more candidates than your than your pitiful 14. It's easy to make statistics look whatever way you want them to."

Sinn Fein are running more candidates. They are a bigger party. With the number of candidates SF the statistic of less than 20% women is a meaningful figure and can be compared with the other larger parties who have more women running for them.

"2. How many women are part of the troika then or inner circle?"

There is no "troika" or "inner circle".

"3. The SP have a 100% record when it comes to deselecting female candidates."

No SP candidates were ever deselected in the history of the party.

by Sanity Tue May 04, 2004 16:44

Can we please have a proper debate on SF's policies on womens rights and on their links to big business. These are important issues and they have not been addressed as of yet.

Less of the mindless trolling more debate please!

by Ferro Tue May 04, 2004 16:48

The women candidates they have are piss poor anyhow.

Mary Lou McDonald was a member of FF and is widely seen as a careerist.

Mary Lou also attended a plush fancy ambassadors reception at Farmleigh at the weekend. There was no danger of her getting hit with a baton or a bit of water! I just hope she took as many feraro rocher she could get!

by shinner Tue May 04, 2004 16:49

how many women will we return. Look at our party structure which has an equal gender balance. two of euro candidates with the best chance are women. sinn fein is a party which has for years tried to involve women in politics.
Below is the female members of the Sinn Fein team at the assembly. The party with most female MLA's
Kathy Stanton (SF)
Bairbre de Brun (SF)
Caitriona Ruane (SF)
Michelle Gildernew (SF)
Mary Nelis (SF)
Geraldine Dougan (SF)
Patricia O'Rawe (SF)

National Self-determination and Gender Equality

Ireland is a Nation of Unequals.

Irish Republicanism is defined as the pursuit of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and these Republican ideals have underpinned the struggle for national liberation.

The inequality and discrimination experienced by women in Ireland is in direct opposition to these ideals

National Self-determination and Gender Equality are not sequential issues, they are directly linked.

The principle of freedom is a right that all the people of Ireland should enjoy.

As the people of Ireland deconstruct the defining elements of partition, the steps we take on the road to unity need to be informed by the wider guarantee outlined in the Proclamation of the Republic to "cherish all the children of the Nation equally".

Sinn Féin advocates the right to social, economic and cultural equality. This encompasses the equality of all women irrespective of their race, age, marital or family status, sexual orientation, physical or mental capacities, ethnicity, social origin or political or religious affiliations.

And, it must be recognised at the outset that Women's inequality and in turn gender discrimination, is a collective issue for all society in Ireland.

Women in all parts of Ireland share similar experiences of marginalisation.

Sinn Fein is the only all-Ireland party and as such is the only party in a position to push for and deliver on Gender Equality in Ireland North and South.

Women and Unequal Access to Decision Making

Sinn Fein wants to build an Ireland of Equals and we recognise the vital need for gender balance, gender proofing and gender equality in the decision making process.

Women are not fully represented in either national politics or in local government decision-making structures. In the 26 Counties less than 15% of TDs are women and involvement of women in politics at grassroots level is little better. In the 6 Counties only 14% of the total number of MLA's in the Assembly were women and women only make up 32% of the public appointments.

Sinn Féin is working to redress this and actively promotes women in the party.

Sinn Fein is working for:

The development of an affirmative action protocol for political parties on the island of Ireland;
A public debate on the inhibiting nature of political structures with recommendations to enable women to engage more fully in all aspects of government;
Support for the National Women's Council of Irelands call for state and public bodies to implement 60/40 gender quotas on boards of management and in the policy-making arena.
However, women occupying positions of power is not enough. The decision making process goes beyond the field of politics to all levels of society where decisions are made.

Women and the Human Rights and Equality Agenda

Sinn Fein recognises the diverse and shared experiences of women throughout the island. By extension the nature of discrimination that is felt by women is equally diverse. For women inequality is manifested differently when combined with other factors such as poverty, educational disadvantage, poor health care, violence and racism. Therefore, society in Ireland must be underpinned by robust human rights and Equality protections.

