Republican rivals to hold debate

Sinn Fein and new republican political party eirigi will share a platform this week, for the first time, during a debate to discuss Ireland’s economic crisis.

Sinn Fein’s Dublin chairperson Eoin O Broin and eirigi representative Daithi Mac An Mhaistir take part in the event organised by students at Queen’s University Belfast.

Sinn Fein has previously refused to take part in debates on the North’s political process with eirigi.

The groundbreaking debate has been organised by the Republican Congress, a group of socialist students from Queen’s.

Mr O Broin said he has no problem debating economic issues with eirigi activists.

“I’ve often take part in de bates with people who have been critical of Sinn Fein’s strategy and have no problem defending the party’s position,” he said.

“Debate is essential and especially in light of the current economic crisis I will obviously be there laying out Sinn Fein’s strategy on the way forward. “And while it’s good for republicans and socialists to debate I would also hope that people from a non-republican background would attend so we can share alternative views,” he said.

eirigi spokesman Daithi Mac An Mhaistir said the debate provided an opportunity to put questions to a unique panel.

“At a time of crisis across Ireland promoting an alternative economic system for the time ahead in both the six and 26 counties is crucial,” he said.

The debate will place this Thursday in the Holiday Inn, University Street, Belfast at 7pm.

Urgent Appeal