3rd May 2002

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MacManus: No masts in residential areas

Following the comments of the Chairman of the Sligo Rovers earlier this week, Sinn Fein election candidate for Sligo/Leitrim Councillor Seán MacManus has repeated his support of the Maugheraboy and Merville residents opposed to mobile phone masts in their areas.

Speaking in Maugheraboy earlier today, Cllr. MacManus said:

``I have a long record of supporting concerned communities on the mast issue. People know my position, and I don't intend to change it. However, in light of the Sligo Rovers Chairman's recent comments, I take this opportunity to restate clearly where I stand in relation to unwanted masts.

``Dempsey's law is a disgraceful abuse of his Ministerial powers and an affront to all of us who would put public health before corporate interests. If elected as TD for Sligo/Leitrim I will continue to pursue a repeal of Dempsey's law. And I will go further. I will continue to call for legislation to ban mobile masts in residential areas, and near hospitals, and schools. I have identified this as a priority in my election manifesto.

MacManus concluded: ``It is Sinn Fein's position that all government policy must be vetted to ensure that it does not threaten public health. By these standards, Dempsey's regulations cannot remain on the books. I will take this issue into the Dail with the rest of the Sinn Fein Team in Leinster House.''

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