Sinn Féin have accused the SDLP of aligning themselves with rejectionist republicans following the disruption of today's District Policing Partnership meeting.


Sinn Féin Council Group Leader and DPP member Maeve McLaughlin said:


"The SDLP have been engaging in disgraceful gutter politics in the wake of this mornings meeting. They falsely accused Sinn Féin of excluding them from the meeting by beginning the proceedings early.


"Let's be clear about the facts. The decision to begin early was made by the DPP manager because the hall was full to capacity.


" Sinn Féin had no part in that decision. However, we were aware that there was a huge public interest in this meeting and we informed all the parties earlier in the week that a big crowd was expected and they should get there as early as possible.


"The SDLP chose to ignore that advice and entered the hall along with the protestors.


"Sadly, it reflects that party's own growing rejectionist attitude towards anything they can't control. They will align themselves with any organisation on any issue so long as it is anti-Sinn Féin. If proof were needed, the SDLP decision to oppose the transfer of Policing and Justice powers to the Assembly because they weren't handed the position of Minister for Justice is just the latest example. How is that serving the interests of the nationalist people?


"It fits a pattern we have witnessed in this city and elsewhere over recent months whether it is playparks in Galliagh, Alleygates in Fahan Street, academic selection, transfer of Policing and Justice or holding the PSNI to account, the SDLP don't care what the issue is - they will stand shoulder to shoulder with rejectionists whether they be the republican or unionist variety so long as they are opposed to Sinn Féin.


"I understand that the SDLP are in somewhat of a crisis at the minute but they really need to decide whether they stand for the democratic will of the people or if they will continue to pander to those in our society who want to prevent progress and change and those who want nothing more than to drag us all back into conflict and British Troops back on our Streets.

Speaking in Strasbourg today Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brun called on European leaders to deliver a new Treaty for a new time.

Speaking during a parliamentary debate Ms de Brun said:

"The overwhelming number of people who voted against the Treaty last year did so because they believe that a better Europe is possible, a Europe that is democratic and accountable; that promotes workers rights; that protects public services and that seeks to play a positive role in the wider world.

"We are told that the European Council has agreed a package of legally-binding guarantees that respond to the concerns of Irish people. What has been published is nothing more than clarifications of the Lisbon Treaty. It in no way alters its content or substance.

"When we vote on this matter in October we will be voting on exactly the same Treaty as was rejected last year. No amendments, no additions, no deletions. Exactly the same Lisbon Treaty as was rejected by 53% of the electorate.

"We need a new Treaty for a new time." ENDS

Vótáil líon treascrach na ndaoine in aghaidh an Chonradh Liospóin anuraidh toisc an creideamh gur féidir Eoraip níos fearr a bhaint amach, Eoraip atá daonlathach agus freagrach; a chuireann chun cinn cearta oibrithe; a chosnaíonn seirbhísí poiblí agus a iarrann ról dearfach sa domhan mór.

Dúradh linn gur aontaigh an Chomhairle Eorpach pacáiste ráthanna a bhfuil ceangal dlí ag gabháil leo a fhreagraíonn d'imnithe mhuintir na hÉireann. Ach níl sa mhéad atá foilsithe ach soiléiriú ar Chonradh Liospóin. Ní athraíonn siad, ar dhóigh ar bith, an t-ábhar nó an substaint.

Nuair a chaithfimid vóta ar an ábhar seo i nDeireadh Fómhair beimid ag vótáil ar an Chonradh ceannann céanna a diúltaíodh anuraidh. Gan aon leasú, gan aon ábhar breise, gan aon scriosadh. An Conradh Liospóin ceannann céanna a dhiúltaigh 53% de na

As the only party organised throughout the 32 counties, and with elected representation at all levels of democracy in Ireland, we are working to make Irish unity a reality in our lifetime.

We are the only party with a strategy and policies for achieving Irish unity and independence. We are the only party that people can vote for whether they live in Derry, Kerry, Wexford or Antrim. We are the only party bringing a distinctly republican and socialist analysis into the heart of Irish politics.

We have placed the development of all-Ireland structures and the demand for reunification at the top of our political agenda.

Throughout the peace process we have consistently urged an island-wide approach in key policy areas.

We have given practical expression to this through the work of our Ministers in the Executive and the all-Ireland Ministerial Council.

In the Dáil and the Assembly, Sinn Féin representatives have continuously pressed the need to sustain and develop the all-Ireland approach enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement.

Sinn Féin's priorities are:

Preparation and publication of a Green Paper on Irish unity by the Irish government;
A broad campaign alongside other political parties, campaign groups, trade unions and other interested sections of our society in creating an Alliance for Irish Unity;
Expanding the island wide approach in key policy areas including the economy, health, employment, agriculture and tourism;
Expansion of the areas of co-operation under the North South Ministerial Council;
Representation in the Dáil and Seanad for Irish citizens living in the north of Ireland;
Engaging with unionism about the nature and form a new united Ireland will take.
By planning for Irish unity and by demonstrating that unification can lead to a better society for all the people of this island, nationalists will go far towards persuading many unionists that they can have a secure future in a new, united Ireland.