26th June 2002

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Judicial Review Granted

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has welcomed the ruling in the High Court in Belfast today giving Sinn Fein leave to seek a judicial review into the decision of the Electoral Commission to deny funding entitled to the party.

Ms Gildernew said:

``Today's decision paves the way for a judicial review into the decision of the Electoral Commission to deny Sinn Fein funding for policy development which it is entitled to. The court decided that the Judicial Review should take place in early November. It is vital that this is resolved satisfactorily before the run in to the Assembly election.

``Our legitimate abstentionist position is being used to deny Sinn Fein members and our electorate their full rights and entitlements. This decision discriminates against our political beliefs, gives our political opponents an unfair advantage and distorts the level playing field which elections are supposed to be fought.

``Sinn Fein do not expect or demand any more than we are entitled to. This decision by the Electoral Commission is part of the old failed agenda which for years attempted to ignore or deny the Sinn Fein mandate.''

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Tel: +353-1-8726100 and +353-1-8726839   ·   Fax +353-1-8733074
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