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30 September 2011

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Ireland needs a new beginning

THE Presidential election is taking place at a time of major challenges for Ireland and its people.
The economic and fiscal crisis caused by disastrous Government policies has resulted in huge hardship for so many citizens. Many are in despair and are losing hope. Tens of thousands of our young people are leaving our shores.
Citizens are angry that sovereignty is being handed over to the IMF and EU.
It is time for a President who will stand up for Ireland and the Irish people.
It is time that hope was restored.
It is important that at this time of crisis, with the present government pursuing the same failed policies of their predecessors, that the next President is not part of the political establishment.
Martin McGuinness is standing in the Presidential election on his record as someone who has already been central in bringing huge change to Ireland, particularly in the North. If elected President, Martin McGuinness can be a catalyst for real change throughout Ireland, a change that is urgently needed.
A former IRA Volunteer who defended his community when he was called upon, a republican leader for over 30 years; an experienced negotiator, an internationally acclaimed peacemaker and a Government minister, Martin McGuinness has the experience and the calibre for the highest elected office in the land.
In government, Martin McGuinness has demonstrated his ability to work constructively with the representatives of unionism. The successful working relationship he developed with Ian Paisley and Peter Robinson symbolises his political philosophy that nothing is impossible and no problem is unsolvable.
Ireland needs the same sort of approach now.
Ireland needs a new beginning.
Understandably, many citizens are now alienated from politics and political life. Now is the time to ensure that all political institutions are made more relevant and open to the people. The archaic rules for nominating Presidential candidates, highlighted in this election, must be changed
The Presidency can and should be a platform to continue to build the Peace Process and to serve a process of national reconciliation. Martin McGuinness will use the office of President to bring people together, North and South, building the foundations for Irish unity.
Throughout his political life, Martin McGuinness has led from the front. He has never sought financial gain or privilege from his involvement in politics. In that vein, Martin has promised that, if elected President, he will only take home the average wage. The surplus of his Presidential salary will go back to the Irish people.
The challenges that Ireland now faces mean that we need a real discussion on what type of a country we wish to build for the future. We need national conversation about constructing a New Republic on this island – a republic that puts the interests of its citizens first and foremost.
As President, Martin McGuinness intends to lead that important national conversation.

On October 27th, vote Martin McGuinness Number 1.

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Contributions from key figures in the churches, academia and wider civic society as well as senior republican figures

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