16 August 2001 Edition
Prominent defection a sign of FF disillusion
``It is clear that many Fianna Fáil activists and supporters in Mayo and elsewhere in the west of Ireland are demoralised by the failure of their party hierarchy to address local and regional concerns,'' says Sinn Féin candidate for Mayo and party Ard Chomhairle member Vincent Wood.
He was commenting on the recent defection of Ballaghaderreen-based Paul Whelan to Sinn Féin from Fianna Fail.
``Paul Whelan was very clear as to why he left the Fianna Fáil,'' said Wood ``He said that Fianna Fáil had abandoned the west of Ireland. Many in Fianna Fáil, including those in local leadership positions, are saying much the same and it must be difficult for their local public representatives to explain why the west has been so neglected.
``Fianna Fáil has been described as now having a `republican' and a `corporate' wing. The latter is clearly in the ascendancy and although we will see attempts by the Fianna Fáil leadership to regain its republican credentials with a full state burial for Kevin Barry and his nine comrades who were executed during the War of Independence, many will note that there is more to republicanism then mere rhetoric.
``Sinn Féin is a republican party. We are the only party organised throughout the 32 counties and are working towards equality and liberty for all throughout the island of Ireland. Increasing numbers of people, including many who previously supported Fianna Fail, west of the Shannon and elsewhere, can see this.''
He was commenting on the recent defection of Ballaghaderreen-based Paul Whelan to Sinn Féin from Fianna Fail.
``Paul Whelan was very clear as to why he left the Fianna Fáil,'' said Wood ``He said that Fianna Fáil had abandoned the west of Ireland. Many in Fianna Fáil, including those in local leadership positions, are saying much the same and it must be difficult for their local public representatives to explain why the west has been so neglected.
``Fianna Fáil has been described as now having a `republican' and a `corporate' wing. The latter is clearly in the ascendancy and although we will see attempts by the Fianna Fáil leadership to regain its republican credentials with a full state burial for Kevin Barry and his nine comrades who were executed during the War of Independence, many will note that there is more to republicanism then mere rhetoric.
``Sinn Féin is a republican party. We are the only party organised throughout the 32 counties and are working towards equality and liberty for all throughout the island of Ireland. Increasing numbers of people, including many who previously supported Fianna Fail, west of the Shannon and elsewhere, can see this.''