Sinn Féin’s party leader, Mary Lou McDonald, has announced plans for the party to field its most extensive assembly of candidates in the impending general election. These contests will span all 43 constituencies, in which they hope to clinch at least one seat.
While the final nomination list has not been set in stone yet, Ms McDonald assured the number would surpass their previous record. The party aims to secure victories across all constituencies, with the potential of acquiring more than one seat in certain areas, she apprised.
In a humble stance, Ms McDonald maintained they would neither be arrogant nor presumptuous about their efforts. The party intends to appeal to the people of Ireland, urging them to support a change of administration following a 14-year governance by Fine Gael.
During the Sinn Féin’s ardfheis held in Athlone, Ms McDonald presented the party’s promise of offering choices on crucial issues such as housing, health, childcare, and living costs to the voters.
When asked about potential coalition partners, she expressed their preference for a government excluding Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, although no specific party was absolutely omitted from the possibility.
Ms McDonald emphasised the urgent need to activate the unity referendum provision stated in the 26-year-old Belfast Agreement. No political party can continue to ignore this, she insisted, highlighting the UK Labour Party’s contribution in promoting this agreement and facilitating the peace process during their last tenure in the government.
“We’ve now reached a stage where it’s necessary to progress to the next phase. The administrations in London and Dublin cannot persistently procrastinate and prevaricate. There is a provision for referendums. These referendums will inevitably take place, and it’s now incumbent on both governments to prepare for this,” commented Ms McDonald.
Upon being queried if her party acknowledged their errors in their strategy towards the recent local and European elections, Ms McDonald conceded that the elections weren’t successful for them.
“After those elections, we carried out a review. I believed I was unequivocal in recognising where improvements were required,” she stated.
Is Sinn Féin capable of reclaiming its lost popularity before the approaching election?