Sinn Fein's aim is to build an Ireland of Equals. We seek to realise the potential for all-Ireland progress on the whole Human Rights/equality focus as set out in the Good Friday Agreement.

The Good Friday Agreement is an all Ireland agreement. The majority of women endorsed it by their vote and are committed to and working towards its full implementation. We insist that the six county Human Rights Commission, as set up under the Good Friday Agreement be re-constituted in a fully comprehensive way to reflect, in terms of representation on the Commission, society as a whole, especially those constituencies who are socially excluded. Sinn Fein calls for:

The rights of women to be enshrined as a core component of any Bill of Rights that might emerge. Sinn Fein calls on the Human Rights Commissions in the 26 counties and 6 counties to develop a robust all-Ireland Charter of Fundamental Rights;
An all-Ireland Single Equality Act should be developed and include interrelated provisions to tackle discrimination on the basis of gender;
Sinn Fein supports the view of the United Nations that women's human rights should be centrally placed on the political agenda in Ireland;
The EU Convention on the future of Europe will address issues of substantial interest to women. While noting the advances in EU social policy, we call for an all-Ireland public forum to facilitate women bringing forward their views;
Sinn Fein welcomes the National Plan for Women as a step towards addressing inequality and calls for the setting up of a representative body to monitor progress on its implementation.
Women in Poverty

Gender is a crucial factor in determining participation in economic life.

In Ireland, like most other societies, the traditional division of labour has encumbered women with the prime responsibility for domestic work such as childcare, care of the elderly, cooking and cleaning.

As a consequence of the gender differences in the labour market, women rely, to a larger extent than men, on social security benefits in order to support themselves and their families. For example in the 6 Counties:

68% of recipients of Invalid Care Allowance are women;
61% of those receiving Income Support are women;
59% of those who receive Housing Benefits are women;
57% of the families who receive Working Families Tax Credit had women as the main earner.
This figure reflects the relative disadvantage of households headed by women.

Many groups at highest risk of poverty are composed predominantly of women. Sinn Fein fully supports and supplements the recommendations made by the National Women's Council in their call for a human rights based approach to the elimination of women's poverty and social exclusion. On an all-Ireland basis.

Sinn Fein calls for:

The right to an adequate, comparable and independent income;
The right to appropriate accommodation;
The right to accessible and women friendly healthcare;
The right to a childcare place for each child;
The right to affordable and accessible education;
The right to comparable representation in political institutions and public spheres of civic responsibility.
Women in the Economy

Today there are more women in work outside the home than ever before. However women are still over represented amongst those on the minimum wage and in the part-time and services sector.

Women are still less likely than men to have an independent income. When women do have an independent source of income their earnings are on average 80% of men's, despite 30 years of equal pay legislation.

Women are also much more likely than men to have part-time, short-term or casual employment. For example in public administration, education and health sectors 42% of female employee's work part-time, compared to 6% of male employees.

The Equality Commission recently took part in a trans-national study, 'Developing Sectoral Strategies to Address Gender Pay Gaps'. The research focused on the IT and retail sectors. The study found that the average hourly pay for women working part-time is 68% of the average full-time male rate. Closing the gender pay gap primarily relies on equalising wage rates within occupations.

The shortage of quality childcare makes it difficult for women to remain in the workforce or to access full-time employment. Women's unpaid caring work still remains unrecognised, undervalued and unmeasured with the denial of basic rights such as social insurance and pension credits. Women returning to the workforce face additional problems in accessing training and education as their work in the home is not recognised and therefore they are not on the Live Employment Register.

It is essential that structures and work practices are developed to allow the reconciliation and harmonisation of family life and work. Only in this way can gender equality and equal participation in employment be promoted.

