West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

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28 November, 2008

Sinn Féin welcome Irish Government commitment on northern passport office

Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff has welcomed comments from Irish Government Minister, Micheál Martin TD, that the provision of a regional passport office in the North is "under ongoing and active review". The opening of such an office would deliver numerous benefits to those living in northern counties who are seeking an Irish passport. Read full article


27 November, 2008

Hope that buyer for Woolworths can be found-Sinn Fein

The Sinn Féin Chairperson of Strabane District Council Cllr Jarlath Mc Nulty says that he hopes, even at this late stage, that a buyer can be found for Woolworths so as to safeguard 30 jobs in the border town. Read full article


25 November, 2008

Government must focus on renewable energy - Donnelly

Sinn Féin councillor Frankie Donnelly has said the recent hikes in energy prices should act to make the government have a re-think on renewable energy. Read full article


25 November, 2008

Welcome for Bradley Way Bus Depot provision REVIEW

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Michaela Boyle says that Translink has committed to review current provision at its Bradley Way Bus Depot facility following a meeting held between company officials and local councillors in the town this morning. Read full article


25 November, 2008

Sinn Fein press Tourist Board over lack of focus on Sperrins region

Sinn Fein West Tyrone representatives Pat Doherty MP MLA and Claire Mc Gill MLA have met with senior NI Tourist Board officials as part of an ongoing lobby to get the body to increase its focus on promoting tourism in the Sperrins region. Read full article


25 November, 2008

Drinking Den and Anti-Community activity in Ballycolman must end-Sinn Fein

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon has called upon the group of individuals who have been using a garden shed as a drinking den in the Ballycolman Estate to move out and leave local residents in peace. He has called on the local community to take a united stand against a wider problem of anti-community activity in the area which he says has got worse in recent months. Read full article


24 November, 2008

Roads Service to undertake survey of Loughmacrory and Mountfield.

Sinn Féin councillor for Loughmacrory and Mountfield Sharon O'Brien has welcomed a commitment from DRD Roads Service to undertake a survey of both villages which will look at the need for traffic calming measure in the areas. Read full article


21 November, 2008

Environment Minster agrees to social means testing under PPS21 Proposals

Sinn Fein's Sean Begley has welcomed the proposed introduction of PPS21 as a replacement to the disputed planning policy known as PPS14. Read full article


21 November, 2008

Rural planning progress, but more needed-Mc Elduff

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Barry Mc Elduff has welcomed proposals to replace PPS 14 and its 'presumption against development in the countryside', with a policy which seeks to acheive a better balance between the needs of rural dwellers and environmental imperatives. Read full article


20 November, 2008

Alternatives being considered under Warm Homes Scheme-Doherty

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed the fact that consideration is now being given to providing 'alternatives' to the type of heating systems installed under the Warm Homes Scheme including the possibility of dual heating systems. Read full article


19 November, 2008

Omagh Council Chairperson 'Dismayed' at Ego Funding loss

Omagh council chairperson, Marty McColgan has expressed his dismay that the Ego Project has lost their Education and Prevention drugs and Alcohol service. Read full article


18 November, 2008

Rural community groups to benefit from Christmas grant aid

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed Omagh District Councils allocation of over £20,000 in grant aid towards Christmas events in the district. Read full article


18 November, 2008

Doherty welcomes agreement

West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has described the agreement between Sinn Fein and the DUP on transfer of Powers and Policing and Justice as "significant". Read full article


17 November, 2008

Call for end to anti Social behaviour

Councillor Sean Begley has called for the end of rampant anti social behaviour at Shandon Flats. He was speaking after a young women's car was burnt over the on Thursday night. Read full article


13 November, 2008

Mc Gill welcomes progress on rural waters mains connection issue

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill has welcomed correspondence from DRD Minister Conor Murphy in which he has outlined the steps he is taking to progress the issue of providing mains water supply to residences, mainly in rural areas, that are currently not served by the public water system. Read full article


12 November, 2008

Windows broken at OmaWest Community House.

Omagh town councillor Sean Begley has condemned what he has described 'wanton vandalism' after the Omawest Community house in Strule park had its windows broken. Read full article


12 November, 2008

Sinn Fein nominee Ruairí Mc Hugh co-opted unopposed to Strabane District Council

Sinn Fein nominee Ruairí Mc Hugh was co-opted unopposed onto Strabane District Council last night. Cllr Ruairí Mc Hugh now fills the vacancy left on Council resulting from the death of his father, veteran Sinn Fein Councillor Charlie Mc Hugh, last month. Read full article


11 November, 2008

Words Derry and Strabane must be in name of new Council-Sinn Féin

Sinn Fein wants the words Derry and Strabane to be the core components of the name of the new enlarged Council when both districts amalgamate in 2011. Sinn Féin is also pressing for the Irish language version of the name of the new Council to be officially recognised. Read full article


11 November, 2008

Begley welcomes announcement of Gortin road improvements.

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Begley has welcomed the announcement that the Gortin road in Omagh is to undergo extensive resurfacing and other major works. Read full article


11 November, 2008

Doherty welcomes announcement of HEIFER COMPENSATION PAYMENTS

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP and Assembly Agriculture Committee member has welcomed the announcement by Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildrenew MP, that compensation payments of around £250k will be made to farmers under the 2003 Suckler Cow Premium Scheme (SCPS). Read full article


11 November, 2008

McElduff deeply upset at latest GAA Hall attack

Speaking after two GAA clubs at Edendork and Cookstown Co Tyrone were attacked by arsonists over the weekend Mr McElduff, who chairs the Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee said: "It is very upsetting to see these GAA clubs vandalised and burned in this way". Read full article


10 November, 2008

Proposed closure of Greenfield Home would be devastating.

The Sinn Fein Chairperson of Strabane District Council Jarlath Mc Nulty says that news that Greenfield Residential Home in Strabane is one of four statutory care homes for elderly people in the Western Board Area that is being earmarked for closure will come as a devastating blow to residents and staff at the facility and their families. Read full article


7 November, 2008

Donnelly urges extension of Safer routes to school project.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin councillor Frankie Donnelly has urged the extension of the safer routes to school scheme to Scraghey primary school. Read full article


6 November, 2008

Sinn Fein select Ruairí Mc Hugh as co-option for Strabane District Council

Sinn Féin is proposing to co-opt Ruairí Mc Hugh to the take the seat that his late father Charlie Mc Hugh held on Strabane District Council for 23 years. Read full article


5 November, 2008

Welcome for Dooish road Traffic calming

Sinn Fein West Tyrone councillor Frankie Donnelly has said proposed traffic calming measures to the Dooish road in Drumquin will bring huge safety befits for motorists using the dangerous road. Read full article


5 November, 2008

Sinn Fein members to select replacement for Cllr Charlie Mc Hugh tonight

Sinn Fein members from the Derg Electoral area of Strabane District Council will meet in Castlederg tonight to select a candidate to replace Cllr Charlie Mc Hugh who died early last month. Read full article


5 November, 2008

Sinn Féin welcomes proposed DARD Service improvements for Omagh and Strabane hinterlands

Sinn Féin representatives in West Tyrone believe that proposals from Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew for the roll out of DARD Direct services and re-location of DARD offices in Omagh will benefit farming and rural communities throughout the District as well as in its Strabane hinterlands. Read full article


4 November, 2008

Welcome for speed limit on approach roads to Greencastle

Sinn Fein mid Tyrone councillor Sean Clarke has welcomed the introduction speed limits to the Crockanboy Road on the entrance to the village of Greencastle. Read full article


4 November, 2008

Sinn Féin welcome Health Minister's commitment to revisit Minor Ailments Scheme

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA and Assembly Health Committee member, Claire Mc Gill has welcomed the fact that the Minister of Health, Michael McGimpsey, has stated that he will revisit the Minor Ailments Scheme. However the local MLA stated that this should be a priority for the Minister. Read full article


4 November, 2008

Sinn Féin calls for proper 'Equalization Grant' for new Derry/Strabane Council

Cllr Jarlath Mc Nulty, the Sinn Fein Chairperson of Strabane District Council says that with the Review of Public Administration proposals to amalgamate Strabane District and Derry City District now almost certain to proceed there is now an urgent need to ensure that a proper 'equalization grant' be made available to the new enlarged Council body given that it will be a merger of two areas with the lowest rates income base and highest levels of deprivation in the six counties. Read full article


3 November, 2008

Large Local contingent at Belfast protest against RIR.

There was a large contingent of local republicans in Belfast for a protest against the RIR 'homecoming parade' on Sunday. Read full article


3 November, 2008

Sinn Féin Councillors to honour deceased colleagues

Councillor Sean Clarke

The Sinn Féin members of Omagh District Council plan to honour four of their deceased colleagues at a special tribute dinner dance to be held in the Mellon Country Hotel on 22 November. Mid Ulster MP and senior Sinn Féin negotiator, Martin Mc Guinness will address the gathering. Read full article


1 November, 2008

Free Pól Brennan Information day in Strabane

Ógra Shinn Féin were on the streets of Strabane this weekend (Saturday 1st November) to highlight the ongoing issues surrounding the incarceration and deportation threat faced by Republican Pól Brennan in the USA. Read full article


1 November, 2008

Burdennet Cricket Club arson attack a cruel and devastating blow

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill has described the suspected arson attack on Burndennet Cricket Club as a cruel and devastating blow against the local community. Read full article


29 October, 2008

Mc Aleer 'Dismayed' at Access NI backlog

Sinn Féin Councillor Declan Mc Aleer has expressed his dismay at a backlog of over 20,000 people awaiting employment screening by Access NI. Read full article


27 October, 2008

Call to Support protest against 'Homecoming' parade.

