18 December 2003 Edition

Resize: A A A Print

Sinn Féin meets Electoral Office

Sinn Féin Chair Mitchel McLaughlin met with Chief Electoral Officer Dennis Stanley on Monday 15 December to discuss the difficulties surrounding the Assembly elections on 26 November.

Noting that tens of thousands of people who were entitled to vote had that right taken away from them at the November election, McLaughlin said every effort must be made to ensure that the experience is not repeated when the European Parliament elections come around in June.

The meeting discussed Sinn Féin's concerns with the registration process, the difficulties in terms of securing a Postal or Proxy vote and photographic identification related problems. McLaughlin said Sinn Féin will also raise these matters with the NIO.

• The Sinn Féin Assembly group leader Conor Murphy has welcomed a commitment from the SDLP to join with his party in building an alliance of those who wish to see the Good Friday Agreement implemented, to confront the rejectionists.

"Sinn Féin met with the SDLP last week and we proposed the construction of a pro-Agreement alliance to confront those who want to see the Good Friday Agreement wrecked," said Murphy. "I welcome the fact that the SDLP have now responded positively to this suggestion in a letter received from SDLP leader Mark Durkan.


An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland