"After hearing Doctor Quigley's statement this morning and following dialogue with frontline staff at Wexford General Hospital, Wexford Sinn Féin are very concerned over the future of our local hospital. We feel that budget restrictions will have a detrimental effect on staff and patients, and must be prevented. Wexford Sinn Féin will be monitoring this situation very carefully and will relaunch our hospital protest campaign in the coming days if necessary." - Statement from Wexford Sinn Féin to South East Radio issued yesterday morning following revelations that budget restrictions are about to cause havoc at WGH.
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Saturday, July 16, 2011
"Water Charges will be on the way unless people speak out" - Kelly
“Water Charges will be on the way unless people speak out and mobilise now to stop them," according to Wexford Sinn Féin councillor Anthony Kelly. Cllr Kelly appealed to the people of Wexford to join Sinn Féin in their fight against water charges at the launch of the Wexford SF campaign in the FAB Community Centre in Ferndale last Monday night. Deputy Aengus O' Snodaigh also pleaded with the people of County Wexford to organise now before its too late.
Deputy O' Snodaigh, who came down to launch the Wexford Sinn Féin campaign against water charges, had this to say;
The Fine Gael/Labour government want to spend €500 million of taxpayer’s money on installing water meters in people’s homes and then charge taxpayers again for the basic necessity of water and the cost of the meter. Ordinary people are already paying for the gambling and crimes of the bankers and speculators. Piling more pressure on struggling families while the wealthy escape punishment is criminal.”
Enniscorthy Sinn Féin councillor Johnny Mythen also attended the crowded meeting, which was packed beyond capacity, leaving some attendees standing outside and viewing the meeting through the front window.
“There's no good side to water charges," Cllr Mythen said. "They are not being introduced for water conservation, nor are they being brought in to improve the quality of our water distribution network, which is entirely inadequate. They are being proposed because this government believes in only one mantra; bleed the ordinary person dry to pay for the crimes of the bankers and speculators.”
The Fine Gael/Labour government want to spend €500 million of taxpayer’s money on installing water meters in people’s homes and then charge taxpayers again for the basic necessity of water and the cost of the meter. Ordinary people are already paying for the gambling and crimes of the bankers and speculators. Piling more pressure on struggling families while the wealthy escape punishment is criminal.”
Friday, July 15, 2011
Vinegar Hill Mast – No Thanks!
An Enniscorthy Sinn Féin Rep has called for plans to erect a second communications mast near Vinegar Hill to be abandoned in the name of public safety. Cllr Johnny Mythen said that the 158 foot communications lattice poses a grave threat to local people’s health if built. He also said that the proposed site for the mast was dangerously close to homes and the local school.
“The local people are fully opposed to a second mast of steel which will only add to the already tower infested landscape,” Cllr Mythen said. “Not only is it going to be another eyesore which will keep people away from our historic Vinegar Hill, but it also represents a threat to the health and welfare of the local community. Many scientific studies have been carried out on communities who have been blighted with close proximity masts. People living close to communications masts frequently report symptoms of electromagnetic hypersensitivity such as dizziness, headaches, skin conditions and allergies. There is also growing evidence for cancer clusters growing around them. Is this what we want for the children of Enniscorthy?”
“The most bizarre thing about this planned mast is that it is not needed. After communications with the existing mast's company, Towercon, they said they are nowhere near full capacity. Basically there is neither need nor want for this mast. Given the literature received, it is merely being proposed to benefit a bank balance. I’m calling on the people of Enniscorthy to get out and protest against this mast. I’m calling on my fellow town councillors to make their opposition heard. We will not put the lives of our children at risk to benefit private individuals and multinational companies.”
Housing is a real worry for many Wexford people
Cllr Anthony Kelly has said that he is still extremely concerned by new social housing regulations which were passed through Wexford Borough Council last week. Cllr Kelly voted against the motion calling for the introduction of the new regulations and asked that the document be sent back to the minister for review.
“The new regulations have been endorsed by Labour and Fine Gael Councillors,” Cllr Kelly said, “But I would still have very real concerns about the possible effects of these new rules. So would many of my constituents who have already approached me with their fears. I feel that these new regulations are somewhat discriminatory against a certain section of housing applicants. There are serious concerns over the curtailing of the RAS scheme. Many families on the waiting list for social housing avail of this scheme. If they are removed from the scheme, where will they go?”
“The last census stated clearly that there is an abundance of empty houses in this county. One in five Wexford houses was empty on census night. It is morally wrong to deny anyone the chance of a home when we have empty buildings entering a state of decay across County Wexford. We need to address the social problems that these new regulations could cause now and not let them fester until they are incurable. I hope that this new government isn’t going to make similar mistakes to the last one in the way it handled its people in need.”
“The new regulations have been endorsed by Labour and Fine Gael Councillors,” Cllr Kelly said, “But I would still have very real concerns about the possible effects of these new rules. So would many of my constituents who have already approached me with their fears. I feel that these new regulations are somewhat discriminatory against a certain section of housing applicants. There are serious concerns over the curtailing of the RAS scheme. Many families on the waiting list for social housing avail of this scheme. If they are removed from the scheme, where will they go?”
