Historic opportunity
Adams outlines vision for a new Ireland
Speaking in Dublin on Wednesday, 24 November Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams outlined a republican vision for Ireland of ``a one-island people, emancipated and at peace with each other''.
This, he said, is the vision of Sinn Féin, the fastest growing political party in Ireland. Sinn Féin, as the only all-Ireland party, ``must continue to build support for an end to partition, an end to the British government's involvement in our country and a united Ireland''.
Addressing the party leadership and Dublin Sinn Féin members, Adams said the various party leaderships involved in the recent review process had created the potential to consolidate the peace process and advance the task of implementing the Good Friday Agreement.
He said there had been no secret deals at Stormont. The only deal, he said, was the Good Friday Agreement, which makes it clear that the issue of decommissioning can only be resolved in the context of an overall settlement.
Success in the next phase of the peace process is totally dependent on all progressive elements of society exerting themselves and asserting leadership.
Referring to recent media reports of remarks attributed to Sinn Féin Vice President Pat Doherty and Ard Chomhairle member Martin Ferris, Adams said: ``As far as we are concerned, this matter is closed, but in closing it let me also say to those who do not know Pat Doherty and Martin Ferris that there would not have been a Sinn Féin peace strategy, and consequently there would not now be a peace process, if it wasn't for their commitment and support and endeavours to bring this about.''
Sinn Féin's immediate goal is to forge a partnership with unionism within the new institutions. These bodies can provide a dynamic that will transform Ireland and its people and usher in a meaningful process of national reconciliation.
Sinn Féin's commitment is to bring forward all-Ireland policies and offer an alternative to the corruption and failed politics that continue to be a feature of Irish life.
Despite the successes of the Irish economy there is another side to the `Celtic Tiger'- poverty, homelessness and inequality. Successive governments have failed in their responsibilities and have shown themselves unwilling or incapable of prioritising the interests of ordinary people. Sinn Féin is about changing all of this.
Gerry Adams warned that reactionary forces, who could not reconcile themselves to the fact that they could not defeat Sinn Féin, will continue to resist change. Despite the considerable challenges facing the unionist leadership, this is the best opportunity for political leaders to take charge. It is an opportunity that has to be seized.
Sinn Féin has stretched itself and its constituency to make the process work. It did this because it had its eyes fixed on the prize.
Sinn Féin wants a new Ireland in which all of the people are cherished equally. The party sees a 32-County republic and a new relationship with our nearest neighbour based upon our mutual independence, as the best way to bring this about.
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