Sinn Féin Omagh District Councillor Sean Clarke has called on local people to support a peaceful protest during the 'homecoming' parade for British soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan in Belfast City centre on 2 November. Read full article


21 October, 2008

Columban Terrace residents have a right to be left in peace-Sinn Fein

Strabane Sinn Fein Councillor Brian Mc Mahon has appealed to a small group of teenagers who have been making life a misery for residents of Columban Terrace in the old Ballycolman area of the town to stop and reflect on the hardship they are causing. Read full article


20 October, 2008

Family with disabled children targeted in oil theft-Mc Nulty

Councillor Jarlath mc Nulty, the Sinn Fein Chairperson of Strabane District Council, has described a weekend oil theft from the home of a family in which there are two disabled children as a new low. Read full article


20 October, 2008

Increased safety measures for Derry Road-Doherty

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP has welcomed plans by Roads Service to introduce new measures on the Derry Road to help create a safer environment for motorists and pedestrians. Read full article


17 October, 2008

Opening hours of Strabane Bus Depot facilities totally inadequate-Sinn Fein

Strabane Sinn Fein Councillor Michaela Boyle has called upon Translink to carry out an urgent review of the limited opening hours of the passenger facilities at Bradley Way in the town describing arrangements for the passenger facility as a being 'totally inadequate.' Read full article


15 October, 2008

Doherty welcomes Irish government 13.5 million budget commitment to A5

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed the 13.5 million Euro made available in yesterday's Irish government budget towards planning works for the A5 Dual Carriageway between Aughnacloy and Derry. Read full article


14 October, 2008

Flagpole damaged in early morning attack

Sinn Féin mid Tyrone councillor Sean Clarke has condemned vandals responsible for desecrating a flag pole in the middle of Greencastle. Read full article


14 October, 2008

Mc Gill welcomes rural community transport boost for Strabane.

Mc Gill welcomes rural community transport boost for Strabane. Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill has paid tribute to the sterling work being done by the Easilift Rural Transport Partnership based in Strabane after having secured the keys to three new minibuses from DRD Transport Minister Conor Murphy last week. Read full article


14 October, 2008

Welcome for Strule park multi sports facility.

Sinn Féin Omagh councillor Sean Begley has welcomed funding being made available for the construction a new multi sports facility in Strule Park. Read full article


13 October, 2008

Begley welcomes streamline planning process.

Sinn Fein councillor Sean Begley has welcomed a decision by planning service to streamline the planning process. The process will allow decisions on non-contentious planning applications for the Omagh District Council area to be issued without formally bringing them to the Planning Committee and will be under the authority of the Divisional Planning Manager. Read full article


8 October, 2008

Sinn Féin welcomes progress on agency workers legislation

Sinn Féin Omagh District councillor and Omagh Council chairperson Martin McColgan has welcomed the Assembly's approval of draft Regulations which clarify the legislation covering agency workers' entitlement to Statutory Sick Pay. Read full article


7 October, 2008

Cllr Charlie Mc Hugh laid to rest

Large numbers of mourners gathered outside the Mc Hugh family home at Hillview Park from early morning. As the coffin of the veteran republican councillor emerged the National Flag and a Tyrone shirt were placed on it by Charlie's son Ruairí and life long friend and comrade Dave Cameron. Read full article


4 October, 2008

Council Chair pays tribute to Councillor Charlie Mc Hugh

In paying tribute to veteran Sinn Fein Councillor Charlie Mc Hugh, who died suddenly at his home in Castlederg yesterday, party colleague and Strabane Council Chairperson Councillor Jarlath Mc Nuly said, "First and foremost, Charlie was a very family orientated man and everyones thoughts and prayers are with his wife Sylvia, daughters Sara and Seodhna, son Ruairi, mother Minnie, brothers Hilary, Maoliosa and John, sisters Veronica and Mary, grandchildren and wider family circle. Read full article


3 October, 2008

Sudden death of Sinn Féin Councillor Charlie Mc Hugh

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says the sudden death of veteran Sinn Féin Councillor Charlie Mc Hugh at his home in Castlederg has left everyone numb with shock and sorrow. Read full article


3 October, 2008

WILLIE McCREA IS SIMPLY WRONG OVER DARD'S DECENTRALISATION COSTING

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson Pat Doherty MP, MLA (West Tyrone) has called Willie McCrea's comments on the costing of decentralisation costing for DARD ill conceived and ill thought out. Read full article


2 October, 2008

Sinn Fein welcomes purchase of new Ambulances

Sinn Fein's Anne Marie McAnespie has welcomed the announcement by the health minister that there is to be 60 new accident and emergency ambulances bought over the next three years. Read full article


1 October, 2008

McElduff presses for Executive action on Relocation of Public Sector Jobs to Omagh

On the very day that George Bain published his Independent Report on the location of Public Sector Jobs, I have been making direct representations at Stormont to a number of Ministers on behalf of individual civil servants who live in Tyrone but who travel to work outside the county. Read full article


30 September, 2008

Sinn Féin welcomes Fred Cobains belated support for demilitarisation position

Pat Doherty pictured in Lisanelly Barracks, Omagh in June

Sinn Fein MP Pat Doherty has welcomed Fred Cobain's belated support for the position taken by Sinn Féin on the sale of land used by the British army and the proceeds being given to the British exchequer, not the Executive. Read full article


30 September, 2008

Mc Gill sees glimmer of hope on Learning Disability Payments

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill says that she believes that a commitment from Health Minister Michael Mc Gimpsey that he will meet with the Chief Executive of Western Health Trust to discuss the decision by the body to end the 'basic financial reward scheme of around £2 per week for people with learning disabilities in the Western Board Area provides a glimmer of hope that some kind of arrangement can still be found to retain this weekly payment. Read full article


30 September, 2008

Doherty comments on decentralization proposals.

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed proposals to decentralize 5,000 public sector jobs to six locations outside of Belfast, including Omagh and Derry, but has expressed extreme disappointment that Strabane has been by-passed. Read full article


30 September, 2008

Mc Aleer expresses concern at educational and training participation rates.

Cllr Declan Mc Aleer

Sinn Féin Councillor Declan Mc Aleer has expressed his concern that more than 1 in 10 young males and 1 in 20 young females aged 16 and 17 years old are not in full time education or training. Read full article


30 September, 2008

Sinn Féin welcomes move to abolish prescription charges.

Sinn Féin Councillor Declan McAleer has welcomed the move by the Health Minister to abolish prescription charges in the north of Ireland by 2010. Read full article


29 September, 2008

Roads Service to review Traffic Calming in Loughmacrory following speeding

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone councillor Sharon O'Brien has welcomed a review of traffic calming measures in Loughmacrory by DRD Roads Service. The commitments follow complaints by residents of speeding in the village in recent weeks. Read full article


28 September, 2008

Mac Lochlainn delivers blunt message to DUP at Strabane Commemoration

Commemoration parade makes its way from Ballycolman

Donegal Sinn Féin Councillor Pádraig Mac Lochlainn said that "if the DUP wishes to be in government then it will be in partnership and on the basis of equality for all citizens." He delivered the blunt message in an address to the Annual West Tyrone Volunteers Commemoration held in Strabane on Saturday evening. Read full article


28 September, 2008

Fury at UFU President's outburst

Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty MP has said that the President of the UFU Graham Furey should withdraw his comments attacking the Agriculture Minister and particularly comments about her pregnancy. Read full article


26 September, 2008

Call to scrap roaming charges in Ireland

West Tyrone Sinn Féin representative Glenn Campbell.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin representative Glenn Campbell has called upon mobile phone operators to take immediate action over the issue roaming charges in Ireland. Read full article


24 September, 2008

MONIES RAISED FROM SALE OF BRITISH ARMY SITES NEEDS TO BE DELIVERED TO EXECUTIVE -DOHERTY

Pat Doherty MP, Education Minister Caitriona Ruane and Deputy First Minister Martin Mc Guinness pictured during an earlier visit to Lisanelly and St Lucia sites in June.

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has stated that the British Security Minister, Paul Goggins, revelation that remaining British Army sites will be sold off to finance British soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan is unacceptable. Read full article


23 September, 2008

Dodds needs to signal intent to decentralize public sector jobs to Strabane District

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has criticised DUP Finance and Personnel Minister Nigel Dodds for refusing to give a commitment that he will pro-actively work to ensure the decentralization of public sector jobs to area Strabane District which has the smallest base of public sector jobs west of the Bann. Read full article


23 September, 2008

Republican Dead to be remembered in Strabane on Saturday

The Annual West Tyrone Volunteers Commemoration will be held in Strabane on Saturday 27th September and organisers have called for local people to turn out in large numbers to pay fitting tribute to all local republicans who have laid down their lives in the cause of Irish Freedom. Read full article


22 September, 2008

Comhghairdeas Tír Eoghain

Pat Doherty MP pictured with Tyrone supporters at the All Ireland final.

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has paid tribute to all associated with the Tyrone Senior and Minor football teams saying that their combined efforts and success have brought sheer elation and joy to the hearts of Tyrone Gaels in every corner of the world. Read full article


17 September, 2008

Removal of Tyrone emblems in Castlederg

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says that Sinn Fein has been contacted by constituents angry at Tyrone bunting and flags having been ripped down in the vicinity of Ferguson Crescent and High Street in Castlederg. Read full article


16 September, 2008

Quarry shovel dozes Carrickmore Post Office.

The Quarry shovel which was used to attack Carrickmore Post Office.

