John O' Dowd

Ray Bassett is here in Ionad Eileen Howell to launch his new book. Professor Colin Harvey is making the introductory remarks. Ray was a senior member of the Irish government’s negotiating team under Bertie Ahern. The Travellers Tale is an insiders recollection of those years.

Sinn Féin MP Cathal Mallaghan has expressed solidarity with Catherine Connolly after her sister, Dr Margaret Connolly,  was detained by Israeli forces aboard a Gaza aid flotilla. @CathalMall sinnfein.ie/news/gaza-aid-…

I was honoured to lead last night’s fifth Guthanna na Saoirse event where our guest speaker was Jeremy Corbyn MP. Jeremy shared his expert opinion on global imperialism, international law, human rights, media influence and hostility, and the importance of building solidarity. Thank you to Martina Anderson and Daithí Fitzgerald for organising the event.

Hospitality businesses deserve a level playing field across the island - @ainemurphy116 sinnfein.ie/news/hospitali…

Sinn Féin’s Good Jobs Bill will help to tackle the cost of living crisis by ensuring workers have good jobs & fair conditions It’s time for all parties to work together with our trade unions & wider society to get this transformative piece of legislation passed @DeclanKearneySF

First Minister Michelle O’Neill on the campaign trail with Mark Lohan talking about what the upcoming Galway West By-Election means and how, even when it doesnt always seem possible, we can deliver the change people deserve and make life more affordable. On May 22nd, vótáil Mark Lohan 1. Let’s keep moving forward together.

If you’re visiting the Balmoral Show be sure to drop by our LPS, #GoONNI and @NICyberSC stands in the @EikonCentre to see how they can help you! #BalmoralShow2026

Really enjoyed the opportunity to discuss the growing momentum for change across Ireland, Scotland & Wales. You can listen now on @ScotNational’s platforms.

The DUP will fail in its attempts to undermine and attack the Irish language and Irish identity. Sinn Féin will not settle for anything less than rights, equality and respect for all. @ChrisHazzardSF

🇮🇪 Speaking on Sky News tonight about a United Ireland. No matter who is No.10 Downing Street they cannot deny Irish Unity referendums or block the right of the people of Ireland to decide our own future.  We will work enthusiastically with Plaid Cymru and the SNP to build a future beyond the Union - national independence, self- determination and progress.

🚜 We are delighted to be back at this years Balmoral Show, an event that really showcases and celebrates the very best of rural and farming life. Sinn Féin is working across Ireland to support farmers and our rural communities through these difficult times. @mc_mla

It was great to meet with Dave Doogan of the SNP and Liz Saville Roberts of Plaid Cymru, who both lead their parties at Westminster. We discussed the historic election results across these islands, which will see three nationalist and pro-independence First Ministers elected for the first time ever. We agreed to continue working together in common purpose to deliver for our people and their right to national self-determination. People are increasingly looking beyond the constraints of Westminster and towards a future where decisions are taken at home.

🌼 Day 2 at the Balmoral Show! We had a great first day meeting visitors and chatting about cyber security yesterday. It was great to welcome Finance Minister, @JohnODowdSF to our stand. We’re back again today, so if you didn’t get a chance to visit us yet, there’s still plenty of time to come along, say hello and have a chat! #BalmoralShow2026

Finance Minister @JohnODowdSF has said the British Government’s focus must be on properly funding public services. ➡️finance-ni.gov.uk/news/regardles…

The Good Jobs Bill is now drafted and with the Executive for approval. The Bill has been carefully crafted and amongst other things will provide a new rights to Carers Leave, Neonatal Care Leave, improve the right to flexible working and protections for women on maternity leave, it will end exploitative Zero Hour Contracts and give Trade Unions greater access to workplaces to engage with their members and workers,. The next stage is for it to be introduced to the Assembly and progressed to the Economy Committee for scrutiny and for everyone to have their say on the details of the proposals. belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/its-n…

Happy International Nurses Day 💙 Over 40 years ago, I qualified as a nurse and to this day, I am proud to still be a registered nurse. Our nurses are the backbone of our health service. I know firsthand the pressures they face – the long hours, the emotional toll and the growing demands placed upon them, yet they continue to deliver care with compassion, professionalism and dedication. To every nurse working across our hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes and communities – thank you for all that you do. And to anyone considering a career in nursing, while it demands a lot, the sense of purpose and fulfilment you get back cannot be measured.

Thirteen years ago, Colin and Eithne Bell experienced every parent’s worst nightmare with the devastating loss of their son Kevin. In the midst of that heartbreak, they founded the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust so families across Ireland who lost a loved one abroad would never have to face it alone. Since then, the Trust has helped bring more than 2,500 loved ones home to their families, offering compassion and support during the darkest moments of people’s lives. What Colin and Eithne have built in Kevin’s memory is truly extraordinary. They represent the very best of humanity. As they step back from the Trust, I want to thank them for all that they’ve done ❤️

The rip-off insurance premiums facing young and new drivers must end. I have recently met and challenged the insurance industry on their sky-high prices. We'll continue working to drive down insurance costs and make our roads safer.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed at Belfast’s Grand Central Station an investment of £548m in new trains operating between Belfast and Dublin. Due for delivery late in 2028, the new Intercity trains – based on Stadler’s proven FLIRT platform - have been purpose designed for the Enterprise route and will deliver a major step change in comfort and customer experience. The project is jointly funded by the NI Executive, Department for Infrastructure, the Government of Ireland, Department of Transport, and supported with €165m through PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. The Minister said: “I am delighted to be part of this momentous occasion to highlight the overall investment £548m, of which over £200m is being provided by my Department. This represents investing with confidence in a modern, sustainable and connected transport future. It demonstrates our intent on delivery and our commitment to connecting communities, supporting the economy, developing tourism and most importantly of all modernising and improving services for the travelling public” Watch ⤵️ More details: seupb.eu/latest/news/fi… @niexecutive @GovIE @Dept_Transport @LizKimminsSF @Translink_NI @IrishRail @NIOgov @SEUPB

First Minister Michelle O’Neill received a very warm welcome on her visit to Gaelcholáiste Dhoire in Dungiven. At a school assembly, she spoke about the growth of Irish-medium education, met with pupils, and enjoyed some fantastic musical performances. The First Minister also had a valuable discussion with members of the Board of Governors on the school’s development and future ambitions.