To support women in the workplace Sinn Fein calls for:

The introduction of a system of paid parental leave in line with EU best practice;
Unpaid caring work should be measured and valued in economic terms and the current means test-for full-time carers should be abolished;
'Social security' benefits for lone parents should be raised to the standard of average earnings;
The elimination of low pay, an increase in the minimum wage and the elimination of the gender pay gap;
A comprehensive all-Ireland study regarding the intra-household distribution of labour and income should be carried out and inter-linked to policy commitments relating to promoting social inclusion and tackling poverty through out the island;
Asylum seekers who are in Ireland for more than six months to be given the right to work;
In step with the development of an island wide economy employment legislation should harmonised on an all-Ireland basis;
The new all-Ireland employment legislation should ensure rights to the broadest category of workers, and that the right to request flexible working should include all working parents with children of compulsory school age;
Common structures and comprehensive guidelines should be developed on an all-Ireland basis between employers within particular industries in relation to processes such as recruitment, promotion and training;
Women & Childcare

The opportunities for women to work in paid employment outside the home have never been greater. However due to the lack of affordable and accessible child care many women are denied the opportunity to participate in paid employment.

The 6 Counties has one of the lowest provisions of childcare in the European Union. Recent surveys have highlighted the fact that the 6 Counties had only 34.8 day nursery places for every 1000 children under the age of 5, compared to the average of 71.3 places in Britain.

Studies have shown that the expense of childcare acts as a disincentive and a barrier for low paid women entering the labour market. In Ireland the vast majority of lone parents are female.

Lone parents in the 6 Counties are specifically disadvantaged as their earnings are about one third lower than comparable levels in Britain.

Sinn Fein calls for:

Government funded childcare facilities commensurate with area-based need;
All centres for further and higher education should have on-site childcare facilities;
Paid Parental Leave for employees in line with best practise in the Europe;
The promotion of quality affordable community childcare for all those who need it;
Development and extension of after school care facilities.
Women & Health

The weight of evidence is that good health is linked to income, education and employment as well as lifestyle and environment.

Women are more likely to be caught in the poverty trap and more frequently put the needs of their families before their own. The risks to their health therefore can be serious.

Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among women in Ireland. One in 13 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime (National Cancer Registry of Ireland) A woman living in Ireland is four times more likely to die from breast cancer than her European counterpart.

As Health Minister Bairbre de Brun prioritised cancer and cardiac care, the provision of children's services and the ending of inequalities in health. After this election Sinn Fein will once again seek to take on the challenge of both Education and Health. They remain our priority.

Sinn Féin calls for:

A significant increase in resources for health and social services;
The development of an all-Ireland health service with equality of access, which will harmonise and maximise the use of resources;
Health care should be free at the point of delivery and funded through general taxation;
In relation to the immediate commitments for 'collaboration on cancer and other research, participation in multi-centre trials, health promotion and public information/education' made under the provision for health in the 'Common Chapter' the following should be implemented on an all-Ireland basis;
A free, prompt and co-ordinated breast-screening programme for all women over 40 and free and regular cervical screening for all teenage girls and women;
A renewed focus on preventative healthcare;
Extension of the range and quality of healthcare.
Violence against Women

Violence against women is the consequence of women's unequal status within society.

In Ireland, as with most countries, women experience the vast majority of so-called "domestic violence".

All forms of violence against women must be included when defining the problem. This includes physical, sexual and psychological abuse. We need to recognise that violence can happen in the family, within the community, in the workplace and by the State.

It is not enough for Sinn Féin as a party to reject such abusive behaviour. It is incumbent on us to support rigorous legal instruments and educational and awareness programmes that will ultimately instigate a sea change in social circumstances, behaviour patterns and attitudes in Irish society.

Sinn Fein supports a safety and sanctions approach to dealing with the issue.
The development of all-Ireland initiatives to promote awareness raising and education around the issue of violence against women including the training of the judiciary;
The development of family friendly courts throughout the island;
The automatic right to state funded legal representation for victims of rape cases on an island wide basis;
A comprehensive rehabilitation programme for offenders;
The development of an all-Ireland integrated strategy to prevent and support women who have experienced violence and abuse;
Sinn Fein is working to ensure Community Development processes are increasingly developed on an all-Ireland basis. In this regard we want to see significant support for agencies and groups in the Voluntary and Community sector who provide crisis and support services for women in their locality.
Women & Education

Education, Poverty and Social Exclusion are fundamentally linked. Structural inequality is a key factor in educational deprivation and discrimination. Equality of access to education and vocational training is a precondition to women's full participation in society and sentry into the labour market.

