Positive message gains support
Sinn Féin are sending out a very positive message in the Six
County Assembly election and there is evidence that it is gaining
support among a broad spectrum of nationalists. If this can be
transformed into seats, it could make this a truly historic
election.
Sinn Féin has said they are committed to working every aspect of
the Good Friday Agreement and playing a full part in the
Assembly, the Executive and the all-Ireland Ministerial council.
``These institutions can be the powerhouses which will shape a new
political future for all the people of this island,'' Gerry Adams
said on Wednesday night. ``Sinn Féin will be at the centre of
power and we will play a meaningful role on those bodies. We will
play the same pivotal role that we played in negotiations.''
It is a message which has enthused Sinn Féin's election workers
and is well-received on the doorsteps. That is no surprise. Sinn
Féin representatives are the only representatives guaranteed to
work for the maximum change based on equality and justice.
There are two weeks left to polling day. It is an important two
weeks which must be used to get this message across to the
voters. Already there are more Sinn Féin election workers than at
any other election. They must keep up the work. The message is
simple: change is coming. Help make it real change that will
bring peace with justice by electing Sinn Féin candidates.
Harassment won't work
There have been numerous complaints over the last week about
crown force harassment of Sinn Féin election workers. A couple of
points are worth making.
First, Sinn Féin election workers will not be intimidated. This
harassment - holding party workers at checkpoints, searching
people and vehicles and rifling through election literature - is
time-consuming and annoying but it will not deter the most
enthusiastic electoral machine on this island.
Second, this behaviour shows up the deeply undemocratic nature of
the crown forces. They have within their ranks the most active
opponents of change. But far-reaching change there will be - and
it must include the withdrawal of the British Army and the
disbandment of the RUC.
![[An Phoblacht]](http://republican-news.org/graphics/title_gifs/harp.gif)