Sinn Féin leader to address Athlone conference this weekend

Sinn Féin's President, Mary Lou McDonald, and its Vice President, Michelle O'Neill, are due to attend a national women's conference organised by the party in Athlone this Saturday (April 15).

The party's local area representative for Athlone, Conor Dowling-Linehan, said the event in the Sheraton Hotel would have a focus on preventing domestic abuse and providing safe refuge to domestic abuse victims.

"I am delighted that our party leadership has decided to host such an important event in Athlone," said Mr Dowling-Linehan.

"This event is aimed at educating party members on policies aimed at reducing rates of domestic violence and creating safe and secure environments for women in Ireland.

"We have some amazing and inspiring speakers, including the CEO of Safe Ireland Mary McDermott, former CEO of Safe Ireland Sharon O'Halloran,the Executive Director of the Rape Crisis Network Ireland, Dr Clíona Saidléar, and the CEO of AkiDwa and Commissioner with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, Dr Salome Mbugua.

"Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald and Vice President Michelle O'Neill will also be speaking at the conference. The focus of the conference will be about preventing abuse and providing safe refuge in cases where abuse occurs.

"Unfortunately, in our society, domestic violence is a scourge that has been exacerbated by Covid. An inclusive and concise policy to prevent this abuse is important and conferences like this will only help to educate our members and progress our party position," he concluded.