Thieves have used a quarry shovel to steal a cash machine and partially demolish the Post Office in Carrickmore, Co Tyrone. Sinn Féin councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has condemned the 'ram raid' in the early hours of Tuesday morning, branding it "an attack on the entire community". Read full article


16 September, 2008

McElduff welcomes launch of Rural Sustainability Committee.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff has welcomed the launch of an all-party Assembly committee focusing on rural issues. The all-party group will work closely with the Rural Community Network to address rural issues at the very heart of the Assembly. Read full article


15 September, 2008

Sinn Fein welcomes installation of automatic doors at Mourneside Health Centre

Strabane Sinn Fein Councillor Gerard Foley has welcomed the completion of work to install automatic doors at Mourneside Health Centre in the town. Read full article


15 September, 2008

MC Gill welcomes proposals from Deputy First Minister to tackle spiralling energy and living costs

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill says that she hopes that proposals made today by Deputy First Minister Martin Mc Guinness, aimed at tackling the growing burden on households arising from spiralling energy and living costs, will be agreed by all Executive Ministers in advance of tomorrow's meeting with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Read full article


13 September, 2008

'Opportunity Omagh will create 1000 construction jobs' - MP

West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty has said that proposals for an ambitious development on the Derry Road will be a welcome boost for the local construction industry which is currently experiencing an economic downturn. Read full article


10 September, 2008

Mc Aleer urges young people to 'get themselves registered'

Councillor Declan Mc Aleer

Omagh District Councillor Declan Mc Aleer has given his backing to a registration drive being carried out by the electoral office to encourage young people to register to vote. Read full article


10 September, 2008

Hardship Fund must be priority of Assembly-Mc Gill

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill says that the immediate priority of the Assembly in the coming term must be the establishment of a hardship fund to ensure that relief measures are provided this winter for the ever increasing number of families on or below the breadline as a result of spiralling energy and living costs. Read full article


9 September, 2008

Omagh Chairman in walk to support Suicide Awareness 'into the light' campaign.

The Chairperson of Omagh District Council, Marty McColgan will join with Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams MP MLA and other party elected representatives on the 'Walking out of darkness and into the light' campaign on Wednesday September 10th. Read full article


9 September, 2008

Carrickmore Traffic calming measures welcomed.

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed traffic calming measures introduced in Carrickmore. The councillor was speaking after the DRD Roads Service agreed to cover the Drumnakilly road entrance to the town with an extended 30 mph speed limit. Read full article


8 September, 2008

McElduff to host lobbying day for local construction industry

Sinn Fein MLA Barry McElduff is to host a lobbying day aimed at addressing urgent concerns of the local construction industry at Stormont next Monday 15 September. Read full article


8 September, 2008

Anger as Durkan raises spectre of unionist majority rule.

Sinn Féin Vice President and West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that there is total disbelief and much anger within the republican and nationalist community that SDLP Leader Mark Durkan's is proposing the adoption of DUP party policy in terms of ending powersharing at Stormont and replacing it with voluntary coalition and majority rule. Read full article


5 September, 2008

West Tyrone MP launches txt to join service

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP was in Omagh last week to locally launch his party's latest recruitment drive. Read full article


5 September, 2008

Council Chairman condemns cultural intolerance.

Omagh District chairman Marty McColgan has hit out at vandals after they stole and defaced a poster celebrating the progression of the Tyrone Gaelic football team to the All Ireland football final. Read full article


5 September, 2008

Doherty calls on public to view Omagh development proposals.

West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty has welcomed the announcement by a major international investment group of over £250 million direct investment in Omagh, as a "huge vote of confidence in the area". He has urged members of the public to view the group's proposals which will be on display in the Strule Arts Centre for two weeks, commencing on Monday. Read full article


2 September, 2008

Strabane Out of Hours must be retained-Doherty

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has called upon health authorities to provide guarantees that 'Out of Hours' provision in Strabane will be retained as concern mounts that moves are afoot to transfer this vital from the local Health and Social Care Centre in the town to a new centre Altnagelvin in Derry. Read full article


1 September, 2008

Huge turnout to commemorate the Drumnakilly Martyrs.

Colm and Declan Harte present the Harte Memorial Cup to the victorious Galbally under 12 team.

"A fitting tribute" and "the lads would be proud" were two of the most frequent comments made during the weekend of events to mark the 20th anniversary of Volunteers Brian Mullin, Gerard Harte and Martin Harte. The three IRA men were killed in a SAS ambush at Drumnakilly on Tuesday 30th August 1988. Read full article


26 August, 2008

Wanton Vandalism must end - Boyle

Sinn Féin Strabane District councillor Michaela Boyle has called upon youths to refrain from the vandalism of a Water pumping station to the rear of McGirr Park in the town. According to Councillor Boyle the pumping station was vandalised over the weekend in the latest incident of vandalism of the station. Read full article


20 August, 2008

Weekend of events to mark Drumnakilly ambush

Republicans from throughout Ireland will converge in the village of Loughmacrory and in the town land of Foremass, Sixmilecross next weekend to take part in a series of events to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the deaths of IRA volunteers Gerard and Martin Harte and Brian Mullin. Read full article


20 August, 2008

We won't be dragged back to the days of Shoot to Kill - Clarke

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone councillor Sean Clarke has said we will not be dragged back to the days of Shoot to Kill after comments made by Ian Paisley Junior. Read full article


19 August, 2008

Clady Bridge damage needs urgently addressed.

Sinn Fein Councillor Gerard Foley has called upon Donegal County Council to act promptly to repair damage done to Clady Bridge over the weekend. Read full article


19 August, 2008

Farmers facing uncertain future

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson Pat Doherty MP MLA speaking after visiting a number of farms in his constituency affected by the flooding has said that the Flooding Compensation Scheme being administered by the Environment Minister Sammy Wilson will do nothing to alleviate the hardship facing many farmers. Read full article


19 August, 2008

Fitzgerald welcomes flood compensation scheme

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed the announcement by Environment Minister Sammy Wilson that householders whose homes have been damaged by the weekend floods will be able to apply for a special compensation payment from the government. Read full article


19 August, 2008

'Shared Neighbourhood Programme' Welcomed

Omagh Sinn Féin councillor Sean Begley has welcomed the 'Shared Neighbourhood Programme'. The scheme, which invests in mixed religion housing estates was announced on Tuesday and aims to promote better community relations in over 30 housing estates throughout the north of Ireland. Read full article


19 August, 2008

Mc Gill welcomes expansion of Sports and Language Programmes for Primary Schools

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill has welcomed news that Education Minister Caitriona Ruane is to increase investment to further expand Sports and Language Programmes for primary schools across the north. Read full article


15 August, 2008

Mortgage relief proposals must be forthcoming - Sinn Féin

Sinn Fein Omagh town councillor Sean Begley has said Social Development minister Margaret Richie must bring forward and implement proposals aimed at addressing the growing mortgage crisis. Read full article


12 August, 2008

Urgency call on Miniburns Road Works

Sinn Féin West Tyrone councillor Frankie Donnelly has called upon road service to undertake vital road works on the Minburns road as a matter of urgency. Councillor Donnelly said that urgent action must be taken at the Miniburns junction of the Omagh, Dromore, Drumquin and Lack roads if serious traffic accidents are to be averted. Read full article


11 August, 2008

Sinn Féin lobbies for improvements to Adult Special Needs provision in Strabane.

Sinn Féin representatives Claire Mc Gill MLA and Cllr Michaela Boyle met with Department of Health officials in Strabane this morning to press for progress on issues of concern expressed by parents of young adults transferring from Knockavoe Special School to Glenside Adult Training Centre as well as to lobby for much needed investment to improve the physical environment at the Glenside facility itself. Read full article


11 August, 2008

Sinn Fein hits out at graffiti attack at home of young Strabane family

Strabane Sinn Fein Cllr Michaela Boyle has registered her disgust at an incident over the weekend in which graffiti was scrawled over a home in Castlegrange Park in the town in which a couple and their four young children live. Read full article


11 August, 2008

Ambulance cuts further depletion of acute health provision in Omagh - Fitzgerald

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone councillor and chairperson of Omagh District councils healthcare committee Anne Maire Fitzgerald has said recent cuts to ambulance provision in the north will affect many throughout the Omagh District, particularly those living in rural communities. Read full article


7 August, 2008

North West Gateway Initiative must begin to deliver

Sinn Féin says that North West Gateway Initiative (NWGI), the intergovernmental initiative originally announced in May 2005 and billed as the primary vehicle which would take forward the socio-economic regeneration of this part of Ireland, must now concentrate on delivery on the ground for areas like Strabane District and its Donegal hinterlands- areas that have bourn the brunt of marginilasation and neglect down through the years. Read full article


7 August, 2008

Lack of BBC GAA Coverage Unacceptable - Begley

Sinn Fein's Sean Begley has slammed the BBC after they revealed they would not be broadcasting any of the GAA quarter final matches due to be played over the next number of weeks. Read full article


6 August, 2008

Omagh District Chairperson attended unfurling of National Flag in Belfast.

