Colm Gildernew MLA
@GildernewColm
Followers
6K
Following
4K
Media
1K
Statuses
8K
Sinn Féin MLA for Fermanagh & South Tyrone. Sinn Féin spokesperson for Communities. Chair Assembly Committee for Communities.
Joined July 2017
That's my mummy in the centre of this picture. She's expecting me at the time. My Granny, Annie Mary Gildernew to her right and my God mother, Mary Theresa to her left. They have just been violently evicted from the home they occupied in Caledon in protest of the fact . 1/2
52
227
1K
that nationalists were not entitled to housing nor voting rights. The civil rights marches to Dungannon and in Derry took place following the eviction. That was the reality of the north I was born into. Yesterday was a genuinely historic moment for us all. 2/2.
61
112
1K
Ludicrous position here that the health minister Robin Swan has let the British Govt buy up all the tests from local company Randox and now the people who live in the north have to wait to see if they will give us some back! You couldn’t make this up. .
47
173
571
Awakening in terror at age 4 as a snarling Alsatian dog and four British soldiers ordered us out of bed in the early 1970's. Through the bedroom door I could see my father sitting in a chair with a gun against his head and could hear my mother shouting at the Brits to get out.
My first political memory is the Berlin Wall falling. What’s yours?.
10
78
463
St Macartan’s passed its application for essential works, yet Minister Givan says there’s no funding ⬇️⬇️!. Now, reports suggest he’s allocated £720,000 to a school without an application!. Sinn Féin is demanding answers by submitting an urgent question.
48
101
446
I have lived my entire life about 5 miles from Mullan village. The British army blew up the bridge that connects us in the early 70's. I grew up not knowing anyone from Mullan as a result of that British bombing. They didn't just partition our country, they partitioned our people.
Tonight, we hear how a hard border left one man as the sole resident of his village for 15 years. That's Prime Time RTÉ One, 9.35pm. #RTEPT
4
82
315
My name is Colm Gildernew & I’m a MLA in Ireland. I’m appalled by the silence regarding the war crimes committed by the Israeli government. I, & many with me, demand a ceasefire, open humanitarian corridors. Facilitate for water, food & medicine to Gaza now!.#politiciansforpeace.
80
80
299
Dungannon & South Tyrone Representatives and activists show solidarity to the people of Palestine. The Irish Government and governments across the world must intervene now. Many innocent people have been killed including children. 🇮🇪🤝🇵🇸.#PalestineUnderAttack .#FreePalestine
11
122
299
After 21 counts, my sister @gildernewm narrowly missed an MEP seat for Midlands North West. For over a quarter of a century, she's represented Fermanagh and South Tyrone with passion, conviction & integrity. No doubt she'll be back to fight another day. Bail ó Dhia ort, our blade
42
32
306
Out in Dungannon today with #Fermanagh & South #Tyrone candidate Pat Cullen. This election let's send a clear message: support better funding for public services and reject Tory cuts. Vote Sinn Féin on Thursday, 4th July for strong leadership and positive change!
28
44
236
It's a disgrace our #health workers, who we rely on daily, have to take to the streets in sub-zero temperatures to get #fairpay. The government needs to get around the negotiating table and pay our health workers the pay they deserve. #FairPayForNursing #EnoughIsEnough #SinnFein
48
49
218
The people of Ireland stand with Palestine. 🇵🇸🇮🇪🇵🇸. Ireland stands for Freedom, human rights, equality and justice. With a united voice, we, the people of Ireland demand a #CeasefireNOW. In our thousands, in our millions, we are all Palestinians. #FreePalestine #Gaza_Genocide
119
41
215
I am delighted to have been elected Chair of the Communities Committee. We must prioritise investment into our communities and promote community engagement and support to build a better future for all.
21
17
223
I asked the Education Minister again today why no money has been allocated to carry out the urgent works needed at St Macartans in Clogher. The minister did not address my specific question. Accountability isn’t optional. Transparency is key to equality, equity & fairness.
St Macartan’s passed its application for essential works, yet Minister Givan says there’s no funding ⬇️⬇️!. Now, reports suggest he’s allocated £720,000 to a school without an application!. Sinn Féin is demanding answers by submitting an urgent question.
15
58
225
Jeffrey Donaldson should have focused his efforts on getting the Executive up & running to invest an extra £1 billion in the health service, secure a three-year budget and tackle waiting lists rather than peddling myths against it for political point scoring.
Further to the Protocol medical equipment row: I asked the supplier in question, Siemens, what they know about it.
