Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Conor Murphy welcomes end of hunger strike as The Solitaire leaves Irish waters

Published: 22 September, 2008

Sinn Féin MP and MLA for Newry and Armagh Conor Murphy, has welcomed news that Maura Harrington has come off her hunger strike.

However Mr. Murphy said the issue is far from resolved and welcomed indications that Green Party Minister Eamon Ryan may intervene and enter into talks with the protestors.

Speaking today Conor Murphy said, "I want to welcome the fact that the pipe laying ship the Solitaire has left Irish waters and that Maura Harrington has come of her hunger strike.

"However, this issue is far from resolved. On Thursay my party colleague Martin Ferris TD called on Green Party Ministers, who had previously been supportive of the campaign against the Corrib pipeline, to intervene by making contact with both sides. I welcome indications from the Green Party on Friday that Minister Eamon Ryan may be prepared to speak with protestors.

"It would also be helpful if he also made contact with Shell to enquire about the plans for the ship in question, The Solitaire." ENDS