Sinn Féin National Councillors' Forum meets in Dublin

MEETING: There was a wide-ranging debate at the National Councillors’ Forum

SINN FÉIN councillors from across Ireland met in Dublin city centre last Saturday in the first gathering of elected representatives following last June’s local elections in which the party saw many new councillors elected.
The vice-chair of the party’s National Councillors’ Forum, Seán McPeake, chaired proceedings.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin were in attendance and addressed the councillors on the current political situation.
In a wide-ranging debate, councillors discussed their role within the party and on behalf of their respective communities.
Introductions were made by new councillors while tributes were paid to those party stalwarts who either didn’t seek re-election or who lost their seats.
While acknowledging that, in the 26-County local elections, the result could have been better, there were numerous examples provided of election successes and breakthroughs that bode well for the future... but only if the party (and especially its elected representatives) harness the goodwill that undoubtedly exists among a large section of the Irish population and articulates the desire for change that many sectors crave.
Among invited speakers at the meeting was Caoilfhionn Ní Dhonnabháin, who delivered a presentation on the importance of campaigning work for Sinn Féin members and elected representatives. There was also a debate on the need to develop alliances with other progressive forces in Ireland and especially those who work within and for local communities.
In outlining the need for support from Sinn Féin structures, both locally and nationally, councillors also acknowledged the need for them to provide leadership and information to other party members.
Councillors agreed to work closely on campaigns and issues of mutual interest; to share information; and to continue to be part of the driving force for the demand for Irish unity and independence.
Sinn Féin councillors will, it was agreed, continue to provide constituents with whatever supports and assistance they require while always supporting and developing mechanisms to empower local communities.
Sinn Féin councillors, it was argued, must be relevant, radical and well-informed. They must, at the most local of levels, show the people of Ireland that all parties are not the same, that there is an alternative to the corrupt and stale politics represented by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour and the Greens. As one speaker commented:
“The reason why people perceive Sinn Féin councillors to work harder than any others is simply because it’s true!”


NEW OFFICERS ELECTED
At Saturday’s meeting, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal) was elected as the new cathaoirleach of the National Councillors’ Forum. Seán MacPeake (County Derry) will continue as leas-cathaoirleach.  Mayo’s Rose Conway Walsh was elected as secretary of the Forum while Seán MacPeake and Matt Carthy will represent Sinn Féin councillors on the party’s Ard Chomhairle.

Caoilfhionn Ní Dhonnabháin, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Seán McPeake