New Ógra Shinn Féin group launches in South Down!

down | miscellaneous | news report Monday July 24, 2006 17:42 by Ógra B - Ógra Shinn Féin

The MP for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy and South Down MLA Caitriona
Ruane, welcomed over 60 members of the Padraig Pearse cumann of Mourne
and Crotlieve Ógra Shinn Féin at the group's official launch at
Warrenpoint Town Hall on Friday, July 21st.

South Down ÓSF protest Warrenpoint RUC/PSNI Barracks!

Congratulating everyone present on the campaigns they had already
undertaken, including highlighting issues around suicide prevention and
political policing, Conor Murphy pointed out the republican youth group
was the fastest growing section of the fastest growing political party
on the island of Ireland. "This is a very exciting time to be a
republican", he told the packed meeting, and "we look to you to
continue to challenge us, to keep our thinking fresh and help us to
change the political face of this island."

Paying tribute to the new group, Catri­ona Ruane MLA said that "Ógra
would be a great force for positive change in the future. Your
dedication will be so important in fighting for the issues that matter
to young people, such as lowering the voting age to 16, campaigning for
equality, working with ethnic minorities against racism and suicide
prevention. It is also encouraging to see so many women here tonight
who can help us in the fight for gender equality."

The meeting was chaired by Michael Sloan and in a speech to the
assembled audience Ciara Rogers, the group's PRO, said Ogra would
continue to campaign on and highlight priority issues such as suicide
prevention, political policing, voting rights in the Dail and the
promotion of the Irish language. Barry McColgan, National Ógra
organiser, spoke about the remarkable growth of the youth group which
has established seven new branches in the Six Counties alone this year.

After the meeting, Ógra Shinn Féin activists joined Caitriona Ruane
MLA at a protest against political policing outside the town's PSNI
station.

Crotlieve and Mourne Ógra Shinn Féin is open to anyone aged
between 16 and 29 who want to bring about positive change for young people. It
covers the area from Warrenpoint to Kilkeel and will be meeting every
second Wednesday in the month at the Warrenpoint Advice Centre from September
onwards. The group organiser is Michael Sloan and anyone interested in
joining should call Warrenpoint Sinn Féin office on 4154 4283.