Omagh Council Chairperson and Sinn Féin councillor Martin McColgan was in Belfast last week for the unfurling of the National flag in the office of Belfast's first citizen Tom Hartley. Mr. Hartley placed the Tricolour alongside the Union flag in his office on Tuesday. The Sinn Fein lord Mayor says the gesture will give parity of esteem to both nationalists and unionists in Belfast city. Read full article


6 August, 2008

McAleer Welcomes 'Txt 2 Join' Recruitment Drive

Sinn Féin Councillor Declan McAleer has welcomed the party's 'Text to Join' initiative. Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams launched the scheme which Sinn Féin say makes the party more accessible to more people. Read full article


6 August, 2008

Culture Minister urged to "be decisive" over Long Kesh site - McElduff MLA

Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff, who is also chair of the Assembly Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee, has urged the Culture Minister to be decisive and bring a paper to the Executive over the Long Kesh site sooner rather than late. Read full article


6 August, 2008

Deadline approaching for free transport applications

Sinn Féin councillor and Omagh District Council Chairperson Martin McColgan has urged local people to apply for the 60+ smartpass, which allows free transport on the public transport system. More than 70,000 people in the North of Ireland face missing out when free public transport is introduced unless they act quickly. The application deadline is August 29th for free travel application forms. Read full article


5 August, 2008

Anger at destruction at Burn Walk

Strabane Sinn Fein Councillor Jarlath Mc Nulty says that the small number of young people who took it upon themselves to destroy fixtures and fittings at the 'Burn Walk' in the Head of the Town have earned the wrath of the local community. Read full article


5 August, 2008

Need to empower local athletes to aim for Olympic Gold - McElduff

Barry McElduff MLA and Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MLA Barry McElduff has called for major investment in a number of sports facilities in Co Tyrone so that local athletes can aim for Olympic Gold. Read full article


5 August, 2008

Findings in Arlene Arkinson case extremely disturbing-Doherty

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has described as "disturbing in the extreme" the findings of the Police Ombudsman's Report that the then RUC failed to properly investigate the disappearance of 15 year old Castlederg teenager Arlene Arkinson in 1994. Read full article


4 August, 2008

Support Annual National Hunger Strike Commemoration

Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon has called on republicans from throughout Strabane District to support the annual National Hunger Strike Commemoration being held in Derry on Sunday 17th August. Read full article


1 August, 2008

Boyle welcomes street signage progress

Sinn Fein Cllr Michaela Boyle says that the problem of missing street signage from Carricklynn Avenue, Drumman Court and Glenfinn Park areas of Strabane town will soon be resolved following representations made by the party to the Technical Services Department of Strabane Distict Council. Read full article


1 August, 2008

RTE must ensure service in North - McElduff

West Tyrone MLA, Barry McElduff has called on RTE to ensure that its service is available throughout the 32 Counties when it converts to digital in 2012. Read full article


1 August, 2008

Fitzgerald outlines priorities as chair of Health committee.

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has taken up the reigns of Omagh District Councils health care committee. At the July meeting of the healthcare committee Councillor Fitzgerald was proposed by party colleague Councillor Sean Clarke and seconded by fellow mid Tyrone Sinn Féin councillor Sharon O'Brien. Read full article


1 August, 2008

Kelly welcomes reassurance of Omagh Rural Development jobs.

Sinn Féin councillor Peter Kelly has welcomed reassurances from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) that there will be no job losses in Omagh rural development Office. Omagh District Council wrote to the department following uncertainties surrounding the future of the office. Read full article


29 July, 2008

CONTINUING THE STRUGGLE AT NATIONAL HUNGER STRIKE COMMEMORATION.

Sinn Féin Councillor and Omagh District council chairman Martin McColgan has called on Irish Republicans in Tyrone to support the annual National Hunger Strike Commemoration being held in Derry on Sunday 17th August. Read full article


25 July, 2008

British Army parade idea insults Irish Nationalists.

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff has dismissed suggestions that members of the RIR should be given a so called 'homecoming parade' on return from Afghanistan . Read full article


25 July, 2008

Sinn Fein will oppose any moves to restrict freedom on movement on the island of Ireland -Doherty

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has hit out at plans by the British and Irish Government to introduce checks at the border saying that they run counter to the rights of Irish Citizens under the terms of Good Friday Agreement Read full article


23 July, 2008

Environment minister urged to 'wake up and smell the coffee'

Councillor Sean Begley has called on Environment minister Sammy Wilson to 'wake up and smell the coffee' in relation to a replacement policy for PPS14. Councillor Begley reiterated Sinn Fein's opposition to PPS14 and called for a balanced approach to planning. Furthermore Councillor Begley said Sinn Féin would like to see a sub regional approach which would see local district councils being involved with the planning process. Read full article


22 July, 2008

Firearms Seizure in Co Tyrone

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor Frankie Donnelly has said he is shocked by the seizure of firearms in the Drumquin. It is believed the seizure of the arms was on Monday and amounted to two firearms being recovered by the PSNI. Read full article


22 July, 2008

Orange parades issue in Omagh must be addressed.

Sinn Féin Omagh town councillor Sean Begley has said the issue of orange parades in Omagh must be addressed. He also said Orangefest have a long way to go if they are serious about trying to repackage the 12th of July marches following a number of incidents in Omagh over the 12th. Read full article


22 July, 2008

Mc Gill - Benefit changes will hit most vulnerable

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill has said proposed changes to the Benefits system announced by the Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell yesterday will hit the most vulnerable in society. Read full article


22 July, 2008

Sinn Fein restates commitments on Water and Sewerage Services issue

Sinn Fein has re-stated its commitment that no one will have to pay twice for water and sewerage services and a return to the system where water and rates form one single bill as the recommendations of the Independent Water Review Panel, led by Professor Paddy Hillyard, are scheduled to go out to public consultation in the autumn. Read full article


22 July, 2008

Continuous registration shows marked increase in electors - Cllr Begley

Sinn Féin Director of Elections and Omagh Town councillor Sean Begley has said that the continuous registration being rolled out by the electoral office is bearing fruits. He was speaking after it was revealed there was in increase of more than 300% in the number of registration applications received compared with the same period the previous year. The figures were included in the annual report 2007/08 by the chief electoral officer, Douglas Bain. Read full article


21 July, 2008

Letters to the Editor - Lets erase Partitionism

Ireland is made up of 32 counties and this country has a population approaching six million. I do not need to tell anyone that Ireland's population is becoming increasingly diverse. I think that we should welcome people to our shores and we should realise that we are all the richer for this type of diversity. Read full article


21 July, 2008

McElduff calls on Banks to get Mortgage Market Moving again.

West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff has welcomed a commitment from First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness to meet with Banks and Financial Institutions 'to tackle financial hardship and to grow the economy at this difficult time.' Read full article


16 July, 2008

Woodward needs to advance Omagh Education Village Campus case now-Doherty

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that the British Secretary of State Shaun Woodward should stop using the issue of lack of progress on the Long Kesh/Maze site as an excuse to frustrate the transfer of lands at the vacated military sites at Lisanelly/St Lucia for the development of an Education Village Campus. Read full article


14 July, 2008

Thousands Remember Martin Hurson

Members of Ógra Shinn Féin with Martin Hursons brother, Brendan and Main Speaker, Barry McElduff MLA

Several thousand people descended in Galbally on Sunday for the annual Tyrone volunteers commemoration. Sunday 13 July marked the 27th Anniversary of Tyrone Hungerstriker Óglach Martin Hurson. Read full article


14 July, 2008

Mc Gill expresses sympathy to family of Niall O Hagan

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill says that the community of Greencastle as the wider Mid Tyrone area are numb with shock and sorrow at the death of young Niall O Hagan in a motorcycle accident at Mountfield at the weekend. Read full article


10 July, 2008

Councillor alarmed at University drop out rate

Sinn Féin councillor Declan McAleer has said he is 'alarmed' by the revelation that the University of Ulster is experiencing the 10th worst drop out record of 1st year students in a study of over 150 universities throughout England, Scotland, Wales and the North of Ireland. Read full article


9 July, 2008

Omagh Report 'lacks substance' - Doherty

Commenting on the publication of the Policing Board Report into the Omagh Bomb investigation, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty said that the report lacked substance in a number of key areas, was published without reference to other outstanding reports and left many of the questions raised by the trial judge unanswered. Read full article


8 July, 2008

British cover up to blame for investigation costs.

Sinn Fein's Declan McAleer has said that the British government policy of concealment, cover-up and suppression of the truth is to blame for the cost of holding investigations into killings during the conflict. Read full article


8 July, 2008

3% efficiency savings in Ambulance Service would create crisis in Western Division-Doherty

West Tyrone Sinn Fein MP Pat Doherty said that the Ambulance Service in the Western Division would be in thrown into a state of crisis if 3% efficiency savings over the next 3 years are introduced. Read full article


8 July, 2008

Mc Mahon calls on Sion Mills community to support efforts to improve quality of life in the village.

Sinn Féin Councillor Brian Mc Mahon has called on the community of Sion Mills to rally around in support of the efforts of local community activist Andy Patton and his colleagues who are making progress in improving the quality of life for everyone, both young and old, in the village despite a vicious assault on a man in the village over the weekend Read full article


7 July, 2008

Large crowd expected at Galbally Commemoration.