The present education systems in Ireland perpetuates gender differentiation in relation to educational and career paths.

Education is a tool for empowerment and choice. Gender differentiation and the reinforcement of 'traditional' roles inhibits the life choices of women in Ireland.

Sinn Fein calls for:

All-Ireland initiatives to eliminate gender differentiation and promote the development of a wider range of educational and career choices for girls and young women;
Higher education and vocational training schemes to meet the needs of women from deprived urban and rural areas.
Women & Housing

While the numbers of people buying their own homes have steadily increased in Ireland North and South this increase belies a growing problem -- we are in the midst of a housing crisis.

Women, usually as the head of lone parent households, and single people are over-represented on the housing waiting lists.

Poverty and homelessness are clearly.

The use of discriminatory housing policy as a weapon for social and political control still has a negative residual impact in the 6 Counties. A social housing allocation system that perpetuates inequality is compounded still further by commercialisation of dwindling public housing stock.

The present crisis has been created by years of structural neglect North and South. Housing is not a commodity, it is a human right.

Sinn Fein calls for:

The development of an all-Ireland Housing Authority;
A system of decent affordable housing for all;
The development of an all-Ireland multi-agency approach to tackle housing poverty and homelessness that is preventative, innovative and flexible;
The development of a centrally funded action plan for the border corridor to tackle housing poverty and homelessness as part of an integrated strategy for regional development along the border;
A re-generation of the co-operative housing movement;
The development of an all-Ireland forum for regional housing rights;
Increase tenant participation in estate building and management;
The promotion of an all-Ireland system of rent control;
A free 24 hour all-Ireland help line for the homeless and an appropriate training scheme for service providers;
Appropriate accommodation for Travellers in consultation with their own community on an island wide basis.
Older Women

The desire for independence, respect and involvement in the decision making process are important factors for older women. The issue of pensions is crucial for older women. Contributory Pensions are determined by the years spent in the paid workforce where an Occupational Pension existed. Unfortunately, many older women are dependent on non-contributory old age pensions. While 52% of retired men in the 6 Counties receive occupational pensions, only 17% of retired women do.

The uncertainty of pension policy has had particular implications for women and their prospects of securing adequate incomes.

More than two-thirds of the 244,039 people receiving retirement pension in September 2001 were women. Most of the existing pension schemes are based on a traditional model of work, which is continuous contribution whilst in full-time work in a lifetime job. This discriminates against women -- particularly those women who were in part-time, periodic employment or low paid jobs

Sinn Fein calls for:

Rights based guidelines for pension policy to reflect the differential labour market position of women;
A rights based initiative where old age pensioner's social insurance contributions during their working life are linked to inflation;
Retrospective pension credits for women who spent their working life caring for others;
Statutory funding for Voluntary agencies such as Meals on Wheels;
Support for local services including day centres and day care centres.
Carers

We commend the Carers Associations on the island of Ireland for providing a loud and strong voice for tens of thousands of full-time, and many more part-time carers. The issue has been placed higher on the political agenda than ever before.

The combination of low pay, high transport costs and the high cost of goods and services, especially in rural areas, means that many carers live in poverty.

Carers must be recognised for the work that they do and valued from a human rights perspective. In addition their work saves the State incalculable amounts of money. On an all-Ireland basis Sinn Fein calls for:

• The Social Welfare system to be modified to ensure that recognition for benefits is given to those who worked in the home;

The abolition of the Means Test for full-time carers;
Free use of public transport for registered carers and subsidised costs for the use of taxis;
Replacement of the present Carer's Allowance with an expanded payment scheme. This will recognise the value of carers' work unlike the present allowance, which is treated as an income support payment only;
The creation of an all-Ireland strategy to develop a support service for carers.
Rural Women & Isolation

Rural living in Ireland is often associated with economic deprivation.

