Stormont: Sinn Féin is up for doing a deal on institutions, says Gerry Adams

‘The political institutions can only work if they are based on equality, respect and integrity’

GERRY ADAMS has said that people should be in no doubt that the Sinn Féin leadership “is up for doing a deal with the DUP and the other parties, and of moving back into the Executive on that basis”.

He added:

“Let the DUP and the two governments also be in no doubt – no policy can be sustained without the informed consent of citizens.”

Speaking at a commemoration in Ballymurphy, west Belfast, to mark the centenary of the death of Thomas Ashe on hunger strike and to remember all of the Hunger Strikers of the last century, Gerry Adams said:

“Sinn Féin is fully committed to the power-sharing institutions and we are working to restore them.

“However, the lesson of recent years is clear. As Martin McGuinness reminded us: the political institutions can only work if they are based on equality, respect and integrity.

“Our opponents – including elements in the DUP, the Fianna Fáil leadership and others – claim Sinn Féin is no longer interested in the Assembly. They know this is a lie.

“The DUP leadership in particular know this. They also know the conditions that are required for sustainable institutions to deliver for all our people on education, health, housing and anti-poverty needs as well as the necessary work of reconciliation.

“So in order that there is no doubt, let me make it clear to everyone, including the republican grassroots – our leadership is up for doing a deal with the DUP and the other parties and of moving back into the Executive on that basis.

“Let the DUP and the two governments also be in no doubt – no policy can be sustained without the informed consent of citizens.”