Memorial at Cappagh Main Street

Barry McElduff MLA set to address Tyrone Volunteers Day commemoration. Read full article


4 July, 2008

Confident that Roads Service has accepted case for Castletown/Urney Improvements-Sinn Féin

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says that he now believes that Roads Service has now accepted the case for a range of traffic calming, pedestrian safety, site line readjustments and road surfacing improvements to be introduced in the densely populated Castletown/Urney Road area of Strabane following a site meeting held in the area this morning. Read full article


3 July, 2008

Rise in Irish Passport claims come as no surprise - McElduff

Sinn Féin's West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff has welcomed the news that over 400,000 people in the North of Ireland have claimed or renewed Irish passports over the past ten years. Read full article


2 July, 2008

'Unacceptable behaviour' at Omagh Orange March

Sinn Féin councillor for Omagh Town, Sean Begley has said the behaviour of orange bands and the PSNI at an orange march in Omagh on Tuesday night was 'completely and utterly unacceptable'. According to Cllr Begley an Orange band stopped outside an established business on the nationalist John street area of Omagh and played 'The Sash'. He has also questioned the future of Orange parades in the John / James Street areas. Read full article


1 July, 2008

Doherty welcomes Health Minister move in Maureen Mc Ginley case

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed the move by Health Minister Michael Mc Gimpsey to write directly to NIO Minister Mr David Hanson MP, who has responsibility for the Coroner's Service asking him for his support in progressing efforts to establish how Strabane pensioner Maureen Mc Ginley sustained 34 rib fractures following her death at Altnagelvin hospital on the 3 January 2007. Read full article


1 July, 2008

Glenpark road works welcomed

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Clarke has welcomed recent work undertaken by Roads Service on the Glenpark road outside Gortin. Read full article


1 July, 2008

£220K Strabane Campus refurbishment to begin this month-Mc Gill

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Claire Mc Gill has received written confirmation from Department of Learning Minister Reg Empey that a £220K programme of maintenance and refurbishment works to the Strabane Campus of the North West Regional College on the Derry Road is to begin this month with a target completion date in September. Read full article


1 July, 2008

Question mark hangs over Omagh Fire Tragedy Inquiry Findings

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that a major question mark hangs over the conclusion of the Independent Review into the Omagh fire tragedy which claimed the lives of Lorraine Mc Govern, Arthur Mc Elhill and their five young children. Read full article


30 June, 2008

Planning co-operation key to progressing Rural Development Projects-Doherty

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed a commitment from Environment Minister Sammy Wilson that priority will be given to planning applications dependent on grant aid and other commercial, industrial and social infrastructure proposals saying that such an 'expedited approach' will be particularly essential if the full potential of the Rural Development Programme (2007-2013) is to be realised. Read full article


27 June, 2008

Mc Aleer welcomes Taoiseach's commitment to N2 - A5 dualling project.

Sinn Féin Councillor Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed the Irish Government's renewed commitment to the N2 - A5 dual carriageway project. Read full article


27 June, 2008

Huge void in the Omagh ambulance provision - Doherty

Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has said that the additional funds secured recently for ambulance provision in the Omagh area is being diverted elsewhere inadvertently. Read full article


25 June, 2008

Disbelief at Omagh arson attack

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Barry Mc Elduff says that there is widespread disbelief and anger in the community at last night's arson attack at the adult Care Centre at Arvalee in Omagh which caters for people with learning disabilities. Read full article


24 June, 2008

Education Minister to visit schools in Omagh district.

Education Minister Caitriona Ruane pictured with members of staff an the Dean Maguirc College during her visit on Thursday.

Education Minister, Caitriona Ruane will pay a Ministerial visit to schools in the Omagh District today (Thursday). Read full article


24 June, 2008

Kelly welcomes Trillick Surgery progress

Sinn Féin Councillor Peter Kelly has welcomed the news that a planning application has now been submitted for the conversion of the building at the rear of Trillick Enterprise Centre for the village's new GP Surgery and that the premises are on schedule to become operational in early 2009. Read full article


23 June, 2008

Hope that problems with Broughderg water pressure can be resolved by September

Mid Tyrone Sinn Fein Councillor Sean Clarke says that he hopes that the problems of low water pressure to homes being encountered by residents living in the Broughderg area will be resolved by September. Read full article


23 June, 2008

DOHERTY CALLS ON HEALTH MINISTER ANNOUNCE INQUIRY IN MC GINLEY CASE

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has called upon Health Minister Michael Mc Gimpsey to overturn his previous decision to refuse a full Independent Public Inquiry into the circumstances by which deceased Strabane woman Maureen Mc Ginley was found, upon post mortem, to have sustained 32 rib fractures following her death at Altnagelvin hospital on 3rd January 2007. Read full article


19 June, 2008

Kelly pays tribute to staff of Trillick Primary School

Trillick Councillor Peter Kelly has expressed disappointment that Trillick Primary will close its doors at the end of August. Read full article


19 June, 2008

Shape Rural Development Programme Call

Sinn Féin Cllr Anne Marie Fitzgerald has called on local community groups to formulate proposals to shape the rural develop programme. Read full article


18 June, 2008

Sinn Féin will not support any rural planning policy that repackages PPS14

Sinn Féin Agriculture and Rural Development Spokesperson, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has warned the new Environment Minster Sammy Wilson that Sinn Fein will not support rural planning proposals that fall short of delivering a sustainable future for our rural communities or resembles the failed PPS14 policy of British Direct Rule Ministers. Read full article


17 June, 2008

MC Guire welcomes timescales for Derg roads improvements

Derg Sinn Fein Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has welcomed timescales from Roads Service for the completion of much needed improvement work to dangerous road junctions in the Aghyaran area. The local councillor is also pushing for the extension of footpaths in the Spamount area. Read full article


17 June, 2008

Water system back to normal for Co Tyrone residents

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone councillor Sean Clarke has said recent concerns of chorine levels in the water in a number of areas in Co Tyrone have been allayed. He was speaking after being in contact with NI Water who informed him that the system was now back to normal. Read full article


13 June, 2008

Deputy First Minister and Education Minister pays visit to Lisanelly and St Lucia.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA has paid a visit to the former Lisanelly Army base in Omagh to receive a briefing on the potential the 160 acre site might hold for future development. Read full article


13 June, 2008

Electricity cut causes blackout in Mid Tyrone.

Sinn Fein councillor for Mid Tyrone Sharon O'Brien has written to NIE to highlight her concern at recent blackouts of a large area of Mid Tyrone. Read full article


10 June, 2008

Education Village Campus focus of double Sinn Fein Ministerial visit to Omagh

Pat Doherty MP, Education Minister Caitriona Ruane and Deputy First Minister Martin Mc Guinness pictured during the visit to Lisanelly and St Lucia sites.

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty has welcomed confirmation that Deputy First Minister Martin Mc Guinness and Education Minister Caitríona Ruane will be Omagh on Friday for a series of engagements primarily concerned with continuing efforts to secure lands at the vacated Lisanelly/St Lucia military bases in the town for the Education Village Campus. Read full article


10 June, 2008

Over 60s urged to apply for free travel on public transport over summer months-

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill is encouraging everyone over 60 to ensure that they secure their entitlement to free travel on public transport, which is scheduled to be introduced as and from October, by applying for their free travel Smartpasses over the summer months Read full article


10 June, 2008

Mc Gill challenges Department of Health on Home-Help cuts in Strabane

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Claire McGill is challenging Department of Health denials that there has been a reduction in the allocation for home help services for the elderly in Strabane District saying that all evidence is pointing to a clear pattern of sweeping cuts being imposed on essential services to many people who are amongst the most vulnerable in our community. Read full article


10 June, 2008

Fitzgerald to address Stormont health committee

Omagh District Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald will address the Stormont health committee when it visits Omagh on Thursday. Councillor Fitzgerald will give a presentation on Ambulance care provision and a community midwifery unit. Read full article


9 June, 2008

North West Gateway officials commit to meet with Strabane District Council-Doherty

Sinn Féin says that a meeting it held with top officials from North West Gateway Initiative (NWGI) focussed on how the body could progress specific projects to in the Strabane-Lifford and Derg-Finn Valley cross border corridors as part of the North/South Intergovernmental body's wider remit of taking a strategic approach on issues of economic and infrastructural development in the North West region. Read full article


9 June, 2008

North West Rural Funds Doubled

An allocation of funding for rural development in the north west has been more than doubled following the intervention of Pat Doherty MP MLa along with Sinn Féin MLA's Martina Anderson and Francie Brolly. Read full article


8 June, 2008

McColgan elected as chair of Omagh District Council.

Cllr Marty Mc Colgan pictured with fellow SF Councillors following his election as Chairperson.

Sinn Féin has nominated Omagh town based Councillor Martin McColgan for the position of Council Chair. Read full article


6 June, 2008

Resistance to innovative Long Kesh/Maze project exposed

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff, who is the Chairperson of the Assembly Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee, has said that the comments of the Culture Minister Edwin Poots highlighting resistance to the Long Kesh/Maze project from the civil service confirm what republicans have been saying for some time. Read full article


6 June, 2008

ODC write to Royal Mail over mobile Post office scheme

Councillor Sean Begley has welcomed the support of Omagh District Council on a motion that he introduced to the council meeting on Tuesday night. The motion called upon the Omagh District council to write to royal mail regarding the introduction of mobile post offices. Read full article


6 June, 2008

Improvements on Drumquin Road Welcomed

Sinn Fein West Tyrone councillor Frankie Donnelly has welcomed improvements made to the Drumrawn road at the crossroads with the Omagh road in Drumquin Read full article


4 June, 2008

Sinn Fein welcomes cross border approach to Lurganbuoy/Fern Road

Sinn Fein Councillor Gerard Foley has warmly welcomed the completion of a major resurfacing scheme by Roads Service on a six mile stretch of the Lurganbuoy/Fern Road between Castlederg and Donegal. Read full article


3 June, 2008

Good news for Strathroy overshadowed by rural closures

Sinn Féin has welcomed the decision that Strathroy Post Office in Omagh has secured a reprieve but says that this good news has been overshadowed by the news that none of the rural branches throughout Tyrone that were identified for closure have received a similar reprieve. Read full article


3 June, 2008

Electoral office to undertake canvass of Coolnagard

Sinn Fein's six county director of elections, Sean Begley has welcomed an announcement from the electoral office that it will carry out a canvass of the coolnagard area of Omagh between the 9th and 18th of June. Read full article


3 June, 2008

Doherty organises major Rural Development Programme Seminar

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has organised a major seminar in the Mellon Country Hotel next Thursday 12th June at 3pm in preparation for the imminent roll out of the £500 Rural Development Programme and has invited Michelle Gildernew MP, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development to West Tyrone to meet directly with rural community groups and interested individuals who wish to access funding from the Programme. Read full article


3 June, 2008

Mc Gill keeps focus on Strabane Further Education deficit issue

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Claire Mc Gill accompanied by Pat Doherty MP met with Department for Employment & Learning (DEL) Permanent Secretary Dr Aideen Mc Ginley at Stormont last Tuesday as part of a continued lobby to have the glaring deficit in Further Education investment and provision in Strabane District addressed. Read full article


3 June, 2008

Roads issues raised in 'Constituency Issue Survey' need addressed-Doherty

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP MLA Pat Doherty says that Roads Service needs to do much more to address major issues of concern for residents living in the densely populated Castletown Road/Urney Road area, describing its response to written representations he made on these issues as being, for the most part, unsatisfactory. Read full article


2 June, 2008

Sinn Fein propose co-option of Michaela Boyle for vacancy left by death of esteemed colleague Ivan Barr.

