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4 March 2011

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WHAT NEXT FOR SINN FÉIN? | BY DECLAN KEARNEY SINN FÉIN NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON

Beyond the Green Tide

CANVASSING in Cloontagh, Inishowen: 9pm, Tuesday 22nd February
“Last call,” said Roger. “A courtesy.” The courtesy turned into a privilege . . . for Pádraig (now a TD) and me.
Kathleen is 84. She cares full-time for Gareth, her foster son, aged 22, once a champion boxer, now profoundly disabled. It was humbling.
Kathleen and Gareth belong to the Ireland left ignored by the gombeen political and economic elite. But each is an amazing person. They personify Ireland’s real wealth, our humanity, our social capital. They are a reminder of Sinn Féin’s purpose – to create political change, social justice, and economic transformation; a New Ireland.
We entered this election to popularise support for that vision. Our strategy was to rebuild political momentum in the 26 Counties. Now the ‘Green Tide’ of electoral support for Sinn Féin creates the potential to do just that.
The 2007 election was a wake-up call. But while the Establishment scoffed, Sinn Féin learned the lessons. We analysed, planned and then acted: under the radar.
During the last year the political flux let us make some of our own luck. All this combined lifted the Green Tide which surged through the 26 Counties for Sinn Féin.
Republican strategy sits on a long-term trajectory, building popular support incrementally to achieve increased political strength nationally. Our strategy is a ‘slow burner’ but it thrives on momentum.
This election was not just about increasing Sinn Féin representation in the Oireachtas for the next five years. It was always about regaining momentum, expanding our spread of parliamentary representation and, most importantly, creating a strategic beachhead in the South.
This election was the first phase of a ‘two general election strategy’.
So, tús maith, leath na h-oibre. And, what next?
Now the real work begins to consolidate our gains – to plan now for the next local and European election campaigns. We need to lay the organisational foundations for the second leg of this two-election strategy.
The party leadership had already begun to review and reorganise in anticipation of an electoral surge of support. The focus of that work is to become more strategically, politically and organisationally fit for purpose to manage this Green Tide.
Political strategy is fundamental to ensuring Sinn Féin now produces a coherent, cutting edge parliamentary opposition and an expanding organisation with the capacity to mainstream the republican project.
The waves of applications to join the party need to be processed. Real potential exists to massively increase our membership base.
There is much to be done and that will depend upon our growing membership remaining ideologically centred, cohesive and becoming more relevant in local communities.
Concrete strategic and political challenges flow from these election results: to popularise republicanism as THE political alternative in the South and position Sinn Féin as the catalyst for change across the state.
The tectonic plates of popular opinion have fundamentally shifted. We need to be at the centre of this continuing political realignment.
There is an opportunity to build national and democratic politics from the platform of real world campaigns on social and economic change in the South.
This election gives way to Assembly and council elections in the Six Counties in May.
Our political strength in the North remains solid; it has provided the momentum for our national project in recent years. But there is still untapped electoral and party-build potential.
The objective in the North must be to maximise our electoral performance. However, in learning from our experience of the last four years, a step change is needed as to how Sinn Féin uses our political authority and power in the institutions.
The party’s strategic position in the North has grown out of national and democratic struggle. Our political strength now needs refocused upon the growing primacy of economic and social issues. Beyond the Northern elections we need to bring forward a coherent political strategy for delivering change in government and ensuring maximum effectiveness in local councils.
In short, it is time for the project in the North to change gear.
The plans for party reorganisation, North and South, have to be governed by a resolve to guarantee that Sinn Féin – in government and opposition –  makes a real economic and social difference to ordinary citizens’ lives.
The general election is over. The results have been good. It’s ‘game on’ for Sinn Féin in the South. Our national project now moves to a new level. That brings a new, added importance to these Northern elections.
A new phase of political struggle is opening up. The party’s trajectory must be to maximise our political strength North and South, to challenge and roll back the forces of conservatism across the island.
Now, more than ever, we need to bring new energy to build greater momentum for authentic republican politics and values which cherish the rights and humanity of the Ireland personified by Kathleen and Gareth.
Everything changed with this election. Republicanism emerged ascendant on the crest of the Green Tide.
The lesson for us all– more Green Tides!

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Contributions from key figures in the churches, academia and wider civic society as well as senior republican figures

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