The summer months have been huge months for the develop-ment of Sinn Féin across Ireland.

A ‘watershed’ result across Ireland was followed up by unprecedented appointments to local Government positions, north and south. In the exist-

ing and new Councils, Sinn Féin took significant numbers of Committee Chairs, as well as Council Mayors and Dept Mayors; many of which for the first time, having been deliber-ately excluded for decades.

These monumental changes were no more prevalent than in Craigavon Borough Council,

Banbridge District Council and in the new ABC (Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council).

The recently elected ABC Council (name to be official-ly confirmed) elected a DUP Council Chair and Sinn Féin Dept Chair, with the D’Hondt system guaranteeing that SF will

be elected as Chair of the new Council within the next number of years.

Also over the last month, and in the final year of Banbridge and Craigavon Councils, Cllr Pól Ó Gribín and Cllr Catherine Seeley have been elected as Vice-Chair and Dept Mayor respectively.

Sinn Féin take top posts as old Councils endHistory Makers

An Fómhar 2014Sinn FéinBulletin

Upper Bann Sinn FéinSinn Féin Uachtar na Banna www.upperbannsf.com

ONWARDS AND UPWARDS -MARTINA ANDERSON MEP TOPS EURO POLL P6/7

MINISTER JOHN O’DOWD MLA - PULLING EDUCATION FORWARD P10

SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OF GAZA -SAOIRSE DON PHALAISTÍN P12

Turascáil

1ST EVER SF DEPUTY MAYORS

Continued on P4

PIC: Cllr Catherine Seeley, Deputy Mayor Craigavon, Cllr Pól Ó Gribín, Vice-Chairman Banbridge, Cllr Darren McNally, Vice-Chair of the new Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council

Sinn Féin Thanks to Voters2 An Fómhar 2014

There is no doubt that Sinn Féin have made another huge step for-ward in terms of national support following the recent local govern-ment and European elections

Thanks to your support and vote, Sinn Féin now have representa-tives in every county in Ireland; 4 MEPs representing every constit-uency in Ireland; 259 Councillors along with 29 MLAs and 14 TDs.

The Sinn Féin organisation and leadership would like to thank you for taking the time to go out and vote, and for making this possible.

We also pay tribute to those elected representatives who have worked hard for Sinn Féin and the people of this constituency for a long period of time but are not continuing on to the new Ar-

magh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council. All their efforts have contributed to the advancement of equality and the progression of change in this area. Go raibh céad maith agaibh.

Tá Sinn Féin an-bhuíoch as bhur gcuid tacaíochta agus as bhur vótaí ar ár son. Níl amhras ar bith ach go bhfuil athrú i ndiaidh teacht ar chúrsaí polaitíochta in Éirinn mar gheall ar thoradh na dtoghchán áitiúil agus Eorpach, ó thuaidh agus ó dheas.

Cuidígí linn an fhorbairt seo den pholaitíocht a chothú is a chosaint agus muna bhfuil sibh cláraithe go fóill, cláraigí bhur vóta anois.

Without your support the change we want to deliver for the ben-efit of people’s lives is not pos-sible, but we are not about win-

ning seats for the sake of winning seats. We are about winning seats to maximise change and to build towards our objective of achiev-ing and winning a ‘Yes’ vote at a Border Poll.

Over the next number of years Sinn Féin plans to develop fur-ther, north and south. Your sup-port and vote is crucial to this de-velopment. Help us make change, register to vote now and ensure that the strongest possible voice is always returned to represent you.

Clár Ábhair/Contents

Upperbannsinnfein @upperbannsfUpperbannsf

www.upperbannsf.com

P3 - Ireland’s Largest Party

P4 - SF Meet Health Trust Management

P5 - New Youtube Channel Launched

P6 - SF in Europe - Anderson Euro Poll Topper

P7 - SF Meets Portug-ese Consul

P8 - Ag téamh Theach an Fhuachta

P9 - Stop Tory CUTS

P10 - Education

P11 - News in Brief

P12 - Free Palestine

Sinn Féin Cllr Tommy O’Connor has paid tribute to all those active in the recent Pales-tinian solidarity campaign.

Activists and members of the communtiy have organised a number of events in recent times to highlight events in Gaza.

Cllr O’Connor said, “Great credit and respect must be paid to the organisers and to those

who have supported these events highlighting the plight of Pales-tine.”

“They have successfully raised the profile of these issues in the area, especially the need for an effective Boycott of Israeli prod-ucts.”

Cllr O’Connor continued, “I encourage everyone - Stand With Gaza.”

O’Connor Praises Palestine Activists

More on P12

PIC

LARGEST PARTY IN IRELAND

When the dust settled on the recent Council and European Elections, few in the establish-ment parties north or south would have enjoyed the reading.

Sinn Féin emerged from the 22/23 May polling days electing 4 MEPs (European Parliament) and 259 Councillors; adding to the strong national team of 29 MLAs in the Assembly and 14 TDs already in the Dáil.