Cllr Brian Mc Mahon, Sinn Féin group leader on Strabane District Council, has announced that long standing party activist Michaela Boyle has been selected by local party members as the proposed co-option to fill the vacancy left on the local government body as a result of the death of esteemed party colleague Ivan Barr last month. He has also announced that the Sinn Fein grouping will be proposing Cllr Jarlath Mc Nulty for the position of Council Chair when the AGM of Strabane District Council convenes on Tuesday night. Read full article


31 May, 2008

Kelly welcomes pledge to resurface Moneygar Road

West Tyrone Sinn Féin councillor, Peter Kelly has welcomed the commitment given by DRD Roads Service to resurface the Moneygar road in Trillick. Read full article


29 May, 2008

Sinn Féin to seek Stormont shake-up

Sinn Féin Assembly member Barry McElduff has said that there needs to be a shake-up in the balance of symbols in the Stormont estate after the Assembly Commission revealed the inventory of symbols and emblems in the Stormont Assembly estate. Read full article


29 May, 2008

Sinn Fein Condemns arson attack in Strabane

The Sinn Féin Chairperson of Strabane District Council, Councillor Gerard Foley has branded those responsible for an arson attack on an unoccupied house at Drumman Court in the town in the early hours of the morning as being beneath contempt. Read full article


21 May, 2008

Sinn Féin meet with BT over Broadband provision

Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff has welcomed a meeting between Sinn Féin Assembly members and BT to discuss Broadband provision across the North. Read full article


21 May, 2008

Strabane being 'short changed' in Further Education provision and investment -Mc Gill

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill says that Strabane is being short changed in Further Education investment and provision and as part of the continuing lobby to have the situation addressed she will be accompanying Pat Doherty MP to a meeting with Department for Employment & Learning (DEL) Permanent Secretary Aideen Mc Ginley next Tuesday. Read full article


21 May, 2008

Doherty hails £250 million investment for Omagh.

Pat Doherty MP in conversation with Woody Kerr of the bank of new York Mellon during their recent visit to Omagh.

West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty has hailed the announcement by a major international investment group of £250 million direct investment in Omagh, as a "huge vote of confidence in the area". Read full article


19 May, 2008

Fitzgerald calls for state provision of childcare

Sinn Fein Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has called for the Executive to seriously consider the benefits that could accrue from State provision of childcare. Read full article


15 May, 2008

Woodward visit to Lisanelly welcomed

Omagh Sinn Fein Councillor Martin Mc Colgan welcomed today's visit by British Secretary of State Shaun Woodward to the site of the proposed secondary level Education Campus Village on at the vacated Lisanelly military site in the town. Read full article


15 May, 2008

Sinn Fein challenge North West allocation under EU Fund for Rural Development

Sinn Féin MLA's representing the NorthWest Pat Doherty, Martina Anderson, Francie Brolly and has expressed deep concern as to the method of calculation of criteria used by the Department of Agriculture to calculate the distribution of the EU Fund for Rural Development. Read full article


15 May, 2008

Begley criticises aspects of Omagh PSNI raids.

Omagh Sinn Fein Councillor Sean Begley has hit out at aspects of raids on homes in the Omagh area this morning saying that they have left a pregnant woman due to give birth next week, an elderly couple, and a young woman living alone, severely traumatized after the doors to their homes were sledge hammered by the PSNI at 6.30 am this morning. Read full article


13 May, 2008

Doherty condemns attack on off-duty PSNI officer

Read full article


12 May, 2008

Kelly urges farmers to return IACS forms by Thursday

Sinn Fein Councillor Peter Kelly has advised farmers to complete their single application returns ahead of the deadline this Thursday, 15th May. Read full article


12 May, 2008

Strabane bids a final farewell to Ivan Barr

Upwards on 2000 people attended the funeral of veteran Sinn Féin Cllr Ivan Barr in Strabane this morning. The National Flag and Starry Plough draped the coffin bearing Ivan Barr's remains left the family home at Bridge Street just after 9am. Read full article


11 May, 2008

Lisbon treaty a 'bad deal for Ireland' - McColgan

Sinn Fein Omagh Town Councillor Martin McColgan has said Irish people should vote to reject the Lisbon treaty Read full article


10 May, 2008

Death of Ivan Barr

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says that the profound sense shock, sorrow and loss at the news that veteran Sinn Féin Councillor Ivan Barr passed away at his home last night will be acutely felt not only in his beloved Strabane but far beyond. Read full article


9 May, 2008

Doherty believes Melon Bank focused on merits of investing in Omagh

Pat Doherty in conversation with Woody Kerr (Bank of New York Mellon) and Denis Mc Mahon (Strategic Investment Board)

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says that he believes that the visit by senior executives of the Bank of New York Mellon to the ancestral home of its founding father Thomas Mellon at the Ulster American Folk Park today has focused their minds on the many merits of investing in Omagh. Read full article


7 May, 2008

Poots criticised for delay in appointing Sports boss

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff, who is chairperson of the Assembly Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee has criticised the Minster Edwin Poots over the delay in appointing the new Chairperson of the Board of Sport NI. Read full article


6 May, 2008

Doherty hopes New York Mellon Corporation will focus on Omagh investment opportunities

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says that he hopes that the decision by representatives of the Bank of New York Mellon Corporation to accept an invitation to visit the ancestral home of its founding father Thomas Mellon at the Ulster American Folk Park, as part of their itinerary during this weeks major Investment Conference, will lead to them examining the many potential investment opportunities that Omagh has to offer. Read full article


6 May, 2008

Donnelly calls for cross departmental approach to combat fuel poverty.

Sinn Fein Councillor Frankie Donnelly has said that more must be done to help the increasing number of families living in fuel poverty. Read full article


5 May, 2008

MC Gill welcomes announcement of Rural Childcare Programme for Autumn 08

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA Claire Mc Gill has given a warm welcome to the announcement by Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew that she intends to establish a Rural Childcare Programme to be operational by the autumn of this year. Read full article


2 May, 2008

Sinn Féin delivering on Rural White paper manifesto commitment

Sinn Féin Agriculture Spokesperson, West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has said that Sinn Féin made a Rural White Paper a manifesto commitment because it was seen as a key way to protect and promote the long term future of rural communities and that the party is delivering on that commitment. Read full article


2 May, 2008

Mc Aleer welcomes announcement on dental provision

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed a recent initiative launched by Health Minister, Michael Mc Gimpsey to help resolve the dental crisis facing NHS patients. Read full article


1 May, 2008

Sinn Féin condemn 'Anti Community behaviour'

Mid Tyrone Sinn Fein councillor Sean Clarke has condemned what he has described as 'anti community' behaviour taking place in the Greencastle area over the weekend. Read full article


28 April, 2008

McNarry 'alternative' stadium plans 'from another planet'

Sinn Féin Assembly Member and Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee Chair, Barry McElduff has said that Sinn Fein would not support any suggestion that funding set aside for the Long Kesh/Maze project could be redirected be redirected to other sporting projects that exclude the GAA. Read full article


28 April, 2008

Sinn Fein press Minister to tackle dental care crisis for new NHS patients

Sinn Fein has tabled a motion for debate in the Assembly tomorrow calling on Health Minister Michael Mc Gimpsey to take urgent action to address the inadequacy of dental care provision for NHS patients. Read full article


28 April, 2008

Maximize co-ordination to harness Strabane's job creation potential - Doherty

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says that there is a now a palpable sense of confidence that Strabane District has turned the corner economically and has called for maximum co-operation and co-ordination amongst all stakeholders in the local community to ensure that the many potential opportunities for investment and job creation that now exist are fully harnessed. Read full article


25 April, 2008

Sinn Féin MP backs Mc Ginley family protest

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has backed a Mc Ginley family protest at Altnagelvin Hospital today in support of their mother Maureen Mc Ginley. Read full article


24 April, 2008

McElduff welcomes presentation on re-opening of Ulster Canal

The Chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Culture, Arts and Leisure, Sinn Féin's Barry McElduff MLA(West Tyrone) has welcomed the presentation made to the committee by the Blackwater Regional Partnership on the potential benefits of re-opening the Ulster Canal. Read full article


24 April, 2008

Omagh Sinn Fein Office raid akin to Keystone Cops Script

Sinn Fein Councillor Sean Begley says that the comedy of errors surrounding the large scale raid by PSNI on his party's Constituency Offices at James Street in Omagh yesterday was like something you would expect to find in a script of the "Keystone Cops," and that credible answers must be forthcoming about yesterday's fiasco. Read full article


23 April, 2008

Outrage as public money used for UDR welfare scheme

Sinn Féin has hit out angrily after it was revealed a £2,000,000 welfare scheme for members of the UDR will be publicly funded. On Monday British Army chief Richard Dannett was in the north of Ireland to launch the scheme. Read full article


22 April, 2008

No room at the Inn for dental patients - Mc Aleer

Desperate times: The lack of dentists in the NHS has created a gap in provision for the most vulnerable in society.

