Politics

Gerry Adams critical of ‘nasty little’ FF soundbites on SF

Micheál Martin’s negative comments would make DUP blush, says party chief at ardfheis

Dublin’s Convention centre hosted the 2016 Sinn Fein Ard Fheis which was particularly focused on the anniversary of the 1916 Rising. Harry McGee reports.
Sarah Bardon
Sat Apr 23 2016 - 20:48

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has criticised Independent TDs for supporting the formation of a Fine Gael government.

Speaking at his party’s ardfheis in Dublin’s Convention Centre tonight, Mr Adams in his key address said his party was willing to speak to Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael after the general election results.

However, both parties refused to talk to Sinn Féin because “nasty little soundbites” from Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin in particular had made out that his party was not fit for office.

Mr Adams said the tenor of the negative comments would make the Democratic Unionist Party blush.

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He said: "He [Mr Martin] also said he would not put [acting Taoiseach] Enda Kenny back into government.

“But putting Fine Gael back into power is exactly what he is doing. That is not in the national interest. Fianna Fáil voters did not vote to give Fine Gael another term.

“Micheál Martin knows that Enda Kenny will not resolve the homeless crisis, the health crisis or the crisis in living which many families are enduring.”

Mr Adams, who was re-elected as leader by the party on Saturday night, said Mr Martin is only willing to put Fine Gael into government to stop the growth of Sinn Féin.

He said: “I have a message for Teachta Martin. You promised in your manifesto to abolish Irish Water and to scrap water charges.

‘Irish Water must go’

“Water charges must go. Irish Water must go. Many citizens thought they were voting for an alternative when they voted Independent.

“Some of these TDs now stand with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. How independent is that?”

Mr Adams said his party will make the issues of housing, health, rural Ireland and the repeal of the eighth amendment of the Constitution a priority in the 32nd Dáil.

The Sinn Féin president also said the party will argue against a British exit from the European Union.

He said: “While Sinn Féin believes in a different European Union – a social EU based on equality and citizens’ rights – we will be campaigning for a strong vote against Brexit.

“The imposition of Border controls and economic barriers are not in the interest of the people of this island.

“Our goal is to break them down and end partition.”

Over 2,500 delegates have attended the ardfheis.