Basque party Sortu hails 'outstanding result' for Sinn Féin

BASQUE pro-Independence party Sortu has congratulated Sinn Féin on what it described as an “outstanding result” in the Dáil General Election.

Describing the result as “a massive stride forward for Sinn Féin”, the Basque pro-Independence Left added:

“Sinn Féin has fought this election with a plan for a fair recovery, and has received an increased mandates for fairness, growth, jobs and investment in public services.”

Sinn Féin has increased its representation from 14 to 22 seats in the Dáil – and is still in contention in three constituencies where counts and recounts are underway.

Sinn Féin and Sortu have worked closely together on the peace processes in Ireland and the Basque Country.

 Sortu's General Secretary, Arnaldo Otegi, is currently imprisoned by the Spanish state but is expected to be released in the coming days.

His imprisonment was condemned by dozens of organisations and personalities, including South African human rights champion Desmond Tutu.

During count in Cork South Central, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness posed with a Basque flag and said he is 'looking forward' to the release of the Basque leader.

Sortu said the overall loss of support for pro-austerity parties is proof of an ongoing realignment in Irish politics:

“On this one hundredth anniversary of the Easter rising, Irish citizens have taken a new step towards the Republic dreamed by those who stood for their rights in 1916.”