Building an Ireland of Equals

By Carál Ní Chuilín
There's no doubt in my mind that Sinn Féin's performance in last week’s 26-County election was highly significant.

More than trebling our representation from the previous general election was remarkable. But like every other milestone, typical of Irish Republicans, it's banked, and our sights are set on the next objective on the road to Irish Unity.

That is the nature of building an All Ireland strategy based on core republican principles of equality. Sinn Féin is now the second largest party across Ireland. We are committed to using that mandate to challenge the politics of exclusion, be that for the vulnerable who never even saw the benefits of the Celtic Tiger in the south, or in the north those that still battle daily for social justice in education, housing and jobs.

Unfortunately the new Fine Gael/Labour coalition appears committed to implementing the anti-worker policies of the previous administration.
Sinn Féin will be an effective and radical opposition to that with such a strong team. Gains across Ireland will enable us to extend our representation.

Sinn Féin's 14 TD’s, like our MLA’s in the North will be getting an industrial wage as using our resources to build campaigns for equality is the key to breaking the mold.

Political power for Irish Republicans is about change. The greater the political strength the quicker those necessary changes can be made. We set out a positive, clear vision for the way forward and that message was supported and we will treat that mandate with respect.

This week 30 years ago Bobby Sands began his hunger strike. For many of my generation that period was the defining point in modern republicanism. On May 5th it will be 30 years since Bobby died. It will also be Election Day in the North. I'm no different from any of my neighbours; I get frustrated at the pace of change.

However, if the results of last week’s election teach us anything, it's that through hard work and building communities and equality campaigns, we will deliver our political objectives.

In North Belfast just as across Ireland we will be standing on our track record of dedication and hard work. We will be presenting our vision for the way ahead based on challenging inequality and improving people's daily lives.

We will not be taking one single vote for granted. But be assured, if you are a pensioner that can't afford to heat your home - a student facing huge debt to be educated - a family stuck on the housing waiting list for years - or having your benefit slashed to force you into jobs that don't exist, Sinn Féin will always be your voice in every elected chamber in Ireland.