12 June 2008 Edition

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Adams visits West Cork

(Standing) DJ O’Driscoll (Bandon Sinn Féin), Kenneth Ahern (Cork); (Seated) Councillor Paul Hayes, Gerry Adams, Rachel McCarthy (Bandon)

(Standing) DJ O’Driscoll (Bandon Sinn Féin), Kenneth Ahern (Cork); (Seated) Councillor Paul Hayes, Gerry Adams, Rachel McCarthy (Bandon)

SINN FÉIN President Gerry Adams paid a flying visit to West Cork last Friday as part of the Lisbon Treaty campaign. He met with Sinn Féin members and supporters in Bandon where he also held interviews with local journalists and interest groups.
As well as addressing the Lisbon Treaty, Adams spoke of his concern about issues affecting West Cork and rural Ireland in general.
He highlighted the lack of investment in infrastructure and slow roll-out of broadband, with its knock-on effect of inhibiting the development of industry and tourism in the area, using the unfinished Bandon bypass as an example.


FERRY LINK
The Sinn Féin president supported the initiative to reintroduce the ferry link between Cork and Swansea which has had a detrimental effect in West Cork since it ceased operating. Previously, over 300,000 passengers annually would use the ferry service, as well as providing a vital link for the transportation of freight.
He urged the Government to intervene if a private company isn’t forthcoming to provide this vital service.
Adams empathised with the concerns of small farmers and fishermen, stating that the recent rise in fuel has put serious pressure on this sector and families’ ability to make a living.
He spoke of Sinn Féin’s vision for a different Ireland where healthcare and education would be given better priority and resources.
Rachel McCarthy of Bandon Sinn Féin and Councillor Paul Hayes from Clonakilty briefed the Sinn Féin leader on some of the issues still outstanding in West Cork, such as a lack of ambulance service for Bandon and the fear of elderly people of contracting MRSA if admitted to hospital.
Problems in West Cork towns and villages were discussed, with Gerry Adams saying that the root causes of crime and anti-social behaviour should be tackled by implementing better housing policy, with more amenities and facilities for young people as well as better policing.

BANDON WELCOME
Later, Gerry Adams received a warm West Cork welcome as he walked through the streets of Bandon meeting the locals and urging a ‘No’ vote in the Lisbon Treaty Referendum.
Sinn Féin Mayor of Bandon John Desmond escorted Adams on a tour of the new Bandon Town Council chamber.
Before departing for Cork City, Gerry Adams thanked local councillors, members and supporters for their work on behalf of Sinn Féin and for their activism within their communities. “Sinn Féin is growing in West Cork and I look forward to the party making gains in next year’s town and county council elections.” 

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