Monaghan Protest at Israeli actions

A hastily arranged protest was organised by Sinn Féin in Monaghan on Monday in response to what the party described as “the murderous actions by Israel” in the early hours of the morning. At least sixteen humanitarian aid workers were killed when the Flotilla with medical and food supplies to Gaza on which they were travelling were attacked by the Israeli Army. The Israeli actions have been described by commentators across the world as cold and calculated.

The protest held at the Courthouse in Monaghan Town on Monday was one of dozens held across the country organised by Sinn Féin, Palestinian Support Groups and Human Rights bodies. Approximately 30 people were in attendance at any given time during the Monaghan event which was enthusiastically received by the public with a chorus of car horns sounding in the vicinity in support of the demonstration for its duration. Among those in attendance were several Sinn Féin members including local Dáil Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin along with Monaghan Councillors Matt Carthy, Jackie Crowe, Brian McKenna and Peter Grimes. Councillor John Martin from Cootehill was also present as were many non-party aligned individuals who wanted to voice their support for the Palestinian people and for those Humanitarian Aid Workers who were attacked.

Speaking following the event Sinn Féin Dáil leader, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin thanked party colleagues and members of the public who had mobilised at short noticed for the event. Deputy Ó Caoláin said there must be action from the International Community and called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs to expel the Israeli Ambassador from the Country.

He said “This cold and calculated attack took place in international waters, in breach of all international maritime laws. There simply must be action from the international community.

“Foreign Affairs Minister Mícheál Martin must expel the Israeli Ambassador from the Country. Furthermore the preferential trade agreement with Israel must be ended.

“This was a humanitarian aid mission carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid to the besieged city of Gaza. The blockade of Gaza is illegal under International law.

“At all stage of preparations to join the flotilla the organisers’ reiterated non-violent and peaceful resistance to any boarding by Israeli army. The Israelis had nothing to fear from this flotilla.

“The attack has left up to 20 dead and fifty injured 10,000 tons of much needed aid wasted.

“My thoughts are with the families of those who died. They were courageous men and women as was each and every person on the flotilla” he concluded.

McKenna slams government decision to stop CLÁR funding for local roads

North Monaghan Sinn Féin Councillor, Brian McKenna, has slammed the decision of the government to stop CLÁR funding for rural lanes under the Local Improvement Scheme. Cllr. McKenna stated that many lanes within the CLÁR area had received funding under this scheme in recent times and it meant that those living in isolated rural areas were in a position to upgrade and resurface the access to their homes.

He said: “There continues to be many lanes within the CLÁR area in much need of resurfacing. In many cases those living on these lanes are elderly people on their own. Some of them have already been waiting for years for assistance. This government decision will inevitably mean further delays, perhaps for many years, for applicants of this scheme”.

Under the Local Improvement Scheme residents and landowners receive resurfacing works to their lanes provided they make a financial contribution and carry out preparatory works themselves. The CLÁR funding, which has been stopped, provided funding for lanes in the more isolated rural areas.