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14/12/2001
Plans underway to house Sinn Féin in Commons
Plans for Sinn Fein's MPs to be allowed to use facilities at Westminster, in spite of their refusal to sit in the Commons, are to go before Parliament.
Sinn Féin are currently denied access to offices and other privileges because of their refusal to swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen. The republican party has four MPs - more than the moderate nationalist SDLP.
The House of Commons leader Robin Cook told MPs a motion would go before the Commons next week.
Sinn Fein’s Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP, Michelle Gildernew welcomed the move. She said: “Sinn Féin have made it clear that we will pursue all of the democratic rights that we are entitled as a result of our democratic mandate. This includes the use of facilities at Westminster. We will not be swearing an oath of allegiance to the British Queen and we will not be taking our seats in Westminster. This likely development will benefit our electorate and overcome decades of misinformation. It is a result of repeatedly pushing the British government on this issue. The use of Westminster facilities is vital to the vindication of our electoral mandate.”
However even if the party’s four Members of Parliament are granted office space and access to the extensive research department, they will not receive their salaries because of their refusal to swear allegiance to the Queen. (AMcE)
Sinn Féin are currently denied access to offices and other privileges because of their refusal to swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen. The republican party has four MPs - more than the moderate nationalist SDLP.
The House of Commons leader Robin Cook told MPs a motion would go before the Commons next week.
Sinn Fein’s Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP, Michelle Gildernew welcomed the move. She said: “Sinn Féin have made it clear that we will pursue all of the democratic rights that we are entitled as a result of our democratic mandate. This includes the use of facilities at Westminster. We will not be swearing an oath of allegiance to the British Queen and we will not be taking our seats in Westminster. This likely development will benefit our electorate and overcome decades of misinformation. It is a result of repeatedly pushing the British government on this issue. The use of Westminster facilities is vital to the vindication of our electoral mandate.”
However even if the party’s four Members of Parliament are granted office space and access to the extensive research department, they will not receive their salaries because of their refusal to swear allegiance to the Queen. (AMcE)
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Sinn Fein Westminster allowances restored
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Sinn Fein Westminster allowances restored
UPDATE: MPs voted to restore allowances to Sinn Fein's five MPs following a debate in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon. Although the Republican party's MPs do not sit in Westminster they are entitled to allowances amounting to around £500,000 a year from the British parliament.
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Decommissioning deadline extended in Commons
A bill that extends the existing timeframe for decommissioning was passed in the House of Commons despite opposition from Tory and unionist MPs. The Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning (Amendment) Bill passed on Friday December 18, will now extend the existing amnesty on decommissioning, which expires on midnight February 26th 2002, for one year.
Decommissioning deadline extended in Commons
A bill that extends the existing timeframe for decommissioning was passed in the House of Commons despite opposition from Tory and unionist MPs. The Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning (Amendment) Bill passed on Friday December 18, will now extend the existing amnesty on decommissioning, which expires on midnight February 26th 2002, for one year.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