Mid Tyrone Sinn Féin Councillor, Declan Mc Aleer has added his voice to the growing lobby for proper dental provision in the area. Read full article


22 April, 2008

Begley urges clarity on Woodward Statement

Sinn Féin councillor Sean Begley has called for clarity on a statement from Sean Woodward on a scheme to befit community halls. Read full article


22 April, 2008

Omagh District Council "shows leadership in pursuit of gender equality". - Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has said she is pleased that Omagh District Council has shown leadership and set examples of good practice and sent out a strong message of their intention to pursue gender equality". Read full article


22 April, 2008

Future of Strathroy Post Office raised in Assembly debate.

'Its a bad idea at best, a dumb idea at worst' this was the phrase used by West Tyrone Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff in the Assembly on Monday when he raised the issue about the closure of Strathroy Post office.. Read full article


22 April, 2008

NIO bid to exclude GAA from compensation scheme 'unacceptable'

The Sinn Fein Chairperson of the DCAL Committee Barry McElduff has described the proposal by the NIO to exclude GAA halls from a compensation scheme for local halls damaged in attacks as 'yet another blatantly sectarian scheme emanating from within the NIO'. Read full article


21 April, 2008

Begley welcomes traffic calming measure for Culmore and O'Kane

Sinn Fein's Sean Begley has welcomed a commitment from DRD Roads service for the introduction of traffic calming measures in Culmore and O'Kane parks. The scheme will also see traffic calming measures on the Lambrook road and Lambrook close. Read full article


21 April, 2008

Doherty urges attendance at A5 project information days

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has urged as many people as possible to attend a series of information days about the planned upgrade of the A5 road from Derry to Aughnacloy to a dual carriageway which are to be held in four towns along the proposed route in the coming weeks. Read full article


18 April, 2008

Welcome for plans to make it easier for disabled people to vote

Sinn Fein's Sean Begley has welcomed a plan by Electoral Office which will make it easier for disabled people to vote. Read full article


18 April, 2008

Mc Guire welcomes water booster plans for homes in Upper Aghyaran

Derg Sinn Fein Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has welcomed a news that plans are now in the pipeline to have a water booster station operational by the end of 2008 to service homes in the Upper Aghyaran Road area which he represents. Read full article


18 April, 2008

Inquiry refusal in case of Maureen Mc Ginley unacceptable- Doherty

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says that he is deeply disappointed that the decision by Health Minister Michael Mc Gimpsey's refusal to initiate a public inquiry into the circumstances in which Strabane pensioner Maureen Mc Ginley sustained 34 rib fractures both prior to and following her death at Altnagelvin Hospital on 3rd January last year. Read full article


17 April, 2008

Strabane must get fair share of Public Sector jobs-Doherty

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has called for Strabane District to be allocated its fair share of public sector employment in a written submission he has made to the consultation into the Public Sector Policy Review being led by George Bain. Read full article


15 April, 2008

Doherty welcomes official announcement that Altnagelvin is to be location for North West Satellite Cancer Centre

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed confirmation by Health Minister Michael Mc Gimpsey in the Assembly this afternoon that Altnagelvin is to be the location for a Satellite Cancer Centre in the North West part of Ireland but is once again questioning why the people on the region should have to wait until after 2015 before this Centre becomes operational. Read full article


15 April, 2008

Mc Nulty commends community effort in securing Fountain Street Traffic Calming.

Strabane Sinn Féin Councillor Jarlath Mc Nulty has praised the efforts of local people and community representatives in finally securing traffic claming measures for the Fountain St area after many years of campaigning and lobbying on the issue. Read full article


15 April, 2008

MC GILL SEEKS ANSWERS AFTER TOURIST BOARD OMITS COUNTY TYRONE

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MLA has called upon DETI Minister Nigel Dodds to detail the spend by the NI Tourist Board, in terms of advertising, on each of the six counties in the last year after it transpired that the statutory agency charged with promoting tourism here had completely omitted any mention of attractions in County Tyrone when it launched an expensive advertising campaign in Dublin based papers a fortnight ago as part of a major drive to attract visitors to the six counties. Read full article


15 April, 2008

Anti-skid surfacing for dangerous Urney Road/Great Northern Road junction

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed news that Roads Service is to treat all approach roads up to the Urney Road/Great Northern Road junction with high friction anti-skid surfacing in a measure designed to improve safety. Read full article


15 April, 2008

Large attendance expected at Sinn Fein Public meeting in Galbally

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has described the public meeting being organised by Sinn Fein at Galbally Community Centre at 8pm next Wednesday (23 April) as an opportunity for people to engage directly with senior Sinn Fein representatives on the full range of political, social, and economic issues be they at a local, regional or national level. Read full article


14 April, 2008

Lisanelly/St Lucia transfer issue centre stage following Assembly debate

Sinn Féin says that the proposal to develop a unique secondary level education village campus in Omagh received a major boost when the Assembly voted, earlier today, to accept an amended Sinn Fein motion calling on the British government to transfer lands at the vacated military sites at Lisanelly and St Lucia for the the development. Read full article


12 April, 2008

Mc Gill Highlights Concerns about New Housing Allowance

Sinn Féin MLA Claire Mc Gill has expressed concerns about a new Local Housing Allowance which has replaced Housing Benefit for private rented sector tenants who seek financial help fort he first time. Read full article


12 April, 2008

Sinn Fein motion on Lisanelly/St Lucia transfer to be debated by Assembly

A Sinn Fein motion, calling upon the British government to transfer lands at the vacated military sites at Lisanelly and St Lucia in Omagh to the Assembly Executive to facilitate the development of the Education Village as proposed by the Omagh Educational Campus Group, is to be debated by the full Assembly next Monday. Read full article


10 April, 2008

LISANELLY OFFERS VISION OF THE FUTURE FOR EDUCATION - RUANE

Education Minister, Caitri­ona Ruane, has said that the former military site at Lisanelly, Omagh, presents a unique opportunity for education. Read full article


9 April, 2008

Fitzgerald welcomes announcement on ambulance cover.

Mid Tyrone Sinn Fein Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed additional ambulance cover in the Omagh Area. Read full article


8 April, 2008

MC Hugh welcomes announcement of 24/7 ambulance cover for Castlederg

Derg Sinn Fein Councillor Charlie Mc Hugh has welcomed today's announcement by Health Minister Michael Mc Gimpsey that Castlederg is to get 24/7 ambulance service cover as a long overdue recognition that the area has not been adequately covered up until now. Read full article


8 April, 2008

Donnelly welcomes extensive resurfacing

Councillor Frankie Donnelly has said he has received assurances from DRD Roads Service that the Drumlegagh, Manse and Omagh Roads in Drumquin will undergo extensive resurfacing in the coming weeks. Read full article


8 April, 2008

Adams and Mc Guinness among platform speakers at Galbally Public Meeting

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has confirmed that both Gerry Adams and Martin Mc Guinness will be among the platform speakers at a major Sinn Féin public meeting being held at Galbally Community Centre on Wednesday 23rd April at 8pm. Read full article


8 April, 2008

Strabane Public Meeting-opportunity to engage directly with senior Sinn Fein figures

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has described the public meeting being organised by Sinn Fein at Fountain Street Community Centre at 8pm this Sunday as providing the opportunity for local people to engage directly with senior Sinn Fein representatives on the full range of political, social, and economic issues be they at a local, regional or national level. Read full article


7 April, 2008

Social Networking sites must be safe from Paedophiles- Cllr Fitzgerald

Social networking sites will remain a preying ground for sexual predators if tougher measures arent introduced according to Sinn Féin councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald. Read full article


7 April, 2008

Mc Nulty praises Water Service for a "good job well done"

Sinn Fein Councillor Jarlath Mc Nulty has praised the Water Service for its prompt response in dealing with representations about a serious sewage overspill at Inisfree Gardens in Strabane on Thursday last. Read full article


7 April, 2008

McElduff urges people to contact Pothole Hotline

Sinn Fein MLA Barry McElduff is urging local people to report potholes directly to a 'Pothole Hotline' at Omagh 82 254600 Read full article


4 April, 2008

County wide 'United stand' against post office closures

Tyrone will take a county wide 'united stand' against the closure of post offices in the county according to Councillor Sean Begley. Read full article


3 April, 2008

Anger and revulsion at brutal attack on Mountfield pensioner

Sinn Fein Councillor Declan Mc Aleer said that there is massive anger and revulsion in the local community at those who subjected an elderly woman to a brutal assault and burglary at her Killyclogher Road home in Mountfield last night. Read full article


3 April, 2008

Fitzgerald welcomes Carrickmore traffic calming measures

Sinn Féin Mid Tyrone Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald has welcomed further traffic calming measures to be introduced in Carrickmore. Read full article


2 April, 2008

Be alert to Aghyaran/Castlederg oil thefts-Sinn Fein

Sinn Fein Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has called on people in the Aghyaran/Castlederg area to be alert to the fact that a spate of oil thefts have been carried out against local residents in recent days. Read full article


2 April, 2008

Adams to address Sinn Fein Public meeting in Strabane

One year on from the restoration of the political institutions and 10 years after the Good Friday Agreement Sinn Féin will be holding nine public meetings across the six counties to mark these historic events. Read full article


1 April, 2008

Mc Gill asks Ministers to explore life-line for Post Offices

West Tyrone Sinn Fein Assembly member Claire Mc Gill has submitted a written question, for an urgent response, to all Ministers in the Executive asking them to investigate the potential of enabling the public to access relevant services offered by their respective Departments at Post offices franchises so as to ensure their viability and sustainability. Read full article


1 April, 2008

Sinn Féin slams post office closures.