Many, including joint First Minister SF’s Martin McGuiness, have called the election result a ‘watershed election’ with Sinn Féin returning their strongest number of 1st Preference votes since the 1918 General Election and the establishment of the 1st Dáil.

Returning elected represen-tatives for every province and county in Ireland, Sinn Féin are now the largest party on the is-land, as well as the only party to organise and fight elections on a

national basis.Speaking in the aftermath of

the election success Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD thanked all those who voted for Sinn Féin and pledged to use the electoral mandate wisely,

“I want to thank all those who voted for the party and all those

who stood for Sinn Fein through-out the island, North and South and all our party workers. I also want to thank the families of all our candidates.”

“Sinn Fein’s newly elected MEPs will stand up for Ireland. Our councillors will fight for genuine community interests which put the needs of citizens first. Sinn Féin will use the man-date that people have given to us wisely. “We will keep the com-mitments we made to the elec-

torate.”He continued, “Sinn Féin is in-

volved in an historically unprec-edented effort to build genuine republican politics in both states on this island. Building capacity and resources and membership, is a big task for us and we will continue to grow.

“The island-wide election result is also an endorsement of Sinn Fein’s message of the need to reinvigorate the Peace Process and for an agreed, united Ire-land.”

Referring particularly to the swell of support for the party in the 26 Counties Mr Adams said,

“The huge vote for Sinn Fein marks a profound change in the political landscape of this state. It

is clear that increasing numbers of citizens are seeking a new kind of politics.

“Some combination of Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil has been in government since the foundation of the southern state. The old way of doing politics, as practiced by these parties has failed. People want change.

“The Government dismisses this as a protest vote or, as the Taoiseach claims, a sign of frus-tration by the electorate. This is wrong.

“The Government has been sent a very clear message. They do not have public support for the damaging policies they are implementing.”

PIC: SF Party President Gerry Adams TD

An Fómhar 2014 www.upperbannsf.com 3

“The huge vote for Sinn Féin marks a profound change in the Political Land-scape” - Gerry Adams

Best Election result for SF since 1918 General Election

Sinn Féin Councillor Mark O Dowd has welcomed the announcement of a public consultation into the use of zero hour con-tracts. His comments come after Employ-ment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry made the announcement to the Assembly.

Cllr O’Dowd said,

“The use of Zero Hour Contracts needs to be governed and regulated in a way that sup-ports the rights of working people. The pres-ent use of Zero Hour Contracts has a nega-tive impact not only on the workers involved, but also on the wider economy. Thousands of

workers covered by zero hour contracts are trapped in low paid jobs with poor working conditions and this must be addressed.”

He continued,

“All employees should be guaranteed a mini-mum number of hours or else paid an on-call retainer and not prohibited from taking up employment opportunities elsewhere as is often the case at present.”

Cllr O’Dowd concluded,

“As part of the consultation Minister Farry will contact 500 local employers so that we get a picture of the situation across the North. Sinn Féin will be making a detailed submis-

sion to this consultation and we would en-courage other interested individuals and groups to do likewise.”

News in BriefWelcome for Consultation

on Zero Hour Contracts

1st Ever Sinn Féin Vice-Chair of Banbridge Council4 An Fómhar2014

Speaking of Pól Ó Gribín’s election as the first ever SF Dept Chair of Banbridge Coun-cil, party colleague Cllr Brendan Curran said, “Councillor Pól Ó Gribín has created history (tonight) by being elected to serve as Vice-Chair in the final year of the old Banbridge Council.”

“Pól who represents the Leitrim ward will no doubt represent all the people of the Council area in a fair and equal manner.”

He added, “Banbridge Council was a tra-ditionally Unionist controlled Council so it is good to see attitudes changing and senior roles within Council being distributed on a fairer manner.”

Mr Curran also called for “Craigavon Council to adopt a similar position and dis-

tribute positions across all parties so that as we move into the new super council every-one can feel an equal part of it,” a call that was fulfilled just a week later when Cllr Catherine Seeley was elected as the first ever republican Dept Mayor in Craigavon.

Sinn Féin Council Group Leader in Craigavon Gemma McKenna congratulated her colleague and pointed to how power-sharing can work for all in local Government, “I congratulate Catherine Seeley on her ap-pointment as Deputy Mayor of Craigavon Council as this is the first time a member of Sinn Féin has held one of the two top posi-tions.”

“She is an excellent choice who will repre-sent the entire Council area during her ten-ure as Deputy Mayor.”

She said, “I welcome the fact that we are now beginning to see a more mature politic beginning to emerge in Craigavon Council, but there is still more work to be done before we have proper power sharing. in local gov-ernment.”