“The last census stated clearly that there is an abundance of empty houses in this county. One in five Wexford houses was empty on census night. It is morally wrong to deny anyone the chance of a home when we have empty buildings entering a state of decay across County Wexford. We need to address the social problems that these new regulations could cause now and not let them fester until they are incurable. I hope that this new government isn’t going to make similar mistakes to the last one in the way it handled its people in need.”
Martin Hurson remembered in Ferns
Martin Hurson, the sixth man to die on the 1981 republican hunger strike, was commemorated on the 30th anniversary of his death last Wednesday evening in Ferns.
Republicans from around County Wexford travelled to Ferns to honour the County Tyrone man who died fighting to win political status for republican prisoners. Liam Morris, the Chairman of the local Ed O' Brien cumann, called for a minutes silence to reflect on the terrible sacrifice that Martin Hurson chose to make in the name of freedom.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Joe McDonnell remembered in Enniscorthy
Republicans from across County Wexford gathered in Enniscorthy last Friday (8th July) to remembered Joe McDonnell. A vigil was held in Market Square to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Joe’s death on Hunger Strike in the H-Blocks.
Cllr Johnny Mythen called for a minute of silence to reflect on the bravery and determination of Joe McDonnell and the other nine hunger strikers who died in 1981 in an attempt to win political status for republican prisoners.
This event marked the fifth vigil to be held in County Wexford this Summer in memory of the hunger strikers. Further events will be held across the county. The next vigil will take place in Ferns on the 13th to commemorate Martin Hurson.
Cllr Johnny Mythen called for a minute of silence to reflect on the bravery and determination of Joe McDonnell and the other nine hunger strikers who died in 1981 in an attempt to win political status for republican prisoners.
This event marked the fifth vigil to be held in County Wexford this Summer in memory of the hunger strikers. Further events will be held across the county. The next vigil will take place in Ferns on the 13th to commemorate Martin Hurson.
Wexford Sinn Féin to launch campaign against water charges
Wexford Sinn Féin are launching their campaign against the proposed implementation of water charges with a public meeting in the FAB Community Centre in Wexford town next Monday (The 11th July). Cllr Anthony Kelly has said that public meetings will be held across the county in the coming weeks to educate and organise public opposition to the introduction of any tax on water. The Wexford Borough Councillor also said that water charges amount to another unfair tax on the working poor and cannot be justified by any argument.
“The proposed water charge is another attack on the low paid, unemployed and sick people of Ireland who are the ones taking the full brunt of the governments inequitable spread of austerity measures,” Cllr Kelly said. “Quite simply it’s a family stealth tax. This is not about stopping the waste of water. Water is being wasted because we have an antiquated water supply system that successive governments have done nothing to rectify. The largest amount of water lost in our system is lost between the reservoir and the main domestic pipe line. Water charges won’t change this. This is about pacifying our friends in the IMF, who are demanding the implementation of these charges, not about water conservation.”
“The government plans to spend €500 million or more on installing meters. That money could be better spent on improving water distribution and cutting down the amount of water, over 40% of which is lost through leaking pipes. Next Monday, Deputy Aengus O’ Snodaigh will be joining Cllr Johnny Mythen and myself in launching Wexford SF’s campaign against water charges. This will be the first in a series of public meetings across the county aimed at educating and organising resistance to any water charge. I hope the people of Wexford come out to support this.”
“The proposed water charge is another attack on the low paid, unemployed and sick people of Ireland who are the ones taking the full brunt of the governments inequitable spread of austerity measures,” Cllr Kelly said. “Quite simply it’s a family stealth tax. This is not about stopping the waste of water. Water is being wasted because we have an antiquated water supply system that successive governments have done nothing to rectify. The largest amount of water lost in our system is lost between the reservoir and the main domestic pipe line. Water charges won’t change this. This is about pacifying our friends in the IMF, who are demanding the implementation of these charges, not about water conservation.”
“The government plans to spend €500 million or more on installing meters. That money could be better spent on improving water distribution and cutting down the amount of water, over 40% of which is lost through leaking pipes. Next Monday, Deputy Aengus O’ Snodaigh will be joining Cllr Johnny Mythen and myself in launching Wexford SF’s campaign against water charges. This will be the first in a series of public meetings across the county aimed at educating and organising resistance to any water charge. I hope the people of Wexford come out to support this.”
Monday, July 4, 2011
Wexford Sinn Féin protest against the sabotage of the MV Saoirse
Wexford Sinn Féin have condemned the sabotage of the Irish ship to Gaza, the MV Saoirse. Ger Barron from New Ross was among those passengers on board the humanitarian mission to Gaza. Mr Barron is a former Sinn Féin election candidate and current member of the Executive body of Wexford SF.
Last Friday (1st July) Wexford SF held a white line picket on Wexford Bridge to protest against the sabotage of the MV Saoirse and her mission to break the illegal Israeli siege of Gaza. Ger arrived back just in time to take part in the protest.
Sinn Féin members from across the county joined other political groups and the IPSC in an ISTG protest in New Ross this evening (July 4rd). Once again Ger flew the Palestinian flag with pride and promised that this would not be the last attempt to break the blockade of Gaza.
