25 June 1998 Edition
Time for dialogue
It is worth repeating at this time that the only way to resolve the marching issue is through dialogue. That is the republican position and it is a position which will ultimately be taken up. Quite simply, those who will not talk are perpetuating conflict.
Elements within the loyal orders will not talk because to talk would be to recognise nationalists on the basis of equality. It is becoming clearer all the time that their continued insistence on marching where they are not wanted is the last gasp of supremacist unionism. Their desire to mark out territory, backed up by claims to ancient traditions merely exposes them as reactionary bigots.
In the new political dispensation produced by today's election, that type of thinking will be seen as anachronistic. Eventually, the loyal orders will have to face up to the unacceptability of their position.
They can be helped in this by broad-based calls for dialogue. The churches, political parties and the two governments must stop pandering to an agenda of inequality.
And make no mistake, the marching issue is very much an issue of equality. If the equality agenda which is at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement is to be honoured, then the marching issue must be tackled. It is a vital test which will prove whether we have entered a new era.
Praise is due to the hundreds of activists from all over Ireland who worked in Sinn Féin's Assembly election campaign. For the last six weeks they have run a professional campaign which has put the other parties in the shade.
While others have spoken about apathy and even blamed the effect of the World Cup on their lacklustre canvassing, Sinn Féin activists have been busy putting their message across on the doorsteps.
And as the votes are counted, there is every confidence that the hard work and enthusiasm - and above all, the inspirational political message - will have struck a chord with voters and been translated into vitally increased political strength. And with that increased political strength will come a greater ability to reach towards the future which all the people of Ireland deserve.
Elements within the loyal orders will not talk because to talk would be to recognise nationalists on the basis of equality. It is becoming clearer all the time that their continued insistence on marching where they are not wanted is the last gasp of supremacist unionism. Their desire to mark out territory, backed up by claims to ancient traditions merely exposes them as reactionary bigots.
In the new political dispensation produced by today's election, that type of thinking will be seen as anachronistic. Eventually, the loyal orders will have to face up to the unacceptability of their position.
They can be helped in this by broad-based calls for dialogue. The churches, political parties and the two governments must stop pandering to an agenda of inequality.
And make no mistake, the marching issue is very much an issue of equality. If the equality agenda which is at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement is to be honoured, then the marching issue must be tackled. It is a vital test which will prove whether we have entered a new era.
Praise for campaign
Praise is due to the hundreds of activists from all over Ireland who worked in Sinn Féin's Assembly election campaign. For the last six weeks they have run a professional campaign which has put the other parties in the shade.
While others have spoken about apathy and even blamed the effect of the World Cup on their lacklustre canvassing, Sinn Féin activists have been busy putting their message across on the doorsteps.
And as the votes are counted, there is every confidence that the hard work and enthusiasm - and above all, the inspirational political message - will have struck a chord with voters and been translated into vitally increased political strength. And with that increased political strength will come a greater ability to reach towards the future which all the people of Ireland deserve.