17
61
197
And our family will never forget the kindness, comfort and support we received from you all Tony. 💔.
The GAA is not just a sporting organisation. It's a community. It's a family. Yesterday the @DGNHurlingclub @NaomhTreasa @AghalooOfficial clubs wrapped their arms around the O'Faolain and Gildernew family as we bid a sad fond farewell to young Fiachra.
6
14
210
Proud to stand with the McAnespie family today. Their dignity and commitment to getting the truth and some justice for Aidan is inspiring. They should not have had to wait 34 years. It is time for the British Government to bin their cruel, callous and offensive Legacy Bill.
4
38
194
I have known Barry McElduff for many years and consider him a true and valued friend. It is my belief that Barry would never intentionally insult or hurt any victim of this or any other conflict. It is my view that his swift and fulsome apology is both appropriate and sincere.
46
31
187
Heartbreaking news of the passing of 14-yr-old Katie Rose McKeown, a courageous child who faced leukaemia with unimaginable strength. Thoughts are with her parents, Una & Kevin, family & friends. May the community surround them with support. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis
13
15
195
We welcomed Minister for Communities to @NIA_Communities . We asked for a timeline on #IrishLanguage Strategy – no answer. We asked for update on Casement-no progress.The Minister must engage with Irish Language & #GAA reps to advance Casement & deliver Irish Language Strategy
45
49
191
Remembering Óglach Bobby Sands who died on hungerstrike 43 years ago today. I measc laochra na ngael a raibh sé.
52
21
174
In the 2019 Westminster election, only 57 votes separated Sinn Féin from the UUP in Fermanagh South Tyrone. In this election every vote will count. Your vote can make a real difference. On July 4th vote Pat Cullen X
12
45
163
I have signed the Assembly recall motion tabled by Michelle O’Neill. We are meeting with the other parties on this recall, so we can all work together to pass this vital & life saving legislation. We owe it to little Dáithí and those people awaiting a transplant & vital care.
19
28
159
DUP Minister Gordon Lyons' refusal to meet with @CnaG shows disregard for the #IrishLanguage community. At a time when #SeachtainNaGaeilge is celebrated, he's blocking support for key organisations. The Minister must engage with all communities & deliver Irish language strategy.
30
46
167
Comhghairdeas to my sister @gildernewm who is now officially an MEP candidate in the EU elections, she is an inspiration & an activist & I can't think of a better person to represent the values and interests of the Irish people at a European level. Maith thú our blade!
22
20
157
I’ve requested the minutes from Minister for Communities’ meeting with reps of active paramilitary groups. It’s vital to know what was discussed & groups involved. We must unite to stop criminal exploitation of vulnerable people & support charities protecting those in need.
32
31
151
Wishing Alex Maskey all the very best for the next chapter as he presides over the Assembly for the last time tomorrow as history is made with the first ever Nationalist and Republican First Minister Michelle O'Neill. An outstanding gentleman, republican, Speaker and friend.
7
15
147
Sinn Féin is now the largest party in local government, in the Assembly, and in Westminster. Yesterday's results mean we are now closer than ever to a United Ireland and ultimately it will be the people across our island that will decide. Change is happening!
61
31
142
I welcome today’s High Court ruling that a public inquiry into the murder of Sean Brown must be granted. The British SOS must respect this decision & act now. Thoughts are with the Brown family — their courage & endurance in seeking truth &justice for 27 years is truly remarkable
9
30
145
Fact 1. Coronavirus / Covid19 does not recognise borders. Fact 2. Ireland is a single epidemiological unit. Fact 3. We will not contain this virus successfully unless we take an all island approach.
5
36
131
Israel is bombing civilians in refugee camps in Rafah, that shelter over 1 million Palestinians. The world must stand up to Israel & defend international law & the supposedly inalienable human rights of the Palestinian people. This is Genocide. #RafahGenocide .#RafahUnderAttack
103
74
130
In this election every vote will count in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Pat Cullen will fight hard for you as your MP to build a better future and a new Ireland for everyone in Fermanagh South Tyrone, from every community. On Thursday, make your vote count. Vótáil Pat Cullen X
8
41
129
I was delighted to facilitate as chair the first ever Assembly Committee briefing, conducted entirely through the medium of #Gaeilge . This exciting and historic shift represents a society where all #cultures and #languages are protected, celebrated, represented and developed.
