Irish Republican News · February 15, 2007

O Caolain suffers heart attack

Sinn Féin’s leader in the Dublin parliament, Caoimhghin O Caolain, is recovering after suffering a heart attack at his home last week.

A party spokesperson said Deputy O Caolain is “recovering well” and wished to express thanks to all hospital staff who had treated him and to well-wishers who had contacted his home and his offices in Monaghan and Leinster House.

Deputy O Caolain was attended to Monaghan General Hospital on Friday last and was then taken to St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, where he underwent surgery on Friday evening. The surgery was described as “a complete success” by a Sinn Féin spokesperson.

“Caoimhghin is recovering well. He is looking forward to returning to work at both national and constituency level after he has taken the required time for essential rest and recuperation.”

Despite the scare, Sinn Féin also confirmed Mr O Caolain will be defending his seat the forthcoming 26-County election.

WATERFORD LAUNCH

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said Sinn Féin is on the verge of taking a Dail seat in Waterford at the launch of the election campaign for the party’s candidate in the constituency, councillor David Cullinane.

Over four hundred people attended the launch in a major push by Sinn Féin to capture one of the county’s four parliamentary seats.

Speaking at the event, David Cullinane said the election next May “is very important election for Sinn Féin and for the people of Waterford.

“For the first time in many years the Waterford electorate has an opportunity to vote for real change. Sinn Féin is the only party in a position to change the status quo locally.

“For all we hear about the roar of the Celtic Tiger people are crying out for change. Despite the unprecedented wealth in this country we have a two-tier health service and an under-resourced education system.

“We have a different vision. Delivering on peoples health care rights, educational rights, housing rights and their fundamental needs should be the priority of Government.”

Mr Adams said Sinn Féin was on the verge of taking a Dail seat in Waterford.

“David Cullinane will make an excellent TD for the people of Waterford. He is the only candidate who can take a seat from any of the sitting TDs. Sinn Féin has shown through its stewardship in the peace process that it can and will deliver change.”

Mr Adams concluded by reminding the audience that we are living in historic times. “The election of David Cullinane in Waterford will bring closer an Ireland which is not just united but is truly republican in that it will treat all its people equally.”

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