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11/03/2005
Sinn Fein to lose Westminster allowances
The House of Commons has voted to stop allowances for Sinn Fein MP's for a 12 month period commencing on April 1st.
The Government motion was passed without a vote on Thursday following the debate over recommendations made by the Independent Monitoring Commission in February.
However, a further censure, an amendment to withdraw access for Sinn Fein from the Palace of Westminster was not carried.
Speaking during the debate, Secretary of State Paul Murphy said IRA criminality was holding up the current process. “The Government wants to do all that it can to ensure the process in Northern Ireland moves on and we can only do that if the IRA stops its criminal activity,” he said.
“The criminal activity of the IRA must be sorted out but today’s debate is an opportunity to show deep disapproval at what has happened.”
Last year Sinn Fein’s four MP received a combined total of almost £440,000 in House of Commons allowances.
(MB/SP)
The Government motion was passed without a vote on Thursday following the debate over recommendations made by the Independent Monitoring Commission in February.
However, a further censure, an amendment to withdraw access for Sinn Fein from the Palace of Westminster was not carried.
Speaking during the debate, Secretary of State Paul Murphy said IRA criminality was holding up the current process. “The Government wants to do all that it can to ensure the process in Northern Ireland moves on and we can only do that if the IRA stops its criminal activity,” he said.
“The criminal activity of the IRA must be sorted out but today’s debate is an opportunity to show deep disapproval at what has happened.”
Last year Sinn Fein’s four MP received a combined total of almost £440,000 in House of Commons allowances.
(MB/SP)
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Two Former Soldiers To Be Prosecuted Over Murder Of IRA Man
Two former soldiers are to be prosecuted in connection with the fatal shooting of an Official IRA man in Belfast in 1972. Joe McCann, who was a prominent member of the Official IRA, was fatally shot in the Markets area. The pair, known as Soldier A and Soldier C, are the surviving members of the Army patrol who shot Mr McCann.
18 April 2003
Adams claims IRA response is ‘unparalleled’
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has told a meeting of party members that the IRA statement issued to the British and Irish governments contained elements that were “unparalleled” in republican history. Mr Adams attending a meeting held in a Newry hotel maintained that the IRA statement was both “clear and unambiguous”.
Adams claims IRA response is ‘unparalleled’
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has told a meeting of party members that the IRA statement issued to the British and Irish governments contained elements that were “unparalleled” in republican history. Mr Adams attending a meeting held in a Newry hotel maintained that the IRA statement was both “clear and unambiguous”.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