People living in remote rural areas share a number of problems such as distance from services and amenities, and isolation from others. These are particularly acute among women and the elderly.

- Women bearing primary responsibility for child rearing.

- The lack of child-care facilities and access to public transport is a particular problem for women in rural areas.

- Elderly women unable to afford the cost of a car are isolated from society or dependent on relatives and the local community.

In the 6 Counties farm based rural incomes have dropped by nearly 75% over the past four years and are continuing to decrease.

Sinn Fein calls for:

The development of a local services and information infrastructure catering for the health, welfare and social needs of rural communities;
Rural Transport Initiatives vital for the survival and well being of rural communities.
Women with Disabilities

Sinn Féin believes that the rights and needs of people with disabilities must be a Government priority. People who suffer disability need more resources invested in them and their families to ensure equality of access to education, health, transport services and to the workplace. The State must recognise that everybody has the right to a dignified standard of living and general life experience.

Sinn Féin Proposes: -

An Independent Living Fund for people with disabilities;
Direct payments to people with disabilities and their personal assistants;
Increased and secured financial support for those providing services including day resource centres and personal assistance services;
Introduction of a cost of disability living allowance on an island wide basis as recommended by the Commission for Status of People with Disabilities;
Increase in the Mobility Allowance;
Financial support for full-time carers through the increase of the Carer's Allowance and an end to the means test;
Funding to continue progress in cutting waiting lists for people with mental disabilities or intellectual disabilities.
Promoting Gender Equality through Participation on a Cross-Border and all-Ireland Basis

Opportunities for meaningful participation for the poor and socially excluded are few and far between.

Building an inclusive community for reunification also means ensuring that the voices of the most marginalised are heard and acted upon.

Sinn Féin believes that those in who have been marginalised and the groups that advocate on their behalf are better placed than anybody to vitally contribute to the reconstructive shaping of support services that address their needs

In many instances Women's support groups can be experienced in negotiating services and explaining physical (infrastructural), financial, and social constraints. However they may not have extensive familiarity with participatory processes; either through lack knowledge or lack of practical opportunity.

This lack of opportunity to participate is no longer acceptable from a human rights perspective as well as from a practical policy development perspective.

Sinn Fein is committed to the promotion of common ownership of the decision-making processes of the Nation. We want to bring about equality of outcome throughout the island. We want to see the development of forums that promote real and outcome based participation constructively interfacing Government with Civic society for the benefit of all the people of the island.

With the promotion of increasingly all-Ireland approaches to economic and infrastructural development we must now also begin to consider their social impact.

This document has shown that Women of Ireland share similar experiences in relation to inequality and discrimination. Parallels can be drawn in all the constituencies mentioned above.

In this regard and commensurate with regional policy development groups that advocate on behalf of Women's rights need to organise collectively on a cross border and all-Ireland basis.

The conceptual and practical contexts for realignment already exist. Together we can make gender equality on the island of Ireland an actionable reality.

by SIPTU member Tue May 04, 2004 16:52

SF candidate in Dublin for the European Parliament Mary Lou McDonald was attending a reception for the EU leaders in the morning of May 1st. Afterward she came out and spoke to the protest at Central Bank. This is hypocrisy. How can see be greeting these Eastern European gangster leaders one minute and then speak at an anti-capitalist anti-EU protest the next minute. This is terrible.

SF were also recently guests at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting. Gerry Adams spoke about helping 'native' industry. Somehow 'native' industry will not attack workers rights, trade unions, and will give every worker a fair wage. This is terrible.

SF is not a socialist party, or even a genuine anti- establishment party. They are petty bourgeois nationalist populists.

by Concerned Female Tue May 04, 2004 17:04

SF only have 7 female MLAs out of 24, (not too bad)

SF have only 1 female MP out of 4. (fairly poor)

SF have no female TDs at all! (a disgrace)

SF have only 8 out of 62 councillors in the south! (another disgracful figure)

SF have only 14 out of 110 councillors in the north! (even worse!!!)

