10 May 2001 Edition
Sinn Féin to open Ballina office
Sinn Féin is to open a constituency office and shop in Ballina.
Mayo Sinn Féin's Vincent Wood has described this as a significant development for the party. ``Sinn Féin has been building and organising throughout Mayo in recent months. We have placed a particular onus on north Mayo, where there is a high level of disenchantment with the government parties and the ineffectiveness of opposition parties to offer the kind of radical alternative that is required in this part of the county.
``This disenchantment with political parties has manifested itself in calls for an independent candidate to come forward. As the Sinn Féin candidate in the coming election, I and my party are offering the kind of radical alternative and strong voice that people want and need. Sinn Féin is committed to implementing policies that offer equality of opportunity to all the people of Ireland. In Mayo, this means massive government investment in our roads, rail, telecommunications, fibre-optic technology and electricity infrastructure. In effect, we need Ôpositive discrimination' here with a much higher percentage of government spending then is currently envisaged under the National Development Plan. The government must acknowledge that we are a long way behind with the infrastructure that is necessary to ensure business in competitive and people's quality of life is improved.
``Sinn Féin is making a long-term commitment in Mayo and we will play an increasing role in shaping the political debate here.''
Mayo Sinn Féin's Vincent Wood has described this as a significant development for the party. ``Sinn Féin has been building and organising throughout Mayo in recent months. We have placed a particular onus on north Mayo, where there is a high level of disenchantment with the government parties and the ineffectiveness of opposition parties to offer the kind of radical alternative that is required in this part of the county.
``This disenchantment with political parties has manifested itself in calls for an independent candidate to come forward. As the Sinn Féin candidate in the coming election, I and my party are offering the kind of radical alternative and strong voice that people want and need. Sinn Féin is committed to implementing policies that offer equality of opportunity to all the people of Ireland. In Mayo, this means massive government investment in our roads, rail, telecommunications, fibre-optic technology and electricity infrastructure. In effect, we need Ôpositive discrimination' here with a much higher percentage of government spending then is currently envisaged under the National Development Plan. The government must acknowledge that we are a long way behind with the infrastructure that is necessary to ensure business in competitive and people's quality of life is improved.
``Sinn Féin is making a long-term commitment in Mayo and we will play an increasing role in shaping the political debate here.''