In an aggressive speech at the launch of her general election campaign in Dublin North-Central last week, Sinn Féin candidate Frances McCole attacked the corruption of the establishment parties in the 26 Counties.
"The media talks about the ideological vacuum in the politics of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and the PDs," she told a 50 strong audience gathered in the Artane-Beaumont Leisure Centre. "But is it really that? Is the so-called middle ground an ideological wasteland or is it a camouflage for a hidden agenda?
"The other parties don't argue about ideas or ideals. Keeping expectations low and not rocking the boat is the name of the game. They only argue about who are the best managers of Corporate Ireland, a subsidiary of Euroland.
"The winner is the party with the least amount of brown envelopes and disgraced backbenchers. For them, politics is about politicians and political careers. It's about golden circles and corridors of power. And we have to live with the results."
Dublin North-Central had been Charles Haughey's constituency for many years, making the issue of corruption particularly relevant to local people. Now, for the first time, they have the opportunity to vote for a Sinn Féin candidate.
Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly also spoke, emphasising the importance of this election to the party's development. The meeting was chaired by Councillor Larry O'Toole, who represents many of the area's constituents on Dublin City Council.
Many speakers, including questioners from the floor, made the point that the seat of outgoing TD Derek McDowell of the Labour party is widely perceived as being vulnerable. Leaving the leisure centre that night, many felt they had a real chance of sending the first woman Sinn Féin TD to Leinster House in many decades.
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