Republican News · Thursday 15 August 2002

Ban on Travellers unjustified and abhorrent

Recent moves by the Vintners Federation of Ireland to impose a blanket ban on Travellers have been described by Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice and Equality, Aengus ó Snodaigh TD, as "completely unjustified and abhorrent".

"It is blatantly discriminatory and is potentially disastrous for their own members," said the Dublin TD. "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 Féin'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."