13 May 2004 Edition
Elections an opportunity for real change
Sinn Féin EU candidate for the Dublin Constituency, Mary Lou McDonald, accompanied by party president Gerry Adams, handed in her nomination papers in Finglas on Tuesday. "The people of Dublin have the opportunity to make history on 11 June, by electing a Sinn Féin MEP to represent their interests," said McDonald, adding that while the party is taking nothing for granted, there is confidence that a team of all-Ireland MEPs will be returned.
"This is the most important European election that Sinn Féin has ever faced," said McDonald. "Over the last few weeks I have been in every area in Dublin and the one thing that is evident is real and genuine anger at the government's disregard for the electorate, whether in relation to the ongoing problems in the health service, lack of affordable housing, transport chaos or their failure to properly defend the Good Friday Agreement.
"There is also huge disquiet at the current direction of the EU and the growing threat to neutrality. This was clearly seen in the opposition to Nice I and II.
"These elections provide an opportunity for real change. They will allow the electorate to decide what type of politicians they want to represent them in Europe but also what type of politics they want pursued at home.
"Sinn Féin is standing in this election seeking an endorsement of our role in the Peace Process, our agenda for change and also our policies of positive neutrality and democracy in Europe. We will be bringing these issues to the doors over the next four weeks and seeking a mandate for change."