TD's priority is goal of peace
Newly elected Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghin O Caoláin was the focus of
much media attention in the wake of the Lurgan deaths. The Irish
Independent in particular used the occassion of his signing the
register at Leinster House on Tuesday 17 June to attack him and
say he was facing the ``coolest reception ever'' for a newly
elected TD.
In response O Caoláin defended his mandate. He said after his
first meeting in Leinster House:
``I was returned as a Sinn Féin TD with a huge first preference
vote from the electorate of Cavan/Monaghan. I stood on a Sinn
Féin platform that clearly spelt out our analysis and policies
relating to all the issues that affect the lives of my
constituents - political, social and economic. I and my fellow
Sinn Féin councillors have supplied an excellent constituency
service at local government level for many years. Our record of
hard and consistent work was acknowledged in the recent
elections.
``I also stood on Sinn Féin's record and role in the peace
process. We are commmitted to our peace strategy and have done
all in our power to move the situation on to where dialogue and
real negotiation replace conflict. We will contiune to pursue a
real and lasting peace through a credible peace process.
``The killing of two RUC members yesterday by the IRA has shocked
us all. My sincere hope is that rather than it being used as an
excuse to walk away from the need to rebuild the peace process it
will be an added incentive to us all to seek an end to conflict.
``I personally and my party will continue to focus on the goal of
peace, in spite of setbacks. We want to see a situation where
there is an irreversible momentum towards that goal.''
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