12 February 2004 Edition

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Sinn Féin poll surge in Dublin

BY DES THORP - Commenting on recent poll findings showing that Sinn Féin support has reached unprecedented levels among the electorate, particularly in Dublin, the party's Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh, said the findings reflected the consistent work being carried out on the ground throughout Dublin and many other parts of the state.

The Irish Times/tnsMRBI poll published on Friday 6 February showed Sinn Féin support in the 26 Counties reaching a new high of 12%. This compares with 6.5% in the 2002 General Election.

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams' personal satisfaction rating was the largest in the 26 Counties, at 51%. This rating compares with that of the Taoiseach who had the support of less than half of the electorate (47%).

Sinn Féin support in Dublin is now equal to that of Fine Gael and Labour and the party is expected to make major gains at the local elections in June.

"While the results of the poll are very positive, we have never based our strategy on opinion polls," said Ó Snodaigh. "To be honest, I am not surprised by the statistics at all. The work being done on the ground by our representatives and activists across the country, and especially here in Dublin, would indicate that our support is experiencing a steady growth.

"Also, the reception we are getting on the doorsteps has been very positive here in Dublin South Central. This is despite a sustained and scurrilous political offensive and black propaganda campaign led by the likes of Michael McDowell against myself and my colleagues in Leinster House and the Sinn Féin organisation in the 26 Counties. The poll, I suppose, just goes to show who the people really believe in this regard."

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil TD Ned O'Keefe has stated that he would be interested in going into coalition with Sinn Féin. The former Junior Minster for Agriculture was quoted as saying that he would "have no difficulty" with this, and that he respects "the goodwill of Gerry Adams and his people". He was fearful that Sinn Féin's popularity may shrink Fianna Fáil "into a very small party".

This is in stark contrast to Fianna Fáil's stated position on the matter. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has repeatedly announced that he refuses to go into government with Sinn Féin. For its part, Sinn Féin has pointed out that it has no desire to enter into coalition with Fianna Fáil, given that party's policies and record in government.


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