Sinn Fein councillor Sharon O'Brien has slammed the decision to close almost 100 post offices throughout the north of Ireland . Read full article


1 April, 2008

Post Office must be made to consider imaginative alternatives to rural closures. Begley

Omagh Sinn Fein Councillor Sean Begley says that if the Post Office proposals to close 21 branches in Tyrone are allowed to proceed the social and economic consequences for rural communities would just be as serious as the threat posed by the attempted imposition of Rural Planning Policy PPS 14 Read full article


31 March, 2008

Water Services 'no show' over sewage overspill unacceptable

Cllr Gerard Foley, the Sinn Fein Chairperson of Strabane District Council has criticized the failure of the Water Service to respond to representations about an overflow of raw sewage onto the Bellspark Road in the Glebe over the weekend. Read full article


27 March, 2008

Decision time for Maze/Long Kesh stadium - McElduff

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff MLA, who is chair of the Assembly Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee, has called on Finance Minister, Peter Robinson and Culture Minister Edwin Poots to act decisively and put a positive recommendation on the Maze/Long Kesh Stadium to the Executive for approval. Read full article


26 March, 2008

Several Thousand attend Carrickmore Easter Commemoration

Tyrone republicans converged in Carrickmore on Sunday 23rd March to commemorate Irelands patriot dead. Bunting, flags and posters adorned the parade route and all the approach roads. Read full article


25 March, 2008

Gerry Kelly Addresses Drumboe Commemoration

Photo of parade making its way through Ballybofey and of Platform Party at the Tírconnail Martyr's Memorial  erected to commemorate the execution of the four Drumboe martyrs, Charlie Daly, Seán Larkin, Daniel Enright and Tim O'Sullivan, by Free state forc

In bitterly cold weather conditions republicans from Donegal and Strabane turned out in large numbers at the Drumboe Easter Commemoration on Sunday at which the main speaker Gerry Kelly called on the Irish government to begin to play its role in bringing about Irish reunification. Read full article


20 March, 2008

McElduff welcomes €30 million JP McManus Scholarship Fund

Sinn Féin MLA for West Tyrone, Barry McElduff has welcomed the €30 million funding of an all-Ireland Scholarship fund by Irish racehorse owner and well known Philanthropist J P MCManus. Read full article


20 March, 2008

Fatal crash has casts dark shadow over Tyrone-Doherty

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says that the news that two men have been killed following a collision between two lorries on the main A5 road between Omagh and Newtownstewart this afternoon has cast a dark shadow over the area as we commence Easter week. Read full article


20 March, 2008

Foley must continue to be subject to the most stringent of monitoring mechanisms-Doherty

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says that Eamon Foley, as a convicted level 3 sex offender, must be subject to the most stringent of monitoring mechanisms Read full article


19 March, 2008

Doherty calls on MoD to make full public disclosure about profits from demilitarized sites sales

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has called on the British Ministry of Defence to make a full public disclosure about what profits it has secured from the sale of demilitarized sites across the six counties Read full article


19 March, 2008

'Arson attack' at home of Eamon Foley will solve nothing - Doherty

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says that, if as suspected, the fire at home of Eamon Foley at Seegronan Road outside Killeter last night was caused by arson it will solve absolutely nothing. Read full article


19 March, 2008

Public urged to wear Easter lily and remember Irelands patriot dead.

The late Mickey McAnespie launches the Easter lily campaign in 2006. Mickey was tragically killed during the year and will be fondly remembered this weekend by his family and friends.

West Tyrone Sinn Fein Councillor, Sean Begley has called upon people in Tyrone to wear their Easter lily and remember Ireland's patriot dead this weekend. Read full article


19 March, 2008

Mc Aleer welcomes Killyclogher recreation proposals

Cllr Mc Aleer pictured at the proposed recreation area in Killyclogher.

Councillor Declan Mc Aleer has welcomed a commitment from Omagh District Council to develop recreational facilities in Killyclogher. Read full article


18 March, 2008

Automatic sliding doors for Mourneside Health Centre-Mc Gill

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MLA Claire McGill has been told that work to install automatic sliding doors at Mourneside Health Centre should be completed after the Easter Holiday period and should alleviate access problems to the facility. Read full article


18 March, 2008

Mc Mahon welcomes £1.2m flood alleviation scheme at Ballycolman

Strabane Sinn Fein Councillor Brian Mc Mahon has welcomed news that a £1.2 million upgrade of the sewage pumping station at the bottom of the Ballycolman Estate in the town is to commence later this month. Read full article


17 March, 2008

Omagh DC passes motion in favour of Irish Language Act

Sinn Féin councillor, Martin McColgan has reiterated calls for the introduction of an Irish Language Act following the passage, by Omagh District Council of a motion in support of a proposed Irish Language Act for the North. Read full article


17 March, 2008

West Tyrone Sinn Féin goes online

Sinn Féin in West Tyrone brought their message into cyberspace during the week with the launch of a new website. Read full article


16 March, 2008

Local Government shake-up - progress on governance welcomed

Sinn Féin West Tyrone Constituency organiser Sean Begley has said that more important than the numbers of councils is the way they operate, what services they deliver and how they deliver for rate payers. Read full article


15 March, 2008

Lettercarn Road Water Mains to be replaced by early 2009-Mc Guire

Strabane District Sinn Féin Councillor Kieran Mc Guire has welcomed news that work is now scheduled to take place to alleviate the repeated disruption to water supply on the Lettercarn Road, in the Clare area, outside Castlederg. Read full article


15 March, 2008

GERRY KELLY TO BE MAIN SPEAKER AT DRUMBOE EASTER COMMEMORATION

Gerry Kelly will be the main speaker at the Annual Drumboe Easter Commemoration this Sunday as republicans from Strabane and throughout Donegal converge to commemorate the 1916 Rising Read full article


14 March, 2008

Doherty to represent party at London St Patrick's Day events

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty will represent the party at a series of events in London to mark St Patrick's Day. Read full article


13 March, 2008

Thousands expected to attend Carrickmore Easter commemoration

Chairperson of the Tyrone national graves, Brian Crawley has said for republicans the Easter period is one of reflection, commemoration and renewal. He was speaking ahead of the Easter commemorations marking 92 years since the Easter rising of 1916. Read full article


12 March, 2008

Mc Aleer calls for transfer of Policing and Justice powers

Sinn Féin councillor Declan McAleer has said that the transfer of Policing and Justice Powers is a fundamental aspect of the power sharing arrangements in the six counties. Read full article


12 March, 2008

Easter Commemorations

Tyrone National Graves Association Easter Commemorations 2008 Read full article


11 March, 2008

Doherty believes case for North West Cancer Centre has now been accepted in principle but 2015 timeframe is unacceptable

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says that he now believes that the case for developing a Satellite Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin has now been conceded in principle by the Departments of Health North and South Read full article


11 March, 2008

Doherty disappointed that DRD Roads bid for EU funding for Tyrone/Donegal Cross border roads not matched by Donegal Roads Dept.

Pat Doherty MP in conversation with DRD Minister Conor Murphy MP.

Sinn Fein West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has welcomed news that DRD Roads Service has applied for EU funding from the INTERREG IV Cross-Border Programme to carry out improvements to the Castlefin Road, Corgary Road, Kilclean Road, Moneygal Road and Tulnashane Road on the Tyrone side of the border with Donegal. Read full article


11 March, 2008

ZEBRA CROSSING FOR STRABANE HEALTH CENTRE-SINN FEIN

Strabane Sinn Fein Cllr Jarlath Mc Nulty has welcomed confirmation that a zebra crossing is to be introduced at Strabane Health Centre Read full article


10 March, 2008

Internal DUP political concerns must not stifle stadium proposals - McElduff MLA

Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff, who is the Chairperson of the Assembly Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee, has today restated his party's position that the project of a sports stadium at Long Kesh must be moved forward and internal DUP political concerns must not stifle this opportunity. Read full article


7 March, 2008

Torchlight Vigil marks Gibraltar killings

A section of the crowd who attended the Torchlight vigil in the Garden of Remembrance

On Friday evening, Republicans from County Tyrone assembled at the Garden of Remembrance in Carrickmore to commemorate the lives of Mairead Farrell, Sean Savage and Dan Mc Cann who were shot by the SAS in Gibraltar on 6th March 1988. Read full article


3 March, 2008

Doherty flags up importance of Omagh Education Village Campus ahead of Assembly debate

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says that he hopes that proposals for a unique secondary level Education Village Campus to be located on the former British military sites of Lisanelly and St Lucia in Omagh will receive universal backing when the issue is discussed at an adjournment debate in the assembly tomorrow morning. Read full article


27 February, 2008

Doherty Welcomes Dean Maguirc New Build Announcement

Sinn Féin West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty has given a warm welcome to the announcement by Education Minister Caitríona Ruane giving the go ahead for a new build for Dean Maguirc College in Carrickmore. Read full article


25 February, 2008

BBC announcement on increased GAA coverage "a step in the right direction"

Sinn Féin MLA Barry McElduff (West Tyrone) has welcomed a BBC announcement on increased GAA coverage over the next three years as a ste