Republican News · Thursday 27 June 2002

Sinn Féin secures judicial review on funding

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has welcomed Wednesday's ruling in the High Court in Belfast giving Sinn Féin leave to seek a judicial review into the decision of the Electoral Commission to deny funding entitled to the party. The Electoral Commission has given £133,921 to the UUP, the DUP, and the SDLP while ignoring the fact that Sinn Féin have four MPs.

Gildernew said: "Today's decision paves the way for a judicial review into the decision of the Electoral Commission to deny Sinn Féin 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 Féin 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 Féin 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 Féin mandate."

The judicial Review will be heard in Belfast on 11 November.