I appreciate the reply to the real issues here but could you please reply in a more concise way, I don't have the time to be wading through a cut and paste job!

Maybe could you in a few lines give us SF's policy on abortion? Do SF support a freedom to choose whether to have abortion or not? Do SF believe Abortion should be provided free of charge as part of a national health service in Ireland?

by Concerned Female Tue May 04, 2004 17:16

The Progressive democrats are running 64 candidates in the local elections of these 19 are female which is 29%, much higher than Sinn Fein

by Concerned Female Wed May 05, 2004 14:04

I read through SF's policy on women I have a major problem, there was not one mention of women's aboprtion rights. What is SF's policy on abortion exactly?

by shinner Wed May 05, 2004 14:20

the following motions were passed at this years Sinn Fein Ard Fheis with regard to the issue of abortion.

Abortion
Motion 63 This Ard Fheis mandates Sinn Féin’s Health spokespersons
to pursue the 26-County Government to legislate for the decision
in the ‘X’ case, in line with party policy, which supports such a
demand.
P....... L....... R....... Tom Smith Cumann, Dublin

Motion 65 This Ard Fheis calls on Sinn Féin to convene a special
policy discussion conference on the merits and demerits of the
legalisation of abortion. Sinn Féin is a progressive party and the
only real alternative in Irish politics, therefore Sinn Féin should stop
ignoring the issue of abortion.
P....... L....... R....... McDonagh/Farrell Cumann UCD,
Dublin
Cathal Brugha Cumann, Waterford

Motion 66 This Ard Fheis proposes that women have the right to
decide on the number and spacing of their children and the right to
undergo the procedure of sterilisation without the written consent
of their partner or spouse.
P....... L....... R....... Seosamh Mac Liathain Cumann,
Galway

by Concerned Female Wed May 05, 2004 14:35

None of these motions actually really say anything about Abortion. All they say is that SF should look into it and discuss the "merits and demerits".

SF is calling for legislation for the X case, so what, this isn't really saying anything either. Any responsible government would legislate for the constitutional proceedures and judicialrulings.

So do SF have a policy on Abortion or not?
Does SF stand for free Abortion on demand as part of a free at the point of use national health service in Ireland.

I think abortion is a very important issue and is the real test in my opinion as to the progressivness of a political party in Ireland. So far it looks like SF are not a very pro women party, they have very low levels of women candidates and councillors and they don't seem to have a policy on abortion.

by observer Wed May 05, 2004 14:44

We don't care what you think of us. We have over 250,000 supporters to think of.

by Concerned Female Wed May 05, 2004 14:51

That is a very arrogant approach.

You seem to be indicating that these 250,000 supporters would abandon SF if they adopted a progressive social policy. These raises serious questions as to the nature of SF's support then doesn't it?

It also raises questions about the nature of SF, is it the case that SF are now abandoning any potential principle in return for electoral support. This is completely unprincipled.

Abortion is a very important issue, 10,000 women every year have Abortion from Ireland. It is a huge issue. Every person has soemone they know that has had an abortion.

by shinner Wed May 05, 2004 15:04

I don't agree with the statement of observer. As a member of Sinn Fein I take the issue very seriously. I believe that the second motion would indicate that the party does not have a proper policy as of yet, as do many of the other parties, on this complex issue. I would argue that the party needs to develop one, which holds the right of the “Female to choose” at its centre. This will be a difficult process for our party but it is one we must go through if we are as progressive as we say we are. The passing of the motion on the right of a female to decided when they have children was however seen by many as setting out were we stand on the issue.

by observer Wed May 05, 2004 15:17

SF has a mass membership which votes to decide its policies. It has consistently voted not to adopt the "progressive" policy of abortion on demand.

SF also has a mass support base as the largest radical party EVER in this country, and presents those people not a small group of people who like to pick holes in SF policy but who would never support it no matter what it does. Would I be correct in believing that Concerned Female is a part of this group?

by Concerned Female Wed May 05, 2004 15:27

I would support SF if they adopted progressive social policies and they abandoned their links with big business. I also have some concerns about SF's record in government while in the north regarding education and health.

