The governing body of Sinn Féin will need to summon a distinctive conference to solidify the stance of the party concerning any future referendums; following their endorsement for a Yes-Yes vote in the previously unsuccessful care and family votes. At the party’s annual conference in Athlone, concerns were voiced regarding the party’s controversial backing of the government in the referendums that took place in March which were ultimately overruled.
In excess of 1,000 Sinn Féin affiliates are expected to assemble on Saturday to attend the party leader, Mary Lou McDonald’s principal speech addressing the final annual conference prior to the upcoming general elections. This comes as the party has recently seen a decline in support as illustrated in believed opinion polls.
The conference was initiated with multiple motions centred around the party’s activism and campaigning. Numerous speakers pointed at the Sinn Féin’s support of the previously defeated referendums. Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne asserted the party got it wrong with the referendum, expressing that the party hadn’t adequately consulted the members for their Yes-Yes vote and claimed that members’ views weren’t properly considered.
In addition, Dublin West TD Paul Donnelly also advocated for a conference motion urging the party’s central committee to set up a special delegate meeting to confirm Sinn Féin’s approach on prospective constitutional referendums. He echoed that the party’s fundamental ethos is to voice the membership’s views and suggested that “we return that voice to the membership.” The motion was subsequently accepted by the delegates.
Furthermore, the First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, in her inaugural annual conference speech as the party’s vice-president, mentioned the ascension of the Labour government in London. She expressed optimism that this presents a new phase in Irish-British relationships. Yet, she reserved judgement on how the new British government will adhere to the commitments outlined in the Good Friday Agreement.
“She commented: “Their initial measures denote persistent austerity and unfulfilled commitments.” She highlighted: “This is simply unacceptable.”
Ms O’Neill emphasised: “Reducing winter fuel allowances for the elderly is unsuitable and the Executive is consistently opposing it.
“We will persist in advocating for investing in public services, which have eroded due to 14 years of British austerity.”
She also mentioned: “The complete revocation of the Legacy Act is necessary” – referring to the contentious law linked to the Troubles, instituted by the former Tory regime.
Regarding the impending election in the Republic, Ms O’Neill confirmed her party’s readiness “to contest in the general election when it’s announced”.
She understood the party’s strategy was to render housing more economical, revolutionise health, offer affordable childcare, confront the rising cost of living and promote Irish unity.
Addressing the gathering, Pearse Doherty, the deputy leader of Sinn Féin in the Dáil, stated: “This is a wonderful country, but something is terribly amiss when our government has surpluses amounting to billions yet fails miserably in meeting the nation’s fundamental needs and services.”
He detailed these necessities as affordable accommodation, accident and emergency departments “where patients are attentively taken care of”, and evaluation of needs and treatment for children with special needs.
Mr Doherty asserted: “Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil fall short in delivering these elementary things even when they’ve got the resources.
“The upcoming election presents people with this choice: Sinn Féin or Fine Gael.
“The decision is yours. Who do you prefer to head the coming government? Do you favour change or more of the same?”
When Ms McDonald arrived at the ardfheis, she was questioned if women would be leading governments on both sides of the Border the following year.
In response, she said: “It’s uncertain. Let’s hope for the best.”