Republican News · Thursday 9 January 2003

All parties should organise on an all-Ireland basis

Sinn Féin TD for Cavan Monaghan and Dáil Group Leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has welcomed comments from the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern that Fianna Fáil is to consider organising on an all-Ireland basis and has urged other parties to follow suit.

"At present, Sinn Féin is the only party organised on an all-Ireland basis. Some 300,000 people now vote for our party throughout the 32 Counties. We would welcome other parties, including Fianna Fáil, organising across the entire country. This is a natural outworking of the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process.

"As we move towards the re-unification of Ireland, there will be a major realignment of politics on the island. We have already seen that process begin with the transformation in makeup of the opposition in Leinster House and with the massive increase in Sinn Féin's electoral strength in constituencies across the island.

"As an all-Ireland party, Sinn Féin want to use our political strength in Leinster House, in the Assembly, in council chambers and in local communities to bring about real change - to build the peace process, to unite our country and to create social and economic equality.

"I look forward to working with all of other parties to create this new political dynamic on this island."