“With Cllr Darren McNally (from Keady) now the new Vice-Chair of the new ABC

Council and with SF being guaranteed a full Chairship in the next few years, it is time for everyone to embrace a new era of equality for local government.”

www.upperbannsf.com

Continued from P1

PIC: Cllr Pól Ó Gribín, Vice-Chair of Banbridge Council

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd along with party colleagues Cllr Catherine Seeley (Deputy May-or) and Cllr Tommy O’Connor met with senior officials in the Southern Health & Social Care Trust this morning. The meet-ing discussed a number of issues including Out of Hours GP ser-vices, as well as Paediatric Car-diology. Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd said,

“I welcome the opportunity to meet with the Health Trust and Chief Executive. We had a very

informative meeting in relation to a number of issues including Paediatric Cardiology and Out of Hours GP services.

“As a party we have grow-ing concerns about the number of complaints we are receiving about the amount of time people have to wait on a GP appoint-ment. Reports suggest patients can wait between 1 week and 3 weeks for an appointment.

“Added to that the recent leaked critical report into out of hours GP services we felt it was

time to meet with trust manage-ment and discuss our concerns and that of our constituents. While recognising the Trust does not commission GP in Hours services we wanted to establish what action was being taken in regards Out of Hours services.

“It is clearly a complex picture with no quick fix solution how-ever we impressed the need for both short term and long term measures to be taken to ease the pressure on primary care and therefore acute care.

Mr O’ Dowd added, “We in-tend to meet with the Senior Management at the highest lev-els of the Health Service in the North to discuss our constituents concerns about waiting times for GP services across Upper Bann.”

Cllr O’Connor used the op-portunity to obtain an update on Domiciliary care services. Cllr O’ Connor said, “I have previ-ously met the Trust along with party colleagues to express our concern about the privatisation

of domiciliary care services. I advised the Trust that elderly constituents were telling me they preferred Trust staff as there was regular carer and that some dis-liked the idea of a new person calling as was the case sometimes with the private sector.

Cllr Seeley concluded by say-ing, “While not directly the re-sponsibility of the Southern Trust we also took the opportu-nity to seek an update on Paedi-atric Cardiac Services currently based in Belfast.

“A number of our constituents have been lobbying for retention of the service and the Trust com-mitted to provide us with an up-date on the work of the Review team brought in by the Health Minister.

“We appreciate the work of all Health and Social Services staff in this area; who do a tireless and dedicated job despite often diffi-cult and stretching circumstanc-es. We look forward to meeting with the Trust again.”

SF Delegation Meet Health Service Management

PIC: SF Delegation meets Southern Health Trust

“Cllr Curran also called for Craigavon Council to adopt a similar approach - a called that was fulfilled just 1 week later”

An Fómhar2014 www.upperbannsf.com 5

Upper Bann SF have re-cently launched a new Youtube Channel to be found atYoutube.com/uppper-bannsf.

The new channel has already gathered its first 2, 000 + views and plans are already in place to feature interest pieces and in-terviews with prominent

local and national politi-cians.

SF Republican Youth activist Cormac O’Hagan who has contributed to the launch of the new

channel said,“Social media is now

a vital part of our media world. So much informa-tion is now being circu-lated and consumed on-

line, and we hope that building on the success of our Twitter and Face-book accounts, and those of our activists and elected reps, we can now add to the Video world of social media.”

He continued,“We hope to pro-vide an insight in to some of

the work and issues that people like John O’Dowd MLA or Martina Ander-son MEP are engaged in, using the visual media as our tool. We hope the public participate, share and enjoy the material as we continue to build our media output.”

The Upperbannsf Chan-nel can be found by searching Youtube.com or by following our Face-book and Twitter ac-counts.

UpperBannSF Youtube Channel Launch

Sinn Féin Councillor ,Mairead O’ Dowd commenting on the proposal by the Financial Con-duct Authority (FCA) that Pay-day loan rates should be capped at 0.8% a day of the amount bor-rowed, said that although over-due it is a welcome development.

Cllr O’ Dowd said: said, “The proposal that combined interest rates and other charges should not exceed the total amount bor-rowed and that rates should be capped a 0.8% a day will be wel-come news for those unfortunate

enough to have no other source of lending.

“There will also be a cap on default charges, which is likely to be set at £15.

“For the increasing numbers of people feeling that they have no other resource and struggle to repay these loans, this will pro-vide some degree of protection.

“These lenders are literally cashing in on the dire econom-ic straits that many people find themselves in, in the present eco-nomic climate.

“When these companies ad-vertise loans to make ends meet until the next pay day most of-ten they are targeting people on benefits who are not fortunate enough to have a next ‘Pay Day’. Most of them are waiting on their next benefit cheque.

“This is a form of exploitation of some of the most vulnerable in our society. At interest rates at times over 200% it is nothing short of loan sharking.”

Pay-Day Loans should be Capped

The rules for the next round of European funding for the north and the border region must make it accessible to the most margin-alised sections in society, said Sinn Féin Cllr Paul Duffy.

