A huge audience packed into the Miller Suite in the Canal Court in Newry on Friday night for the official launch of Sinn Féin’s Newry & Armagh Assembly Election Campaign.
President of Sinn Féin Gerry Adams TD praised the work and dedication of Election Candidates Cathal Boylan, Megan Fearon and Conor Murphy but he warned that Sinn Féin in Newry & Armagh faced a stiff task to hold on to all three seats due to the fact that the constituency was now a “five seater” rather than the previous “six”.
“It is up to each and everyone to ensure to fight tooth and nail for every vote. We can and we will hold onto our three seats but it will take a mighty effort from you all,” urged the Sinn Fein President, adding that the three candidates were committed to delivering equality and respect for each and every citizen”
“What Sinn Féin wins in this election and any upcoming negotiations will be a win for all progressive elements in society. In this election we need to stand up for ourselves, our neighbours and communities,” continued Mr Adams, who added that Sinn Fein would not accept a return to the “status quo” and were only interested in power sharing institutions that deliver “quality public services, investment and jobs for all of our citizens and which operate on the basis of equality, respect and integrity.”
“The principles, values and the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement which is the foundation stone of the peace process must be honoured.The Good Friday Agreement and all subsequent political agreements must now be fully implemented – not renegotiated. We must defend the democratic mandate of the people to remain within the EU, through designated special status, which can secure the position of the entire island of Ireland within the European Union together.”
“Sinn Fein is seeking in this election a stronger mandate to enter forthcoming political negotiations to defend your interests and put firmly the people’s social, economic and political interests first.What we win in this election and achieve in any negotiation is a win for everyone who considers themselves to be progressive and for the future success of this society.”