Latest news with #MichelleO'Neill
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Politics
- Sunday World
Michelle O'Neill voices support for Kneecap star after terror charge
'I think that highlighting genocide, highlighting the inhumane slaughter of defenceless citizens, is not a crime.' First Minister Michelle O'Neill has expressed 'solidarity' with Kneecap's Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh as well as two people arrested in Belfast over the weekend at a pro-Palestine protest. The vice president of Sinn Fein said that 'highlighting genocide' should never be considered a crime. Mr Ó hAnnaidh (27), who performs as Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence last week after he allegedly displayed a flag in support of the proscribed organisation Hezbollah during a gig in London last year. In a separate incident at the weekend, campaigners Sue Pentel (72) and Martine McCullough, aged in her 50s, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after protesting outside a Barclays bank branch in Castle Place, Belfast. Kneecap's Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh. Photo: PA News in 90 Seconds - May 27th Since the latest conflict in the Middle East escalated in October 2023 following Hamas' deadly attack in Israel there has been criticism of Barclays' financial ties with arms companies that sell weapons to the country. Speaking in the Assembly, Ms O'Neill was asked by People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll whether she supported Mr Ó hAnnaidh, and Ms Pentel and Ms McCullough. 'I think that highlighting genocide, highlighting the inhumane slaughter of defenceless citizens, is not a crime," she replied. 'That's certainly my view, and I send solidarity to all those protesting and calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine.' Mr Carroll pressed the First Minister as to whether she specifically raised the case of Mr Ó hAnnaidh with Prime Minister Keir Starmer when the pair met last week. Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O'Neill 'I made my point in terms of solidarity to these individuals, to Liam Óg and to Sue and Martine,' she said 'Because I think that anybody who goes out to raise their voice, rightly so, in my opinion, in terms of calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine, is doing a good thing. 'The international community is far too silent. The international community has failed to act and the international community has failed to end the genocide in Palestine. 'I can tell you that I did raise that issue with Keir Starmer on Friday. I made it very clear that they needed to end their arms sales to Israel. 'And I made it very clear that they need to step up in a real, detailed way with sanctions against Israel, because to not do so is to be complicit in what they're doing.' Following Mr Ó hAnnaidh's being charged last week, Kneecap released a statement denouncing the decision. 'We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves, this is political policing, this is a carnival of distraction,' the group said. 'We are not the story, genocide is, as they profit from genocide, they use an 'anti-terror law' against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage. A charge not serious enough to even warrant their crown court, instead a court that doesn't have a jury. What's the objective? 'To restrict our ability to travel. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare speak out. 'Instead of defending innocent people, or the principles of international law they claim to uphold, the powerful in Britain have abetted slaughter and famine in Gaza, just as they did in Ireland for centuries. Then, like now, they claim justification. 'The IDF units they arm and fly spy plane missions for are the real terrorists, the whole world can see it.' Belfast rappers Kneecap The Met Police's anti-terrorism unit began investigating the band after footage surfaced of a member appearing to shout 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP'. A second video also emerged showing a member allegedly chanting 'Up Hamas' and 'Up Hezbollah' from a stage. Mr Ó hAnnaidh is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 18 accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah which is a proscribed terror organisation. 'On 21 November 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, displayed an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hezbollah, contrary to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000,' the Met Police previously said. 'Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command were made aware on Tuesday, 22 April of an online video from the event. An investigation was carried out, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the above charge.' Following the arrest of two campaigners in Belfast at the weekend, Ms Pentel – a Jewish grandmother and high profile campaigner against the war in Gaza – said it was 'ridiculous' that they faced being charged with a criminal offence.
Powys County Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
O'Neill ‘determined to see Casement Park over the line'
First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said she is 'determined' to see the redevelopment of Casement Park. The planned refurb of the derelict GAA ground in west Belfast has faced years of delay due to legal action by concerned residents and funding uncertainty. Asked for an update on the situation during Executive Office questions on Tuesday by SDLP MLA Justin McNulty, Ms O'Neill said she consistently raises Casement Park with all levels of the British and Irish Governments. She was also due to meet with Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to discuss it on Tuesday afternoon. Currently plans for a 34,000-capacity venue on the site are in limbo due to a major funding gap of around £150 million. Last year the UK government ended hopes that the Belfast venue would host Euro 2028 soccer games when it said it would not bridge the funding gap to deliver the reconstruction in time. The Stormont Executive has committed £62.5 million to the redevelopment, the Irish Government has offered roughly £42 million while the GAA has pledged to contribute at least £15 million. The UK Government has said it will decide if it will make a contribution to the build costs as part of next month's UK-wide Spending Review. However, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has made clear that even if the Government does divert money to the project, the sum will not alone bridge the current funding gap. On Tuesday, Ms O'Neill said: 'We have to put every bit of energy and effort that we have to ensure that it is will be built. 'This is an Executive flagship project. 'I am determined to see it over the line, and I'm determined to work with all partners to ensure that that is the case.' Referring to Mr Lyons attending his first GAA match in post at the weekend, Ms O'Neill said she hopes he 'got a sense of how important it is to Gaels right across this island to play games in their own stadiums'. 'But I am absolutely determined to ensure that we get movement on Casement Park, and that means working with the minister, that means working with the British government, the Irish government, the GAA and all partners who are committed to ensuring that this project gets over the line. 'It is going to take all the partners working together to ensure that it is across the line. 'We missed a huge opportunity in terms of the Euros not being able to play and have our part in all of that, and the economic benefit that that would have brought to us all. 'It's a long overdue home for Ulster Gaels, and it is now time to get it built. 'I can say that I am determined to continue to work with everybody to ensure that the funding contribution is put on the table so that we can get on with actually building the project.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