Cllr Duffy’s comments come following Sinn Féin’s submis-sion to a consultation on the new Peace IV and Interreg V, Europe-an Funding programmes. The re-port said that the party welcomed proposals to simplify and speed up the processes of application, and funding. However some se-rious concerns awere also raised.

Cllr Duffy said, “We are con-cerned that in the case of former political prisoners’ groups, for example, who have carried out sterling work funded by these programmes in the past, that - unlike in Peace III they are not named as a target group this time around. The important work of these groups must continue to be

supported and funded” “Similarly, there is no refer-

ence to An Ghaeilge at all in this latest draft. Irish is an impor-tant cultural symbol of identity to many here, but in addition, work ongoing in places like East Belfast show that it can be a pow-erful tool for cross community sharing and building mutual un-derstanding - the exact values these EU funding programmes are about”.

Cllr Duffy concluded, “We will continue to raise these issues, and we look forward to working with local groups in applying for, and hopefully accessing, much needed funds.”

EU Funding -Must be Accesible

6 An Fómhar 2014

PIC: Euro Election Poll Topper Martina Anderson MEP

SF’s Anderson Tops Euro Poll -Now Takes Central Euro Role on GazaPoll Topper - Martina Anderson MEP to be appointed as Chair of European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Palestinian Legislative Authority

Sinn Féin Cllr Gemma Mc Kenna has welcomed the commencement and ongo-ing redevelopment work at the People’s Park in Portadown.

Cllr Mc Kenna commented,

“SF have lobbied along with resi-dents, statutory agencies and the council for the redevelopment of the Park for many years. The investment of £5.4 million from SEUPB (European funding) for the SPACE project will have both social and economic benefits.”

Ms Mc Kenna continued,

“It has been a long journey get-ting the project to this point. This investment is needed and is an opportunity for us all to create a shared space that everyone in Portadown and indeed within the new coun-cil area of ABC can enjoy.”

She concluded,

“Praise must be given to all those councillors, officers and the com-munity at large who have sup-ported the project from its incep-tion and have worked tirelessly to ensure it would be delivered.”

“The newly redeveloped Park will include a range of facilities, a new play area, outdoor gym, a MUGA and 3G pitch. It will also have an amphitheatre and nature trails ensuring the young, the sporty, senior citizens and families can all enjoy the People’s Park.”

Sinn Féin is now in the joint-largest Irish parliamentary group in the European Parliament.

Its emergence as the larg-est party of the Left in Ireland is seen as highly significant within the EU’s institutions. Other anti-austerity parties (particularly in Greece, Spain and Portugal) have also made electoral advances.

Alongside Sinn Féin, these parties have swelled the GUE/NGL (European United Left - Nordic Green Left) group in the European Parliament.

Next month, GUE/NGL will send a delegation to visit Pales-tine. Martina Anderson will rep-resent Sinn Féin.

It has been politically agreed that Martina will be appointed as Chair of the European Parlia-ment’s Delegation for relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council.

This hugely significant ap-pointment will be a major dip-lomatic opportunity to build on Irish solidarity with the victims of Israel’s siege against Gaza and to support implementation of the

two-state solution.Mrs Anderson has also re-

cently written to the heads of the European institutions calling on them to urge Israel to end its of-fensive in Gaza.

A letter sent to the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, and the High Rep-resentative of the Commission’s Union for Foreign Affairs, Cath-erine Ashton, called for an end to offensive action and for a halt to the expansion of illegal setlle-ments.

MEP Anderson said, “A hu-manitarian disaster in Gaza has been unfurling before the eyes of the world. The EU cannot remain inactive.”

“I and a group of MEPs from across Europe have written the heads of the European institu-tions calling on them to do ev-erything they can to secure an immediate end to the violence in Gaza.”

She continued, ““We are call-ing on the heads of these institu-tions to take action to demand that Israel ends all actions which threaten a two-state solution.”

www.upperbannsf.com

News in Brief£5.4m Portadown Park Development Begins

Continued on P7

A humanitarian disaster in Gaza has been unfurl-ing before our eyes. The EU cannot remain inac-tive

A delegação do Sinn Féin irá reunir com o Cônsul-Geral de Portugal para discutir assuntos relativos à emissão de documentação da Comunidade Portuguesa local

An Fómhar 2014

Since their election, Sinn Fé-in’s MEPs have been guided by a political strategy aimed at maxi-mising support for the Peace Process and Irish unity; accruing maximum benefit from the EU institutions for all Irish citizens; opposing austerity; supporting equality; and promoting demo-cratic reform, accountability and transparency.

They have secured positions on all ten committees prioritised by Sinn Féin, including Civil Liberties; Agriculture & Rural Development; Fisheries; Em-ployment & Social Affairs; and Regional Development.

Martina Anderson will be overall rapporteur on Civil Lib-erties for a series of future reports on ‘Legal Highs’. Matt Carthy will sit on both the Agriculture & Rural Affairs and Economic & Monetary Affairs Committees.

