14 June 2001 Edition
Peace strategy endorsed
Sinn Féin's successes in the local and Westminster elections this week were a clear endorsement of the party's peace strategy. The republican positions on policing, demilitarisation, the issue of arms and David Trimble's behaviour as First Minister have also been unequivocally endorsed as those most popular with the nationalist electorate in the Six Counties.
Such a meteoric rise, and so soon, in Sinn Féin's electoral support could not have been predicted by either the most optimistic or seasoned of republican activists, but it is those activists who deserve credit, and congratulations, for this hard-earned result. Throughout the Six Counties they have toiled against the attacks of other political parties, RUC harassment and a barrage of media negativity. This result is a sweet vindication of all that work, but the taste of success will only whet the appetites of republicans for more.
Sinn Féin has won a significant battle in the quest for a socialist republic. Amongst young people, in particular, the party is being seen as the alternative to political corruption and stagnancy both North and South. Sinn Féin is the radical alternative.
With victory, however, comes new challenges. One is to maintain the momentum that has propelled us this far. There is no room for complacency in a political climate where votes come and go. It is up to republicans to continue their endeavours and to intensify and attune them methodically to achieve further political strength. The election of four MPs and 108 councillors is a significant victory and morale booster - that renewed morale must be directed wisely.
As Gerry Adams pointed out this week, the true test of this election will be whether or not those who have been entrusted with public support can deliver on their mandate. On the issues of policing, demilitarisation, the permanency of the political institutions and arms, Sinn Féin will continue to strive for progress. If that progress does not go far enough for now, then republicans must be returned with an even stronger mandate the next time around. Sinn Féin is a revolutionary party and the duty of revolutionaries is to deliver change. To quote and indeed subvert the SDLP's election slogan: It's working, let's build on it.
Such a meteoric rise, and so soon, in Sinn Féin's electoral support could not have been predicted by either the most optimistic or seasoned of republican activists, but it is those activists who deserve credit, and congratulations, for this hard-earned result. Throughout the Six Counties they have toiled against the attacks of other political parties, RUC harassment and a barrage of media negativity. This result is a sweet vindication of all that work, but the taste of success will only whet the appetites of republicans for more.
Sinn Féin has won a significant battle in the quest for a socialist republic. Amongst young people, in particular, the party is being seen as the alternative to political corruption and stagnancy both North and South. Sinn Féin is the radical alternative.
With victory, however, comes new challenges. One is to maintain the momentum that has propelled us this far. There is no room for complacency in a political climate where votes come and go. It is up to republicans to continue their endeavours and to intensify and attune them methodically to achieve further political strength. The election of four MPs and 108 councillors is a significant victory and morale booster - that renewed morale must be directed wisely.
As Gerry Adams pointed out this week, the true test of this election will be whether or not those who have been entrusted with public support can deliver on their mandate. On the issues of policing, demilitarisation, the permanency of the political institutions and arms, Sinn Féin will continue to strive for progress. If that progress does not go far enough for now, then republicans must be returned with an even stronger mandate the next time around. Sinn Féin is a revolutionary party and the duty of revolutionaries is to deliver change. To quote and indeed subvert the SDLP's election slogan: It's working, let's build on it.