13
21
125
30 years ago I along with many others, having witnessed events around the murder of Aiden McAnespie, gave evidence to the Crowley Inquiry. We did this in the hope of helping to get truth and justice for the family. Why has this never been released? #releasethereport #timefortruth
0
55
112
It is International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Last year, this year and every year I stand in solidarity with Palestine 🇵🇸 . End Israeli occupation. Sanction crimes against humanity. Prioritise human rights. #Palestine #UnitedNations #AmnestyInternational
3
43
115
Comhghairdeas & maith sibh to Pat Cullen MP on her election to Fermanagh & South Tyrone. A formidable leader who will deliver positive change. Thank you to each and every person who came out yesterday and voted for Sinn Féin 👏
4
18
119
The position of the Israeli Ambassador is untenable while Israel intensifies attacks and turns its face against a ceasefire. Israel is committing war crimes against a defenceless and besieged population. #CeasefireNOW . #FreePalestine #Gaza #Palestine #dungannon #sinnfein
13
31
110
No parent or family should have to pay for an #Autism diagnosis for their child. We will bring a motion on this to the @niassembly on Tuesday on this issue.
7
33
113
Committee for Communities agreed to write to Dept for Communities, seeking clarity on its role in the decision to allocate £710K for state-of-the-art pitch upgrade, while many schools struggle with basic necessities. Ministers must be accountable—public money demands transparency
13
37
115
I'm pleased to have been appointed by @moneillsf as @sinnfeinireland Spokesperson for Finance. Looking forward to working with all the other parties, departments, public, voluntary & private sectors. We have a strong Sinn Féin Assembly team & we are ready to deliver for all.
16
8
108
If Kate Hoey (or anyone else) thinks we are going back to the days when. 'no Nationalist need apply'. she has another think coming. These disgraceful comments should be withdrawn.
The report focuses on what unionists see as the immediate threat posed by the Protoco.
2
16
103
I spoke in the Assembly today to highlight the urgent need for investment in the #IrishLanguage - it is thriving across education, the arts, sports & #Communities - but it needs proper funding to grow. We stand in solidarity with Irish language organisations on strike last week.
14
25
106
“Why did it take Jeffrey Donaldson three weeks to publicly withdraw his claims given that he had clearly been told by the Chief Executive of the Southern Trust that he was misinformed?".
7
20
93
1
19
97
43 years ago today and after 61 agonising days on Hunger Strike Óglach Joe McDonnell died. I measc laochra na nGael go raibh a anam uasal.
13
16
98
Remembering Bobby Sands today. ‘They won't break me because the desire for freedom, and the freedom of the Irish people, is in my heart. The day will dawn when all the people of Ireland will have the desire for freedom to show. It is then that we will see the rising of the moon.’
23
16
90
As we celebrate Christmas, our thoughts are drawn to the Palestinians who are facing grief, starvation, displacement, bombardment & genocide at the hands of Israel. We stand with #palestine & we will never stop talking about #Gaza_Genocide #CeasefireNOW . Peace. Dialogue. Freedom
21
23
85
I'm hearing very worrying reports about pressures on the health service tonight. Please everyone take care. Thoughts with all our health and social care workers who are struggling to care for everyone at this time.
8
13
82
Our health and social care system would collapse without unpaid / family carers. The system in place at present is letting carers down and leading to much worse health outcomes for carers. We must plan and provide for better respite services to support our invaluable carers.
8
27
86
Ironic to find myself seated directly across from my old school friend @JoeBrolly1993 in the @DailEireannEdit waiting for @POTUS. Manys the days craic (and the odd class!) we shared in @stpatsarmagh back in the day!
8
8
82
Kicking off the campaign trail in #Eglish . In this election we must seize the opportunity to support local decision-making, better funding for #Publicservices & reject Tory cuts. #fermanagh & #SouthTyrone has the chance to move towards a better future. On July 4th vote PatCullen
1
19
82
Very concerning news tonight that the new #COVID19 strain identified in England recently has been detected here. This underlines the urgent need to prevent many additional cases being brought in via travel from Britain. I would urge everyone to be really careful at this time.