Lynn Boylan will sit on the Parliament’s working group on

the European Globalisation Ad-justment Fund, while Liadh Ní Riadh will be the Budget Com-mittee’s rapporteur on that fund. The British Government doesn’t apply for these funds and has made it impossible for the North-ern Executive to do so, whilst the Irish Government has been in-competent in its approach.

Already the MEPs have pro-vided extensive briefings within

the institutions on the Northern political process. Martin Mc-Guinness will consolidate that in October when he visits the Par-liament to brief key officials and MEPs. Last year, a collusion cam-paign delegation visited Brussels. The Sinn Féin team will bring a renewed focus to Britain’s role in collusion and state-sponsored killings in this forthcoming par-liamentary term.

The Sinn Féin team has also commenced work with other MEPs to address banking debt.

Other plans are being devel-oped to highlight the needs of Leader groups, and to seek an all-Ireland review of fishing quo-tas.

Sinn Féin MEPs have started to make an impact in the Euro-pean Parliament – there is much more to come.

PIC: IRELAND’s TEAM in Europe - Lynn Boylan MEP, Matt Carthy MEP, Martina Anderson MEP, Liadh Ní Riada MEP

Continued from P6

Os representantes eleitos do Sinn Féin, incluindo a deputada do Parlamento Europeu Martina Anderson, a deputada Mi-chelle Gildernew e a vereadora Gemma McKenna reunirão com o Dr. Carlos de Sousa Amaro, Cônsul-Geral de Portugal, em Portadown, no dia 7 de Maio de 2014 para discutir assuntos que dizem respeito aos Portugueses ali residentes. O Sr. Cônsul-Ger-al é o responsável pelo Consula-do Geral de Portugal com sede em Manchester.

A vereadora McKenna disse,

“Presentemente, os portugueses da região têm que fazer uma deslocação longa e cara até

Manchester para renovar os seus passaportes e tratar de outros documentos.

Têm também de faltar ao trabal-ho ou à escola e pagar um preço caro pelos voos, etc., quando ob-viamente, se pudessem deslocar-se à Embaixada de Portugal em Dublin isso seria mais prático e económico.

Há ainda um outro problema que se levanta quando o docu-mento está caducado, causando dificuldades em conseguir viajar para Manchester.

Embora o Cônsul Geral de Por-tugal em Manchester se deslo-que para cá uma ou duas vezes

por ano para resolver assuntos como estes dos portugueses, nem toda a gente que necessita consegue obter marcação pela grande procura que existe.

Outras embaixadas permitem que os seus cidadãos viajem até Dublin para renovar documen-tos, pelo que não há razão para que a Embaixada Portuguesa não possa fazer o mesmo. A nossa representação de alto nível pretende debater estes assun-tos com o Sr. Cônsul-Geral e, espera-se, obter uma solução que permita aos cidadãos portu-gueses manter os seus documen-tos em dia de uma forma mais conveniente e económica.”

GUE/NGL Logo

www.upperbannsf.com

PIC: Martina in EU Parliament

7Sinn Féin - In Europe

4 MEPs - Sinn Féin are the only Political Party in Ireland to have elected representation across the entire country.

4 MEPs Representing All of Ireland

8 An Fómhar 2014www.upperbannsf.com

Lucht déanta na Staire, athrú ábhalmhór, bua den scoith, for-bairt den pholaitaíocht nua, tuar dóchais….

Ní hiad seo ach cúpla frása a bhí in úsáid ar na mallaibh agus cur síos á dhéanamh ag tráchtairí polaitiúla ar cheapadh Catherine Seeley, Phóil Uí Ghríbín agus Darren McNally ina leas-Mhé-araí ar Chomhairle Chreag Ab-hann, ar Chomhairle Dhroichead na Banna agus ar an Chomhairle Nua ABC (Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon) faoi seach.

Agus tchítear dom nach béal bán, bréag ná áibhéil atá ann. Níl dabht ar bith ach go bhfuil áthrú suntasach, agus tábhachtach, i ndiaidh teacht ar chúrsaí po-laitaíochta in Uachtar na Banna. Ba taobh istigh de 6 lá a tharla an dráma mar a ceapadh an triúr ionadaithe ina bpost; postanna

nach raibh riamh ag poblachtán-aigh. Ach is é gníomh deireanach an dráma an chuid is suntasaí den scéal, dar liom.

I ndiaidh na gceapachán i gCreag Abhann agus i nDroi-chead na Banna, rinne an grúpa DUP i gCreag Abhann scéal mór d’fhealltacht an UUP agus an náire a thug a gcomhairleoirí ar an cheantar agus ar a muintir féin, de bhrí gur ceapadh Colin McCusker (UUP) ina Mhéara le tacaíocht ó Shinn Féin (mar aon le tacaíocht a thug an UUP do Catherine Seeley mar iarrthóir SF).

