9th August 2002

---

Sinn Fein abhors attempts to impose blanket ban on Travellers

Sinn Fein spokesperson on Justice and Equality, Aengus Ó Snodaigh has described recent moves by the Vintners Federation of Ireland to impose a blanket ban on Travellers as ``completely unjustified and abhorrent''. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said:

``Recent moves by the Vintners Federation of Ireland to impose a blanket ban on Travellers is completely unjustified and abhorrent. It is blatantly discriminatory and is potentially disastrous for their own members.

``It is clear from comments made by senior members of the Federation that there is an agenda at work here that has more to do with undermining the Equal Status Act than with dealing with any perceived threat to people's livelihoods.

``Central to Sinn Fein's policies and political development over the last number of years, especially in the course of the Peace Process has been the issue of equality. We believe that a just society must be based on equality for all, regardless of sex, creed or race.

``In that regard we believe it is wrong for any group to victimise or to collectively punish any section of society for what may be the actions of individuals or a minority.

``We believe that there are enough laws and supports already in existence for Vintners to use should they encounter any problems from either settled or traveller communities.''

---

Sinn Fein Press Office, 44 Parnell Square, Dublin 1
Tel: +353-1-8726100 and +353-1-8726839   ·   Fax +353-1-8733074
E-mail: sinnfein@irlnet.com   ·   Website: http://www.sinnfein.org

---

Sinn Fein   ·   Sinn Fein Documents

---