12
19
76
This is Carrick lough in the Brantry this evening at 10.00 pm. Stunning picture taken by Méabh O'Faolain. 👏👏
2
4
76
Our community is united against racism and hate. I stood alongside our minority ethnic communities and trade unions at Stormont in opposition to violence and intimidation. Our message to those involved is clear. You will not win. We will stand strong and we will face you down
15
19
78
Dáithí’s Law has passed. This is a day of hope for Daithi and all those people waiting for a transplant. Dáithí’s Organ Donation law will come into effect from Spring 2023. Today belongs to Daíthí, his family and every single person who campaigned for this life-saving law 💖
0
16
79
Israel slaughters civilians & children. Israel blockades food, water, fuel, electricity & medical aid. Israel bombards civilian infrastructure, hospitals & schools. This is genocide. When will the international community hold Israel to account?. #CeasefireNOW #Gaza_Geniocide
32
23
77
Posters going up across #SouthTyrone this weekend 🗳️. This election is about sending a clear message about what you want for the future. It is about strong leadership, positive change, and a commitment to work for all. On Thursday 4th July, vótáil Pat Cullen ❎
16
19
77
All credit to our health & care workers for whom staying at home in these difficult conditions is not an option We should never underestimate their dedication and commitment to their caring role and behind the scenes they continue to deliver this care in all weathers#carersmatter
1
36
75
I’ve called on NI Water to remove the unsightly telecommunications mast from the Hill of the O’Neill, one of Ireland’s most historic sites. The mast is out of place and detracts from the heritage of this beautiful site. #HilloftheONeill
5
20
73
I condemn those who erected a racist sign in Moygashel - this sign was an absolutely sickening racist display & the latest in a series of disgusting, violent racist acts which are not reflective of the majority in our society who embrace the huge positives of Diversity.
12
18
74
I was on BBC Sunday Politics today calling out the disgraceful cuts by the British government. These cuts are an attack on the most vulnerable & public services, they will push more people into poverty. We must unite against Labour’s cuts & British govts austerity policies.
12
25
76
Delighted to be elected as Chairperson of the Health Committee yesterday day. Great to see pay parity being delivered, safe staffing must also be a priority. I look forward to working with everyone involved to deliver better health and social care outcomes for all.
8
9
71
Myself & @ciaraf44 met with disability activist @joanne_sansome to discuss participatory democracy. All parties must work together to ensure representation from the #disability community at all stages of decision-making process to promote independence, accessibility & inclusivity
4
12
68
It's a disgrace that the British government denied a public inquiry into the murders of Kevin & John McKearney & Charles & Teresa Fox. The McKearney & Fox family have fought with immense courage & dignity for over 32 years to establish the full extent of what happened . 1/3
11
14
69
Fantastic morning hosting the Committee for #communities Event & engaging with the #Deaf community on progressing legislation for our two protected sign languages #ISL & #BSL . We must continue to work together to deliver inclusivity for all our people.
4
14
69
If the DUP are serious about making health a priority, they will form an Executive, to work with us all to invest £1 billion in the health service to fund cancer services and tackle waiting lists. Sinn Féin will continue fighting to form an Executive.
12
17
63
I called on the Assembly to pass a Sinn Féin motion calling on the British Government to fulfil its funding commitment to our community & voluntary sector. The British Government must commit to replacing EU funding in full & provide certainty to our community & voluntary sector
8
15
68
Urgent: Dept of Health must wake up & act over the continued failures to provide respite & daycentre services. Service users, families & carers have not emerged from restricted services. @finifamilies @CarersNI @Mencap_NI @Age_NI @NIDisability @hollybunty @ForMuckamore @PFTweets
14
32
66
Great getting out & about with @patcullen9 to talk to residents in. 📍Dungannon.📍Moy.📍Benburb.📍Eglish. By voting for Sinn Féin you are endorsing strong leadership, positive change, and a commitment to work for all. On July 4th vótáil Sinn Féin X. #votepatcullen
14
15
65
Tomorrow Sinn Féin will bring a motion to the Assembly calling on the Education Minister to make school uniforms affordable. School uniforms & PE gear must be affordable for all of our families. By working together we can ease this financial burden on families & better lives.
10
15
64
I'm calling on all parties and agencies to address the ongoing attacks on dual-language signage in South Tyrone and beyond. It’s time to tackle these campaigns of intimidation, vandalism and intolerance.
10
25
62
We must transform our housing system to allow the Housing Executive to start building homes again, at scale, to meet the needs of people here. I urge the Communities Minister to urgently publish a housing supply strategy and a timeline for its delivery.
11
11
63
Delighted @JohnODowdSF has announced the long overdue Enniskillen bypass will be delivered. This project will ease congestion, address air quality, shorten journey times & address the regional imbalances experienced by the West. Vital project for Irish infrastructure.