Cúpla lá ina dhiaidh sin rinne siad díreach an rud céanna i ndi-aidh gur ceapadh comhairleoir dá gcuid féin, Darren Causby (DUP), ina chathaoirleach agus an Chomhairleoir Darren Mc-Nally (SF) ina Leas-Chathao-irleach ar an Chomhairle Nua ABC.

Cé air a mbeadh an locht an iarraidh seo, áfach? Shílfeá go raibh dearmad déanta acu go bh-fuil Martin McGuiness agus Pe-ter Robinson ag feidhmiú le ché-ile in Oifig an Chéad Aire agus an Leas Chéad Aire.

Ní chuirfeadh an seasamh seo iontas ar go leor daoine. Is cruthúnas é den tuiscint a bhí ag an phobal náisiúnach le fada an lá ná go ndéanfadh an DUP i gCreag Abhann gach rud ab’fhéidir leo chun Sinn Féin a choinneáil amach ó na postanna is uachtaraí, fiú dá mba bhliain dheireanach na comhairle í. Ná déanaimis dearmad chomh mai-th ná go raibh an UUP páirteach sna hiarrachtaí sin thar na blian-ta. Ach i ndeireadh na dála, theip glan orthu uilig.

Tá pointe suimiúil eile ag baint leis an scéal nach bhfuil á rá os ard ag an DUP ach atá ag imirt tionchar mór orthu mar sin féin. Is é sin ná an cath le suío-chán Uachtar na Banna a bhaint i dtoghcháin Westminster ar an bhliain seo chugainn.

Is léir go bhfuil an DUP ar buile fá dtaobh de na Leas-Mhé-araí nua ach tá sé soiléir fosta goi bhfuil a gcúiseanna féin ag an UUP. Tá an chuma ar an scéal go bhfuil an UUP ar tí feachtas a sheoladh, nó b’fhéidir go bh-fuil siad i mbun feachtais cheana, chun an suíochán Wesminster a bhaint den DUP agus de David

Simpson. An bhfuil na suansiúlaithe

anois ina suí? Beidh le feiceáil ar ndóigh.

Mar gheall ar na heachtraí seo uilig, is é bun barr an scéil ná go bhfuil SF i ndiaidh píosa tábhachtach staire a dhéanamh i gComhairlí nach raibh aithean-tas cuí ar an pháirtí leis na gcian-ta. Ainneoin na n-iarrachtaí inár éadan, thiocfadh le SF táispeáint gurbh fhéidir agus gur cheart roinnt na cumhacta a chur i bh-feidhm in earnáil na gcomhairlí áitiúla.

‘Cold House for Nationalists’ a tugadh ar Chomhairle Chreag Abhann uair amháin, ach i mbli-ain dheireanach na seanchom-hairlí, tá poblachtánaigh ag té-amh Theach an Fhauchta.

Cúinne na bhfoghlaimeoirí

Ag téamh Theach an Fhuachta - 3 Leas-Mhéara SF

Cúinne na bhFoghlaimeoiríAn Páirtí Aontachtach Daonlathach - DUP (The Democratic Unionist Party)

Páirtí Aontachtach Uladh - UUP (The Ulster Unionist Party)

Ceapachán - An appointment (to job or position)

Méara - Mayor

Iar-Mhéara - Former Mayor

Leas-Mhéara - Deputy Mayor

Ard-Mhéara - Lord Mayor

leis an Fhoghlaimeoir Shíoraí

Beatha teanga i a labhairtThe life of a language is to speak it(a living language is a spoken one)

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An Fómhar 2014 www.upperbannsf.com 9

By SF Chairperson Declan Kearney

DUP Support for Welfare Cutsis anti-Welfare State

According to the right-wing narrative running alongside the economic crisis across Eu-rope, citizens and governments should accept the consequences of the crash. This is despite its cause being the multi-billion euro scams between the busi-ness and banking elites, and the failure of the European Central Bank and governments (such as the Irish Government) to in-tervene and stop what was hap-pening.

That’s why the British and Irish governments are now un-questioningly using austerity to manage budget deficits.

The welfare cuts introduced in Britain and which the Tories want to impose in the North are one result of the austerity mod-el used by both the Irish and

British coalitions.When DUP leader and First

Minister Peter Robinson spoke last week about economic re-alities, he conveniently forgot the biggest economic and so-cial reality of all – British Tory cuts are designed to destroy the

welfare state. Now the DUP has been sucked into that position.

The welfare state was first proposed by William Bev-eridge’s report in 1942. The British Labour Party then es-tablished it after World War Two. Its ethos was, and is, that when citizens fall on hard times the state should help them.

The Tory Government is

ideologically opposed to the welfare state and state support for its citizens. Welfare cuts are fundamentally about rolling back the welfare state.

Sinn Féin believes that eco-nomic growth depends upon thriving business and industry, investment, innovation and job creation. However, the econo-my must also support workers’ rights and protect the work-ing poor and jobless.Enforced austerity is not the way to re-balance damaged economies. There are alternative strategies based upon economic stimulus measures. That is why welfare cuts are exactly the opposite of what is needed here.

