Measuring a year's growth
Sinn Féin members in Connaught/Ulster met for their AGM in Sligo on Sunday, 28 May. They heard Ard Chomhairle member and Party Vice President Pat Doherty tell them that the growth of Sinn Féin in the Cúige region (which covers the same area as the European Connaught/Ulster constituency) has been strong, noticeable and bodes well for the tasks ahead.
Assembly member Pat Doherty attended the AGM to provide party members with an update on the most recent developments in the north in light of the UUP meeting and vote on Saturday. In an upbeat address, Doherty reassured activists that Sinn Féin would accept no dilution of Patten and dismissed the sectarian remarks made by Davis Trimble (calling for the `house
training' of Sinn Féin).
Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin joined the party's recently reselected candidate for Sligo Leitrim, Alderman Sean MacManus on the platform to outline the work ahead for members in the Cúige. ``Let no one be under any illusions as to the work ahead,'' he warned. ``As we become more successful, and as we grow in this region, then so too does our work load.'' Both speakers addressed the objectives of Sinn Féin in increasing party strength, increasing representation, and securing at least one other Dáil seat in the cúige gegion and several other seats in the rest of the country in the next general election.
The AGM elected three members to the Ard Comhairle of the party, Tina Tully (Cavan), Carmel Gallagher (Donegal) and Vincent Woods (Mayo). In an interesting development, the tally people at one point returned to the hall to inform delegates that there was a tie for the third Ard Chomhairle seat, without naming who was involved. They said that delegates could vote again but could also take the opportunity to implement the Sinn Féin policy of favouring women candidates where two candidates are of equal status. The delegates voted by a two thirds majority for the latter option.
Congratulations were expressed to Councillor Pat Treanor (Clones) on his re-election as Cúige Chairperson and to the incoming Officer Board, which includes Councillors Chris MacManus (Sligo), Eddie McManus (Clones), and Pauline Tully (Cavan). Outgoing Ard Chomhairle member Eoghan Mac Cormaic was elected PRO and Sean Loughran was elected Youth Officer.
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