Halting British austerity drive the focus of Sinn Féin strategy summit in Derry

CONOR MURPHY MLA and Matt Carthy MEP are leading a Sinn Féin ‘Strategic Planning Session’ in Derry today which will challenge British austerity and seek to build islandwide economic recovery.

Party leadership figures, elected representatives and party staff from across Ireland are meeting with external experts who will outline their alternatives to British austerity in the north.

Eoin Rooney, Co-ordinator of the Centre for Economic Empowerment at NICVA, will outline NICVA’s progressive strategy for really making work pay which is a credible alternative to the current anti-welfare strategy adopted by the Westminster Government. 

Dr Stevie Nolan from Trademark will show clearly how the impact of the financial crisis of 2008 and the challenges posed by the subsequent restructuring of European economies cannot be addressed by orthodox economics.  He will show how the political economy and the democratisation of it can drive forward economic recovery

Willie Sullivan is a founder of the Common Weal Scotland.  The Common Weal Scotland is a ‘think and do tank’ that emerged during the debate on Scottish independence. Their goal is to achieve a Scotland of social and economic equality and environmental sustainability with a vibrant community and cultural life, widespread democratic participation, a high quality of life and co-operative working. Willie will outline how progressive taxation, proper wages and system of welfare that provides for people can lead to sustainable economic recovery.

Michael Burke, independent economist and economic consultant, will outline how austerity policy relies on twin falsehoods that there is no money left and therefore there is no alternative. He will outline when the actual resources in Ireland, North and South, are explored how easy it is to see there are plenty of resources available. The task is to mobilise these resources to end austerity. 

Conor and Matt will be joined by Sinn Féin Chairperson Declan Kearney, Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill MLA and Lynn Boylan MEP who will outline their proposals to end austerity, build a fair recovery and deliver a united Ireland economy.

Conor Murphy MLA said:

“The austerity agenda of the British Government is the biggest threat to the institutions and the Peace Process in the North.

“Austerity isn’t working – it doesn’t work in Ireland, it doesn’t work in Britain and it doesn’t work in Europe.

“Sinn Féin will use the full extent of our power across Ireland to call a halt to ever deeper austerity, to protect our public services and to say loudly and clearly that the precious resources of all of Ireland should be invested in the future of our children. 

“We will continue to use our power to secure the full transfer of economic and social powers that we urgently need to grow our economy and create more jobs.

“We will continue to strive for a united Ireland for all which will deliver economic prosperity to all of

Matt Carty MEP said:

“Austerity is the price of the Union with Britain.  Partition is the biggest threat to economic and social development in Ireland.  Our people deserve more than British austerity and partition. The administrations that exist in Ireland today cannot feasibly deliver for all the people of Ireland. 

“The right to vote in a referendum is enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement. We as a nation must not be denied that vote; it is our right to shape the society in which we live.

“Our goal of a united Ireland is achievable, affordable and deliverable. We would all be better off – economically, socially and politically – in a united Ireland.

“As a nation we are stronger together than we can ever be apart.  Irish unity is not optional – Irish unity is essential”