Welfare cuts formed no part of the northern Executive’s Pro-gramme for Government.

The DUP claims no alterna-tive exists. That is a bogus po-sition to justify their choice to embrace a Tory agenda and the ‘slash and burn’ economic poli-cies being pursued by British millionaires in the Conserva-tive Cabinet against the work-

ing poor and disadvantaged from all sections of the com-munity here.

The DUP should change its decision.

Sinn Féin chooses to stand in defence of the welfare state. The trade union movement in the North and across Ireland should now declare unanimous and unambiguous opposition to the proposed cuts.

Trade union activists should join together with other politi-cal parties and Sinn Féin to de-fend the welfare state. That is a non-sectarian and cross-com-munity agenda. It is common ground for Orange and Green, the churches, business and civic society.

The DUP Claims no alternative exists. That is a bogus position to justify their choice to embrace a Tory agenda.

PIC: Declan Kearney

Trade Union activists should join together with other Political parties and Sinn Fé-inv to defen the wel-fare state.

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Tory Cuts

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An Fómhar 2014 www.upperbannsf.com 10

Over this last number of years there has been significant invest-ment, from the Department of Education, in the Upper Bann constituency. Investment that will change for the better both the education estate and educa-tional outcomes for many gen-erations to come.

On Thursday, 19 June 2014 Education Minister, John O’Dowd, cut the first sod on the site of the new St Teresa’s Prima-ry School, Lurgan.

The school, which was built in the 1960s, was identified as a pri-ority for a new build by Minister O’ Dowd in June 2012. The new seven-class school will be built on the existing site and will pro-vide much needed and improved accommodation for the children of the area.

The £3.9million investment will positively impact on both staff and pupils, in addition to providing a much needed boost to the construction industry.

The June 2012 announcement by the Sinn Fein Education Min-ister in the Assembly delivered more good news for the Upper Bann Constituency with an an-nouncement of a new school for St Mary’s Primary School, Ban-bridge at a value of £5.1m.

This project is at an advanced stage and will hopefully be on site by the autumn of 2014. The third new school announced for the area on that day was Tan-naghmore Primary School in Lurgan and in June 2014 work commenced on the new £6.1m 21 classroom school which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for pupils and staff as well as giv-ing a boost to the local construc-tion industry. The new facilities will deliver a modern, progres-sive learning environment for the school’s 600-plus children.

In January 2013 the delivery for local schools began when the Minister announced another round of new school builds on this occasion the amalgamation of St Pauls, St Mary’s and St Mi-chael’s was given the nod and a new build which will be one of the biggest new school projects undertaken with an estimated £30m new post primary school for Lurgan.

Revealing details of the new builds to the Assembly, the Min-ister also announced that a School Enhancement Programme, aimed at refurbishing or extend-ing existing schools over the next two years and worth up to £4 million per school, was being opened. In October of the same year the Minster announced the schools which were successful in the application also included schools from Upper Bann; New-Bridge Integrated College, Ban-bridge and two Special needs schools, Ceara School, Lurgan and Donard Special School, Ban-bridge.

In June 2014 despite facing difficult economic conditions the Sinn Féin Minister pushed ahead with more investment for new schools, stating “that while we live in difficult times we do not live in impossible times. I remain resolute in ensuring that my in-vestment plans will focus on providing a first class education

experience.” Once again schools in Upper Bann benefited from the announcement with a £25m investment for a new school at Lismore Comprehensive School, in Brownlow, Craigavon.

The Voluntary Youth Sector have also benefited from invest-ment announced by the Edu-cation Minster. In November a number of local youth providers received welcome news of sig-nificant funding. The announce-

ment of funding which will help secure a new building for young people at Clann Éireann Youth Club couldn’t have come at a bet-ter time for the North Lurgan club.

The Department of Educa-tion have pledged to part fund the building of a new fit for pur-pose youth club to the tune of £850,000. It comes as the club are celebrating the 60th anniversary of its youth club.

Portadown YMCA were said to be both surprised and de-

lighted when they learnt of a £1.2 million windfall to rebuild their Jervis Street home. The club had submitted a range of applications to the Department of Education, with the demolition and rebuild top of their wish list. The other Youth providers to benefit were the 4th Portadown (St Mark’s) Scout Group and Goal Line Youth Trust, Portadown.

This further Youth invest-ment comes on the back of Mr O’ Dowd officially opening St Mary’s Youth Club in Obin St, Portadown which benefited from a £880,000 refurbishment project co-funded with DSD. St John’s Scouts Group Portadown has also benefited from the Depart-ment of Education providing funding of £88,000 towards the new building.

The tens of Millions of pounds of Investment have been deliv-ered in Upper Bann by the Sinn Féin Education Minister and it is not only a boost to those schools and Youth providers who have benefited but it is also a huge investment in the construction industry with hundreds of new jobs being created and secured. Delivery in Education, both in the classroom and in the estate; that’s the future of Education here.