3
14
64
Fantastic news as ground work will commence next week on #CasementPark . With the restoration of Executive, Ministers in place to tackle social & economic issues & the much deserved public sector pay award, a seismic shift is transforming our society. Let's continue this progress
5
7
58
I am pleased that the disingenuous and inaccurate motion brought to the assembly by the DUP today was defeated. We must all work to address the difficuties caused by Brexit.
3
12
59
To the Israeli government: Stop the bombing of Gaza. Stop the blockade of Gaza. Stop the occupation, illegal settlements and apartheid. The international community must demand immediate ceasefires, adherence to international law & urgent dialogue to reach just and lasting peace.
6
15
57
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and local community of the three people who lost their lives today. May they each Rest in Peace.
2
9
53
Today's meeting with @joekennedy was focused on how we can strengthen economic partnerships between the US and Ireland. I want to see an assembly up & running today so that we can take full advantage of the economic opportunities ahead. #Joekennedy #US #ireland #SinnFéin
16
14
61
Fairy tale of New York won’t sound the same this Christmas. A legend is gone. RIP Shane MacGowan.
1
9
57
🚧🚝 Fighting for Train Infastructre across South Tyrone & Fermanagh in the Assembly. We need to expand the strategic rail plan to meet the economic, environmental and social needs of the West, with particular focus on Tyrone and Fermanagh.
4
16
55
I totally condemn the disgraceful threats made to Robin Swann. There is absolutely no place for such behaviour. My thoughts and solidarity are with @RobinSwannMoH and his family.
0
15
53
Our Health & Social Care system would collapse without unpaid carers. Our carers face immense pressures every day with little or no support packages, impacting their lives. We must work together to put in place fair & equitable support packages for our invaluable #carers
3
21
57
Autistic people are our friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours. We must work together towards a more inclusive world, raise awareness of individual needs and ensure our social spaces and society can be a place for us all. #autism . #bekindtodifferentminds
4
12
54
Today I stood at the South Tyrone picket line again with health and social care workers in support of #FairPayforNursing . The British government are exploiting these skilled and compassionate workers but imagine a society without health workers. The Tories need to get real.
9
13
54
Stop the bombing of Gaza. Stop the blockade of Gaza. There needs to be a full & immediate ceasefire now!. #palestine #Gaza #Gaza_under_attack.
The protection of civilians is paramount. The Laws of War establish clear rules to protect human life and respect humanitarian concerns. Those laws cannot be contorted for the sake of expedience.
12
16
57
Delighted to join a strong SF team of elected reps in Dungannon this morning supporting the bid for a Growth Deal to boost the economy and deliver a step change in the Fermanagh-Omagh, Mid Ulster and the Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon council regions.
2
11
56
Solidarity to the families of Natalie McNally, Bruna Fonseca and all victims of gender based violence. Violence against women and girls must end now.
3
7
54
Israel claims the massacre of 7 aid workers was a mistake, what about the 30,000 #Palestinian deaths?. For world leaders to have any credibility, they must call Israel’s actions out. Israel must end the genocide, end the weaponisation of mass starvation & end the blockade #Gaza
24
14
47
A lasting & just peace between Palestinians & Israelis requires an end to the occupation & apartheid systems imposed upon the #Palestinian people. Sinn Féin are calling for decisive international intervention to bring about lasting & just solution to the Palestinian question.
7
12
49
Kicked off today’s Communities Committee with great news that @moneillsf appointed language commissioners- huge step towards preserving our languages and all the better on #SeachtainnaGaeilge week. I'll keep pushing the Minister for a #LanguageStrategy & adequate funding. #SnaG25
7
15
55
📢Tomorrow 📢. Palestine Solidarity Protest 🇵🇸. Ann Street, Dungannon. (Saturday 21st October) at 12.00 noon . Bígí Linn . #Palestine #dungannon
13
13
52
Hosting the #Euros is a huge economic opportunity which will have enormous economic and social benefits right across our island. The redevelopment of #CasementPark must be a priority for the Minister for #communities and the British Secretary of State.
9
14
51
It was lovely to meet with residents of Augher and Clogher & meeting with Clogher Valley Sure Start with @patcullen9 @gildernewm and Cllr Eugene McConnell. Supporting our businesses & communities is a top priority for Sinn Féin. On July 4th vótáil Sinn Féin X. #votepatcullen
2
11
49
South Tyrone standing in solemn solidarity with the #BloodySunday50 families today at 4.00 pm. A very poignant moment. We will continue to keep the families in our thoughts and will stand with them every step of the way in their long quest for justice.
1
11
51