SFY discuss document
Conway Mill was the venue for a national Sinn Fein Youth
conference on Saturday 25 April to discuss the Good Friday
Document.
Over 50 young people from Lurgan, Craigavon, South Tyrone, South
Armagh, Derry, South Down, Newry, Dublin, North, South, East and
West Belfast, Twinbrook and Poleglass took part in the conference
to express their concerns and opinions on the document.
Proceedings began with a summary of the main points contained in
the document followed by a general discussion where each person
expressed the worries and opinions of the young people of their
area concerning the document. The general consensus was that
there was difficulty in understanding the complex wording of the
document and it was felt by all that this was done intentionally
which therefore resulted in the young people not being able to
form an opinion, or worse, adopting the opinions expressed on the
television and in the newspapers.
However, the main points of concern for the young people seemed
to be proposed changes to Articles 2 and 3, policing and the
prisoners issue.
From the outset of the discussion it was established that this
was not a republican document and its aim was to defend the
union. However, it was also stressed that this was not a solution
or final agreement.
The young people did acknowledge that there may be some good
things in the document, but because of its vagueness and
ambiguous nature, the British had a ``pull-out'' clause on every
issue, at which point it was stated by another SFY member that
``we also have a pullout clause, Sinn Fein can pull out at any
time''.
There were many differences in opinion but one thing was clear
and this was the need for unity. The young people noted that the
centre of popular nationalism has moved towards Sinn Fein and the
party are now leading the nationalist community, therefore unity
is essential to maintain this success.
Each representitive stated how they would vote in the forthcoming
referendum. A no vote in the 26 counties was unanimous. However,
in the 6 counties views differed, while most people opted for a
free vote others decided on a straight yes or no vote.
When deciding on whether or not Sinn Fein should enter the
Assembly, some SFY members thought they should, others thought
they shouldn't, while some were undecided.
All in attendence thought this conference was informative and
constructive and SFY have pledged to continue to consult its
membership and discuss the document.
![[An Phoblacht]](http://republican-news.org/graphics/title_gifs/aprn.gif)