I would disagree that SF is the most radical party in Irish history. SF really are not that radical, they have policies that would be on a par with the modern day Labour Party. In my opinion SF have an approach which is essentially the Labour Party but wiht a nationailist and overtly republican outlook. SF are not as radical as the Labour Party was in the 60s and 70s.

The fact is that SF don't have a real policy on abortion. They have fudged the issue as they have on other social issues like homosexual marriage. I look forward to SF actually tackling these issues head on and confronting the conservatives among their supporters and members.

by Concerned Female Thu May 06, 2004 13:49

CAn someone from SF please come on and answer the issues I reaised above. The fact that SF do not have any real policy on abortion is a disgrace in my opinion.

by observer Thu May 06, 2004 14:51

SF do have a policy on abortion. You just don't like it, and if it wasnt that it would be something else. You just don't like SF. Which is your privilege. Hundreds of thousands of working class people disagree with you :)))

by Concerned Female Thu May 06, 2004 14:56

No SF do not have a policy on abortion. Read back the thread. SF have a policy of looking into it.

I really can't see how SF, a party which completely neglects womens rights should gain the confidence of working class people.

More working class people will vote FF, FG and Labour than will vote SF. More will also vote DUP in the north. I don't see how SF's mandate makes them in any way superior to other parties in terms of progressive policies. It is just a very arrogant approach for SFers to continually come on and say 'I don't give a toss that out policy on abortion is crap, we have XYZ thousend of people voting for us so who cares'.

by SIPTU member Thu May 06, 2004 15:06

I am reaidng the exchange between "observer" and "concerned female". Could the SF member just clarify what his party's position is on abortion. It would solve it. From my reading of the motions above there is no position other than to "discuss" it and to oppose forced sterilisations or sterilisations dependent on the approval of husbands. Nothing there that says anything on the issue in my book.

SF are not the most radical mass party in Irish history. First off all, they are not a mass party. The last Mass Party in Ireland was the Home Rule Party/Land League. The Labour Party in Ireland had potential, but never did adopt positions that would make them grow into a mass party. The Labour Party in the 60s and 70s was far bigger and more radical than present day Sinn Fein. The LP even called for Socialism (the 70s will be Socialist).

Just clear it up: what is SF's position on Abortion.

by Sinn Féin Thu May 06, 2004 18:24

Mick Nolan is the Sinn Féin candidate in Ballybrack

by observer Thu May 06, 2004 18:27

Did Mick Nolan ever eat a Big Mac?

Did he ever watch a Disney film?

Did he ever listen to the Beach Boys?

Did he ever go on holiday to the USA?

Why hasnt he been tortured to death for not paying his bin charges?

Can he recite "Whither France?" off by heart?

Well?????

The workers and youth demand answers.

by observer_eile Fri May 07, 2004 04:47

"The Labour Party in the 60s and 70s was far bigger and more radical than present day Sinn Fein. The LP even called for Socialism (the 70s will be Socialist)."

I suppose that's why they went into coalition as the rear end of Fine Gael from 1973 until the coalition government was booted out in 1977. That was the government that presided over the Garda Heavy Gang.
Some of us have memories. Bear that in mind before you spout such nonsense.

by Concerned Socialist Mon May 10, 2004 12:02

Has asked the same question and not got a satisfactory answer.
But in the defence of SF it would seem that very few organisations are clear on this issue. And that includes the far left. The SWP electoral front in England/Wales has as its star candidate a certain George Galloway, a known anti-abortionist.

by farouk Mon May 10, 2004 20:05

Don't mind the leadership. The membership of the Labour Party in the 60s and 70s was far more radical than the current membership of SF. This is FACT!

by observer Tue May 11, 2004 00:58

you keep telling yourself that!! But of course they were suffering as socialists in a deeply conservative society, werent they? So they had to keep going into coalition with the blueshirts, isnt that right ??

You fool