18/09/2001
Sinn Féin minister would quit over link to drugs
Education Minister Martin McGuinness has threatened to leave Sinn Féin if it was proved any members were associated with the drug trade.
Mr McGuinness was responding to calls from members of the Democratic Unionist Party to condemn the Colombian terror group, the FARC, which is believed to be involved in smuggling cocaine to the United States.
Three Irishmen are currently in custody in the Colombian capital Bogota, accused of helping to train members of the rebel group.
Mr McGuinness told the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday 17 September: “The attempt to link Sinn Féin to any drugs organisation in South America has to be seen as what it is – cheap political point scoring.”
Mr McGuinness further added that he condemned without reservation anyone associated with any group involved in the drugs trade. (AMcE)
Mr McGuinness was responding to calls from members of the Democratic Unionist Party to condemn the Colombian terror group, the FARC, which is believed to be involved in smuggling cocaine to the United States.
Three Irishmen are currently in custody in the Colombian capital Bogota, accused of helping to train members of the rebel group.
Mr McGuinness told the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday 17 September: “The attempt to link Sinn Féin to any drugs organisation in South America has to be seen as what it is – cheap political point scoring.”
Mr McGuinness further added that he condemned without reservation anyone associated with any group involved in the drugs trade. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 June 2019
Man Jailed For Drugs Offences
A Newtownabbey man has been handed a custodial sentence for a series of drugs offences following police raids as part of a paramilitary probe. 49-year-old William Axon will serve two years imprisonment, half in custody and half on licence.
Man Jailed For Drugs Offences
A Newtownabbey man has been handed a custodial sentence for a series of drugs offences following police raids as part of a paramilitary probe. 49-year-old William Axon will serve two years imprisonment, half in custody and half on licence.
22 March 2017
Book of Condolence In Memory Of Martin McGuinness Opens At Guildhall
A Book of Condolence has opened at the Guildhall in L'Derry in memory of former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness. Mr McGuinness died following a short illness on Tuesday, 21 March.
Book of Condolence In Memory Of Martin McGuinness Opens At Guildhall
A Book of Condolence has opened at the Guildhall in L'Derry in memory of former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness. Mr McGuinness died following a short illness on Tuesday, 21 March.
17 April 2002
Catholic Bishops declare opposition to academic selection
The Stormont Education Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Northern Catholic Bishops’ statement on the future process of academic selection. The Northern Bishops said in a statement on Tuesday April 16 that they wanted to “maintain and enhance quality but not promote elitism”.
Catholic Bishops declare opposition to academic selection
The Stormont Education Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Northern Catholic Bishops’ statement on the future process of academic selection. The Northern Bishops said in a statement on Tuesday April 16 that they wanted to “maintain and enhance quality but not promote elitism”.
12 February 2002
Assembly backs Queen's Jubilee school memento
The Stormont Assembly has backed a motion calling for the Department of Education to provide funds for souvenirs for primary schoolchildren to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. A motion tabled by the DUP calling for a special memento to celebrate the occasion was passed in the House by 26 votes to 11 on Tuesday February 12.
Assembly backs Queen's Jubilee school memento
The Stormont Assembly has backed a motion calling for the Department of Education to provide funds for souvenirs for primary schoolchildren to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. A motion tabled by the DUP calling for a special memento to celebrate the occasion was passed in the House by 26 votes to 11 on Tuesday February 12.
06 October 2008
Martin McGuinness's Mother Dies - Aged 84
Tributes have been paid to the mother of Martin McGuinness (pictured) who died today, following a short illness. Sinn Fein said 84-year-old Peggy McGuinness had died peacefully at her Londonderry home this morning. Friends and Family are said to be comforting Mr McGuinness.
Martin McGuinness's Mother Dies - Aged 84
Tributes have been paid to the mother of Martin McGuinness (pictured) who died today, following a short illness. Sinn Fein said 84-year-old Peggy McGuinness had died peacefully at her Londonderry home this morning. Friends and Family are said to be comforting Mr McGuinness.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.