O'Neill ‘determined to see Casement Park over the line'
First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said she is 'determined' to see the redevelopment of Casement Park. The planned refurb of the derelict GAA ground in west Belfast has faced years of delay due to legal action by concerned residents and funding uncertainty. Asked for an update on the situation during Executive Office questions on Tuesday by SDLP MLA Justin McNulty, Ms O'Neill said she consistently raises Casement Park with all levels of the British and Irish Governments. She was also due to meet with Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to discuss it on Tuesday afternoon. Currently plans for a 34,000-capacity venue on the site are in limbo due to a major funding gap of around £150 million. Last year the UK government ended hopes that the Belfast venue would host Euro 2028 soccer games when it said it would not bridge the funding gap to deliver the reconstruction in time. The Stormont Executive has committed £62.5 million to the redevelopment, the Irish Government has offered roughly £42 million while the GAA has pledged to contribute at least £15 million. The UK Government has said it will decide if it will make a contribution to the build costs as part of next month's UK-wide Spending Review. However, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has made clear that even if the Government does divert money to the project, the sum will not alone bridge the current funding gap. On Tuesday, Ms O'Neill said: 'We have to put every bit of energy and effort that we have to ensure that it is will be built. 'This is an Executive flagship project. 'I am determined to see it over the line, and I'm determined to work with all partners to ensure that that is the case.' Referring to Mr Lyons attending his first GAA match in post at the weekend, Ms O'Neill said she hopes he 'got a sense of how important it is to Gaels right across this island to play games in their own stadiums'. 'But I am absolutely determined to ensure that we get movement on Casement Park, and that means working with the minister, that means working with the British government, the Irish government, the GAA and all partners who are committed to ensuring that this project gets over the line. 'It is going to take all the partners working together to ensure that it is across the line. 'We missed a huge opportunity in terms of the Euros not being able to play and have our part in all of that, and the economic benefit that that would have brought to us all. 'It's a long overdue home for Ulster Gaels, and it is now time to get it built. 'I can say that I am determined to continue to work with everybody to ensure that the funding contribution is put on the table so that we can get on with actually building the project.'
Belfast Telegraph
5 days ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Michelle O'Neill voices support for Kneecap member and campaigners arrested over pro-Palestine protest
First Minister Michelle O'Neill has expressed 'solidarity' with Kneecap's Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh as well as two people arrested in Belfast over the weekend at a pro-Palestine protest.
Irish Independent
7 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Michelle O'Neill amongst speakers at Leitrim summer school honouring 1916 leader Sean Mac Diarmada
Now in its 17th year, the summer school, supported by Leitrim County Council, has established itself as a significant fixture in the national calendar of summer schools held across Ireland. The theme of this year's event is, 'The World Today 'Different Perspectives' Since its inception, the summer school has played a key role in raising public awareness of Seán Mac Diarmada, highlighting both his pivotal role in modern Irish history and his rural roots in County Leitrim. The event not only honours his legacy as a major figure in the 1916 Easter Rising but also provides a platform for rigorous academic research and public discussion surrounding his life, the Rising, and their lasting impact on Irish society. Up to 2016, the Seán Mac Diarmada Summer School focused primarily on the historical forces that have shaped us as a nation and as a people—exploring the roots of our identity both at home and abroad. Since then, the School has expanded its scope to include a broad range of contemporary issues, examining topics of social, economic, political, and public concern, including healthcare and civic engagement. The event has consistently attracted accomplished speakers, including leading international academics and prominent public figures, placing Kiltyclogher firmly on the map as a centre for thoughtful dialogue and cultural reflection. The 2025 Seán Mac Diarmada Summer School will commence on Friday, 30th May, with the official opening ceremony at 6pm at the Mac Diarmada homestead—the last surviving home of a signatory of the 1916 Rising. Shuttle buses will run from Kiltyclogher village from 5pm to and from the homestead. The official opening will be conducted by Michelle O'Neill MLA, First Minister of Northern Ireland. Following the ceremony, refreshments will be served at the community centre. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The schedule for the evening is: 7:30 pm – Keynote Address by Michelle O'Neill MLA – Presentation Title: Leadership for a new Ireland: Responsibility in a Time of Change 8:30pm – Presentation by Colin Regan, GAA Community and Health Manager – Presentation title: The Big Perspective of Small People Saturday's programme will open at 10:15 am with a presentation by Ronan Haslette, Managing Director of Merenda, Manorhamilton called The Impact of Globalisation of an Indigenous SME – Merenda's Story At 11:15 am Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality will deliver her presentation titled: Serving Children and young people in a Topsy-Turvy World. This will be followed at 12:15 p.m. by Oliver McTernan, Director and Co-founder of Forward Thinking and his presentation is The Global Consequences of the War in Gaza. Lunch will be served in the community centre from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. The afternoon session begins at 2:15 pm with Dr Brendan Kearney, who will discuss the changed nature in the agricultural sector in Ireland – with particular emphasis on the impact of climate change Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook At 3:15 p.m., acclaimed writer and commentator Michael Harding will present his talk, 'Is History True?' offering thought-provoking reflections and analysis. Since 2020, the Seán Mac Diarmada Summer School has successfully adopted a hybrid model, with both in-person and virtual attendance. The committee is proud to welcome audiences from across the globe, including the UK, USA, Dubai, Switzerland—and, for the first time in 2025, extended outreach to the diaspora in Australia, New Zealand, and Seattle, Washington. Those wishing to attend remotely can register and access the live stream or individual lectures via our website:
