Election 'seismic change' in Irish politics, Gerry Adams says at Louth count

GERRY ADAMS has told An Phoblacht at the Louth Count Centre in Dundalk that the Dáil general election has brought about a seismic change in Irish politics. 

Tallies indicated that he would top the poll and running mate Imelda Munster was on course to be the first-ever woman TD for Louth, giving Sinn Féin two of the five seats in the constituency as Sinn Féin made important gains across the state.

The Sinn Féin leader said he was pleased with the results that had come by late Saturday afternoon.

“We have had a good campaign,” Gerry Adams said. “I'm very pleased that we have increased our vote and the number of TDs going back to Leinster House.

“We are into a new era. In this election we have seen a seismic change and realignment of politics here.

“One thing is certain – this change will continue. It is only a matter of time before a progressive government is elected.

“This has been Sinn Féin's most successful campaign in my lifetime and we have increased our vote by at least 50%,” he said.

The Sinn Féin leader also said the a Fine Gael/Fianna Fáil coalition government would usher in a conservative regime which would do nothing to alleviate the problems facing the people.

“We have to wait until all votes are counted and all TDs are elected but it is clear that they are natural partners.

“It would be a most conservative regime if they came together and it would also be another broken election promise, which is what we have come to expect from both parties.”