Why does the Fermanagh Herald, on a weekly basis, print letters from anonymous sources attacking Sinn Féin?
Why does your paper consistently carry, in bold characters as headlines, sections from these letters which are most aggressively anti-Sinn Féin? Does the Fermanagh Herald have a political agenda?
I have absolutely no problem with your paper allowing open and honest debate on any issues affecting the lives of people in this part of Ireland.
In fact, in facilitating such a debate your newspaper would be doing the people of our community a great serviced.
But, what I do object to is your paper facilitating vacuous attacks by nameless people on the largest political party in the County.
I also think that your paper carries a responsibility for publishing anonymous letters which do not play the ball but the man as evidenced by the frequently vitriolic attacks on our public representatives and their mandate.
Of course, Sinn Féin and its elected representatives are not beyond criticism. Indeed, we encourage dialogue and criticism as evidenced by the party recently holding a series of open and public meetings to account for their stewardship of the power-sharing all-Ireland institutions.
In the absence of letters being signed, I can, like many others, only conclude that either: (1) it is the same people writing all letters; (2) this anonymous letter-writing campaign is designed and orchestrated by people who are opponents of the Republican movement over the past 35 years and (3) the authors just can't stand over their view and opinions or a combination of all three.
In the absence of named letters, I, like all your wider readers, can only guess. Letters which aren't signed can't be taken seriously.
Finntan Mag Uidhir
Sinn Féin Activist
Neonatal and Maternity Unit fundraising
Through your paper, the staff of the Erne Neonatal Unit and Maternity wish to thank Eimear Cunningham and all those involved in making our recent fundraiser a success.
We also thank all those who donated prizes to the raffle, those who sold and bought raffle tickets and those who came on the night.
The total raised was £1,950.
Joan Cunningham -
Senior Midwife, Neonatal Unit
Coolaness Marie Curie Fundraising
We had our day sale in Mahon's Hotel Delaney Suite on the 26th April 2008. The total raised at the event was £770.00. Some donations are still coming in!
I would like to thank all the staff, residents and relatives of Coolaness for their support and especially the volunteers who helped on the day. This now leaves our Marie Curie Cancer Care funds raised so far this year at just over £3000.
The next Marie Curie Cancer Care fundraising event planned is a Gospel Concert and Dutch Auction on the 4th June 2008 at 8 p.m. in the Bawnacre Centre. Tickets are available via Coolaness Care Home and are £7.00 each. Artists include Kenny Archer, Ivan Black, Victor Hutchinson, Gordon Quinn and Hilda Thompson.
Helen Stockdale
Coolaness Care Centre
FVAD thanks
We would like to thank the public for their generous contributions to our three day street collection which took place 24-26th April 2008
The amounts raised were: £2763.13 and Euro 140.33
We are deeply indebted to our collectors who gave of their time so freely. We would also like to acknowledge the support of Dunnes Stores, Asda, Tesco and McGovern Opticians.
Anne Mohan
Secretary to Committee
Concern Collection
Our collection on 22nd March, 2008 in Enniskillen totalled £2, 232 and 259.50 Euro.
The recent Cyclone in Burma has devastated an already poor country and through our partners, Concern are working hard to meet their urgent and basic needs.
Television coverage is showing the seriousness of the situation presently being suffered and it is vital that aid is reaching the many people who are suffering right now. Donations can be made through Freefone 0800 0324001 or to any of our local concern members.
Concern are helping many thousands of people in twenty-eight different countries - without your donations none of the work would be possible.
Eamonn J. Hoy,
Chairman Tom Palmer
Hon. Treasurer
Widows' Group thanks
On behalf of Fermanagh Widows' Association, we would like to thank all those members of the public who supported our recent collection.
The amount raised was £809.13. We especially wish to thank all our collectors and Dunne's Stores together with Tesco for their help.
Loretta Molon Hon. Secretary,
Emma Rutledge
Hon. Treasurer
'Lights to Remember Appeal'
On behalf of Northern Ireland Hospice I thank each and every one of you that supported our Lights To Remember Appeal.
Your kind support has contributed to over £210,000 towards hospice care for adults, children and young people in Northern Ireland.
At Northern Ireland Hospice we will use these funds wisely as we continue to provide our vital services for life limited and life threatened people in the local community and we will be good stewards of your generous support.
It is only through the kind efforts of people like you that we can continue this work and on behalf of our patients and their families, thank you.
Paul Clark
President
NI Hospice
Killadeas
Day Care thanks
On behalf of the service users and staff from the Killadeas Day Care Unit at the Share Centre, Lisnaskea,
I would like to take this opportunity through your paper to say thank-you to Mr. & Mrs. Dick Ingram (Forfey, Lisnaskea) for their very generous donation of £2,735.
This was raised by their family and friends in lieu of gifts for their recent Golden Wedding Anniversary.
This money will be spent for the benefit of the service users who attend the Day Care Services in the Lisnaskea area.
Once again, many thanks to all.
Ann Finch - Day Care Worker
