There are no more ‘no go’ areas for Sinn Féin politics

» Declan Kearney

A new economic model is required. Austerity is the antithesis of economic growth and job creation. It runs counter to the needs of enterprise and working people

IN THREE WEEKS, more than 350 candidates will stand for Sinn Féin in every local council area throughout the 32 Counties. That is unprecedented in the history of the party.

It creates the prospect of electing republican representatives on every council authority in Ireland and reflects the political realignment taking place across the island.

This will bring new momentum to the process of change taking place North and South. Equality has been a key dynamic in bringing about that change.

Republican politics provide an alternative to the prevailing status quo of inequality and economic recession.

A new economic model is required, one that is based on all-island planning and economic stimulus.

Austerity is the antithesis of economic growth and job creation. It runs counter to the needs of enterprise and working people.

This perspective is integral to Sinn Féin’s strategy for change.

However, fundamental change also means tackling the golden circles of greed and the extreme forces that promote racism and sectarianism.

They profit from political and economic inertia.

Sinn Féin’s electoral strategy is geared towards acquiring the popular support and political strength which allows the party to strategically advance greater economic and political change.

Others oppose change, North and South.

One significant manifestation of that is the removal of Sinn Féin European and local election posters over the last two weeks in places such as Lisnasharagh, Finaghy and the upper Ormeau Road in Belfast; Cairnshill in Castlereagh; and Ballynahinch in County Down. In some cases the election posters were replaced with UDA flags.

Such traditionally unionist areas have now become communally mixed due to population shifts and demographic changes.

Several conclusions emerge.

Firstly, some extreme unionists want to maintain ‘no go’ areas, sectarian segregation, and to exert sectarian domination.

Secondly, they want to stop Sinn Féin’s political message and representation extending to such places.

And, thirdly, it’s an attempt to prevent republican engagement with ordinary unionist and Protestant citizens.

These extremists want to perpetuate sectarianism and segregation. They are opposed to Sinn Fein’s anti-sectarian and pro-equality political agenda. They may even fear the possibility that some within the unionist section of our community might be persuaded by the republican vision and programme.

However, they will not succeed. Political ‘no go’ areas are a thing of the past.

The politics of change is here to stay and is resonating all over Ireland. And that work will be fearlessly promoted by Sinn Féin everywhere.