Building support for political way forward

Newry Armagh MP Conor Murphy MLA

The Sinn Féin Assembly team met at Stormont on Tuesday to discuss the campaign to build support for the Good Friday Agreement, the return of the Assembly and Executive and for greater all-Ireland integration.

Newry Armagh MP Conor Murphy MLA said that Sinn Féin would take the campaign onto the streets and talk to ordinary people about the issues that effect their live such as rates, water charges, cuts to education and health services, rural planning, jobs and the economy. He said the party was committed to building on the widespread support that exists for the Agreement, the return of the Assembly and Executive and all-Ireland integration.

"This is about engaging with people on the ground, with business people, trade unionists and people who are being marginalised and challenging the devastating effects of ongoing British direct rule in this part of Ireland and campaigning for the maximum amount of change", said Murphy.

"There is an opportunity for peace and prosperity that will be lost unless people begin to realise that we need to build on the momentum of the peace process and the political process. We need to show political leadership and we need to listen to what people outside of places like Stormont are telling us', he said.

Murphy added that no-one should be under any illusions that the current political drift is not good for society. "The long-term consequences will be to close down opportunity, to cut off economic growth and to limit the chances that people have to reach their full potential", he said.