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This by-election clearly shows that support for Sinn Féin extends well beyond the economically marginalised areas of the city
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BY ROBBIE MacGABHANN
The 8.3% of first preferences won by Sinn Féin's Aengus O Snodaigh in last week's Dublin South Central by-election confirmed that the party is now the fourth largest in the state and the only serious radical opposition to the tired status quo of the established parties.
The result, where O'Snodaigh polled 1,686 first preferences, mirrored the overall improvement in support for Sinn Féin over the past five years. In 1997, Sinn Féin polled 4.7% of first preferences in Dublin South Central and this by-election performance showed that the Sinn Féin vote has almost doubled over the last two years.
Sinn Féin's director of elections in Dublin South Central, Brian Dowling, told An Phoblacht that the by-election was a significant result for Sinn Féin because O'Snodaigh polled well throughout the constituency.
Tallies from the election count show strong support for the party in the south inner city and Crumlin-Kimmage wards. In both these areas, Sinn Féin's vote share exceeded the excellent showing in last June's local elections.
In the south city area, Sinn Féin picked up 17% of first preferences, while also winning 10% in Crumlin-Kimmage. Added to this was strong support for the party in the leafy suburbs that make up large parts of the constituency.
This by-election clearly shows that support for Sinn Féin extends well beyond the economically marginalised areas of the city. The party is clearly winning voters throughout the social spectrum.
With Dublin South Central set to be a five-member constituency for the next Leinster House election, there is no doubt that the party will be a serious contender for a seat.
Sinn Féin was one of the only parties to campaign on the national issues of the day. Most of the candidates ran campaigns that merely highlighted the clientelest nature of their politics. There was only the barest recognition of the big picture of a national politics characterised by disclosures of corruption, broken promises and inequity.
Instead, the emphasis was on what alleged work `we do for you'. It is a sad indictment for Irish politics that many of the establishment parties see the measure of a successful TD as being his or her ability to get your pavement fixed.
If there is one lesson for Sinn Féin out of this election it is the need to recognise that they are the real voice of opposition politics in Ireland today. Sinn Féin is only party offering a radical alternative to the floundering centre-right politics being peddled by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Labour party.
The failure of the Progressive Democrats to even run a candidate in the election is a clear indication that they have reached the end of their political journey. The wilderness now beckons for Harney and the other PDs who could do worse than follow the lead of Martin Cullen and rejoin their parent parties. There is always room for the prodigal son or daughter in Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael.
There is clear support for Sinn Féin's policies on Partnership for Peace, the housing crisis, tackling the drug problem, acting on corruption, creating tax equity, using the economic boom to eradicate social injustices and finally, the pressing need to urgently formulate and implement a strategy on democratic rural development.
These are the issues on which Sinn Féin contests elections in Ireland alongside an unparalleled commitment to a lasting just peace and self-determination for the Irish people.
The Dublin South Central by election has shown that more and more voters are realising the honesty, dignity and value of the Sinn Féin message. The vote opens the door to future gains for the party throughout Dublin.
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