“We’ll keep sending ships until they end their blockade,” he promised.
Last Friday (1st July) Wexford SF held a white line picket on Wexford Bridge to protest against the sabotage of the MV Saoirse and her mission to break the illegal Israeli siege of Gaza. Ger arrived back just in time to take part in the protest.
Sinn Féin members from across the county joined other political groups and the IPSC in an ISTG protest in New Ross this evening (July 4rd). Once again Ger flew the Palestinian flag with pride and promised that this would not be the last attempt to break the blockade of Gaza.
“We’ll keep sending ships until they end their blockade,” he promised.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
New Ross man on Freedom Flotilla to Gaza
A New Ross man is among the passengers of MV Saoirse, the Irish ship in the Freedom Flotilla which is en route to Gaza in a bid to smash the Israeli blockade. Mr Barron, a lifelong human rights campaigner, anti racism advocate and Sinn Féin member, will be part of the first international attempt to breech the choking blockade of Palestine since last year’s Freedom Flotilla was attacked by Israeli defence forces.
Speaking on behalf of Mr Barron, Seamie Davitt, a long time friend and colleague, said that Ger was never afraid to stand up for what is right and that once he had earned a place on the MV Saoirse, nothing could prevent him from going.
“Ger joined the flotilla because he knows what is going on in Palestine is wrong,” Mr Davitt said. “Israel’s inhuman blockade of Gaza has now entered its fifth year. Over one and half million Palestinians have been illegally ‘locked in’ by the Israeli siege which prevents basic commodities like medicine and food as well as raw materials necessary for civilian industry and manufacturing entering the strip. Last year a peaceful unarmed flotilla of international vessels attempted to break the blockade and bring vital provisions to the people of Gaza. It was attacked by Israeli Commandos who killed nine passengers and injured many more. Despite being condemned by people around the world, nothing has changed. The Israeli blockade remains in place and the people of Gaza remain prisoners in their desolate homeland. Ger and his colleague aim to end that.”
“Eighty percent of the people of Gaza rely on international aid to survive. This is because they are denied the raw materials necessary to build their economy. The UN, who have condemned the blockade, said last week that conditions are worst now than at any time during the five years. The International Committee of the Red Cross says that the Israeli blockade constitutes collective punishment of a minority. It’s time for people to stand up like Ger and support an end to the Siege of Gaza.”
Speaking on behalf of Mr Barron, Seamie Davitt, a long time friend and colleague, said that Ger was never afraid to stand up for what is right and that once he had earned a place on the MV Saoirse, nothing could prevent him from going.
“Ger joined the flotilla because he knows what is going on in Palestine is wrong,” Mr Davitt said. “Israel’s inhuman blockade of Gaza has now entered its fifth year. Over one and half million Palestinians have been illegally ‘locked in’ by the Israeli siege which prevents basic commodities like medicine and food as well as raw materials necessary for civilian industry and manufacturing entering the strip. Last year a peaceful unarmed flotilla of international vessels attempted to break the blockade and bring vital provisions to the people of Gaza. It was attacked by Israeli Commandos who killed nine passengers and injured many more. Despite being condemned by people around the world, nothing has changed. The Israeli blockade remains in place and the people of Gaza remain prisoners in their desolate homeland. Ger and his colleague aim to end that.”
“Eighty percent of the people of Gaza rely on international aid to survive. This is because they are denied the raw materials necessary to build their economy. The UN, who have condemned the blockade, said last week that conditions are worst now than at any time during the five years. The International Committee of the Red Cross says that the Israeli blockade constitutes collective punishment of a minority. It’s time for people to stand up like Ger and support an end to the Siege of Gaza.”
Houses, houses everywhere, but none to live in
Cllr Anthony Kelly has said he has serious concerns over new housing regulations introduced by Willie Penrose. The Wexford town Sinn Féin councillor said that he had received many phone calls from constituents who are worried about the future of the RAS scheme and the seemingly anti family nature of the new regulations.
“Issues regarding changes to the social housing criteria are the most common grievances coming into my office at the moment,” Cllr Kelly said. “People are frightened by the perceived anti family nature of the new regulations. Often you could find three generations of the same family living in a local authority house. Under the new guidelines the new generation might not be entitled to live there. Also there are serious concerns over the curtailing of the RAS scheme. Many families on the waiting list for social housing avail of this scheme. If they are removed from the scheme, where will they go? What we are talking about here is the possibility of government actions making families homeless.”
“The terrible irony of this is that there are three times as many houses as needed to house every family on the social housing waiting list lying idle around the nation. NAMA, which is funded by the Irish taxpayer, has seized houses around the country from indebted property developers. Rather than doing what was morally right and redistributing these properties as social housing, NAMA has instead began selling these properties to other developers who will in turn rent them to Irish citizens. It’s incredible. Irish people paid to set up NAMA, and are now paying again to rent state owned property from them. There are currently one hundred and thirty thousand families on the social housing waiting list. That means that up to three hundred thousand people are being faced with these concerns. We need a renewed focus on the public provision of social housing which has never been more cost effective and is sorely needed.”
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