Republican News · Thursday 28 March 2002

Morgan campaign launched in Louth

The campaign to elect Arthur Morgan as a Sinn Féin TD for County Louth in the forthcoming general election was officially launched on Thursday 21 March in the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk.

Speaking to a full house, Director of Elections Pat McVeigh said "County Councillor, Arthur Morgan has proven himself to be a committed and hardworking public representative, representing all the people of County Louth tirelessly".

Sinn Féin TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin spoke about his hope of returning to Leinster House with a team of Sinn Féin TDs. South Armagh Assembly member Conor Murphy said that Morgan's election as a TD for Louth will bring the day closer when the border will be removed.

The main guest speaker for the evening was National Party Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin, who spoke at length about the peace process and the significance of the upcoming general election. "It is not only about getting Arthur Morgan elected as a TD for County Louth; it is about the reality of a United Ireland in our lifetime and about the culture of resistance and the culture of change," he said. "Old and young are demanding change from the sleaze and corruption that we are constantly hearing about. Sinn Féin has taken huge steps forward over the past decade and will be the story of this election, just like the Northern elections in 2001. Sinn Féin is the only party with the strategy to achieve a United Ireland."

Arthur Morgan, thanked all the speakers for their support. "We all know what the issues are for the people of Louth ," he said, "our hospitals and an end to the two-tier health service, affordable housing for all, the peace process and an all-Ireland agenda, closure of Sellafield, no Incineration, proper waste management plan. These are among the issues that effect our people. Sinn Fein wants to build an Ireland of equals which means bringing about social and economic change for all in Irish society."

He paid special tribute to the Sinn Féin elected representatives in Louth for their support, particularly Chairperson of Dundalk Town Council, Sinn Féin Cllr Seán Kenna, who was in attendance despite being involved in a traffic accident several weeks before.

Honorary Vice-President of Sinn Fein, Joe Cahill, in an emotional speech, recalled words written by Tom Williams before his execution some 60 years ago 'Carry on my comrades until that certain day'. That certain day, he said, is nearly here and the election of Arthur Morgan and others as Sinn Féin TDs will bring that day closer.

A statement of support was also read from Paddy Agnew, who was elected TD for County Louth as a H Block candidate in the 1981 general election.