April 11, 2020
O’Neill seeks meetings with governments on British Army

Responding to reports that the health minister has requested assistance from the British Army Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill said today:

“I have been informed that the Minister for Health Robin Swann has unilaterally and without consultation with Executive colleagues requested limited assistance from the British Army.

“Sinn Féin has made it clear we will not rule out any measure necessary to save lives, protect the public and tackle the spread of Coronavirus.

“However, no proposal to use British military personnel in the north for roles normally performed by civilians has come before the Executive.

“I have raised the sensitivities of British military intervention directly with the British Secretary of State Brandon Lewis.

“The health minister has a responsibility to exhaust all options, including the use of other blue light public services and civilian contractors, to ensure that ventilators and life saving equipment are moved swiftly to where they are needed most.

“The Department for Health has already contracted a local civilian contractor to scope out building a HSC-led civilian ‘field hospital’.

“It remains Sinn Féin’s position that any proposed new Nightingale hospital should remain under the care and control of the HSC.

“Sinn Féin is seeking an urgent meeting with the health minister, on his failure to consult ministerial colleagues at yesterday’s Executive meeting.

“We will also be seeking meetings with the British Secretary of State, the Tanáiste and the PSNI given the seriousness of a decision to bring in the British military.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

I welcome tonight’s statement from the Ceann Comhairle and her acceptance of the position set out by Sinn Féin and the combined Opposition - you cannot be in government and opposition at the same time.

This was a stroke too far on the back of a grubby deal and everyone knows…

One year ago today, history was made as I took up the position of First Minister.

Every day since, I’ve worked to ensure all our people are fairly represented and to meet the needs and aspirations of workers, families and communities.

I remain determined to do everything I can…

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney has welcomed the passing of a motion in the Assembly supporting greater north-south co-operation.

@DeclanKearneySF

👋 Meet your new Sinn Féin ministerial team.

Our strong Sinn Féin team in the Executive will work to continue leading positive change and improve the lives of workers, families and communities.

4

Load More

Statements