Pulling Education Forward -By Cllr Máire Cairns

Investment in Schools across Upper Bann

PIC: Education Minister John O’Dowd cuts 1st sod at Tannaghmore PS, Lurgan

Delivery in Education, both in the classroom and in the estate, that’s the future of Education here.

Tens of £Millions of Investment.Delivery onsite and in the Classroom.

New Armagh Banbridge Craigavon Sinn Féin Councillor, Fergal Lennon has responded to an Assembly working group report on the possible return of Lough Neagh into public owner-ship.

Cllr Lennon said, “It makes sense that an important natural resource such as Lough Neagh should be in public ownership. Loughs and Waterways provide massive economic and tourism opportunities, but private owner-ship and control of Lough Neagh acts as a barrier to this potential. A potential which can benefit ev-eryone.”

Responding to the report Mr Lennon said, “While the report found that ‘it had been unable to identify any tangible benefits to the effective management of the lough should it be brought into public ownership’, it did go on to call ‘for a more inclusive public management structure’ .”

He went on to explain some of the current and potential dangers and challenges connected with private ownership of the Lough,

“Sinn Féin fail to see how, while remaining in private ownership you can have a ‘pub-

lic management structure’ that would secure the public interest in the potential of the Lough. For example, when departments are asked to dredge the lough or open mouths of rivers they say they can’t do so because they don’t own the bed of the lough.

“What is to prevent the owner from selling it to a private com-pany that would exploit it for purely profitable purposes. Or even worse, considering that the Lough provides over 40% of drinking water in the North, sell-ing it to a water company from Britain or abroad, who would then charge the Executive for water.”

Cllr Lennon concluded,“Lough Neagh is of such eco-

nomic and environmental im-portance to our society it should not be left the economic interests of any single person or corpora-tion to decide on its future!”

www.upperbannsf.com

Sinn Féin Councillors Noel McGeown and Keith Haugh-ian have congratulated St Peters’ GAA Club in North Lurgan on opening of a new All Weather Sports pitch which will be open

to the local community for us-age.

Mr McGeown said, “St Peters’ are to be congratulated on pro-viding yet more community fa-cilities, the club has been to the fore in promoting not only Gael-ic games as a community activity but also in youth and commu-nity provision.”

Cllr Keith Haughian added, “The opening of the new Gen-eration pitch adds to the impres-sive array of facilities at the club which are a credit to the commit-tee and the club members”.

He said. “St Peter’s have been dynamic in their persuit, and provision of facilities and should be praised highly for their work.”

News in BriefLough Neagh should be Publically Owned

Sinn Féin Leader on the new Armagh Banbridge Craigavon Council, Cllr Brendan Curran, has called on local authorities to keep people informed of the changes to local government as part of the Review of Public Ad-ministration.

Speaking after the initial meet-ings of the new ‘Super-council’ Cllr Curran said,

“This is the biggest shake up of local government for 40 years. While the new councils do not

come into being formally until next April, newly elected council-lors are meeting to set up shadow structures in preparation for the changeover.”

He continued,

“There is a degree of uncer-tainty among the public out there about what this will mean and what powers and responsibilities the new Council will have. The new local authorities have a duty to explain the changes to local ratepayers. The new ABC council covers a significant geographical area both urban and rural. While the new Councillors have to get know each other we have to en-sure the public are kept up to date on our progress, online, through the media and social media, as well as through engagement.”

Information is also available on the Review of Public Admin-istration website at: www.rpani.gov.uk

Congratulations to St Peter’s GAC

PIC: Cllr Keith Haughiam and Cllr Noel McGeown

Sinn Féin’s Cllr Liam Mackle has said he is ‘delighted’ to have been elected as the Chair of Craigvaon Council’s Audit Committee. Mackle has been a member of the committee since 2011, and has said he is committed to working with all the parties and council staff to ensure the final year of Craigavon Council is ‘soundly scrutinised’.“I am very pleased to have been elected as chair of the Audit Committee. This is another first for SF having been excluded from the position in the past, despite being the primary advocate for the committee before its estab-

lishment.”“There is a lot of hard work to be done as we prepare for the end of the council and the transfer of powers to the new ABC Coun-cil. The Audit team at the council are a very professional team and I look forward to working with them, and all parties, through the last year of Craigavon Council.”

Liam Mackle named Craigavon Audit Chair

Public Must be Kept up to speed on Council Changes - Cllr Brendan Curran

An Fómhar 2014 11

12 An Fómhar 2014www.upperbannsf.com

Dlúthpháirtíocht - Solidarity

Support the People of Palestine

PICS: People in Levin Rd, Lurgan and on Garvaghy Road Portadown Support the People of Palestine at recent White Line Pickets

PICS: Craigavon Dept Mayor Seeley speaks at Free Palestine Rally in Lurgan