Meeting: National reconciliation in Ireland 24 October
National reconciliation in Ireland – the need for uncomfortable conversations
7pm Wednesday 24 October
Grand Committee Room House of Commons London
Ireland
Ireland: support surges for Sinn Féin
Support for Sinn Féin continues to grow in the southern Irish state. In a poll commissioned for the Irish edition of The Sunday Times Sinn Féin is now standing at 25%, making it the second most popular party, with Gerry Adams now the most popular party leader in the country.
Sinn Féin seminar: Economic Crisis – lessons from Ireland
Sinn Féin seminar: Economic Crisis – lessons from Ireland
8pm Tuesday 28 February
Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House, House of Commons, London SW1
(Westminster Tube)
Speakers:
Mary Lou McDonald TD, Vice President Sinn Féin
Pat Doherty MP.
What underpins Sinn Féin’s rise in the southern Irish state
By Frances Davis
Almost one year on from the general election in the southern Irish state, which saw the crushing defeat of the Fianna Fáil government and the election of a Fine Gael/Labour coalition, the Irish economy remains in deep crisis. Implementing the same austerity policies as the previous government, the devastating impact on living standards continues, in parallel to the effect of similar Tory policies in Britain.
Martin McGuinness for President
By Frances Davis
On Thursday night (13 October) Martin McGuinness’ speech to a packed rally in Dublin’s Mansion House demonstrated beyond any shadow of a doubt why the left and progressives everywhere should not only support his bid for the Irish Presidency, but draw inspiration from it.
His speech gave a strong message to all of the detractors and the right wing establishment in the 26 counties, who have done everything possible to malign his candidacy. Far from having anything to hide or regret, he explained how he was not only right to have followed the course he had, but proud of his history.
Sinn Féin Ard Fheis sets out the way forward
By Frances Davis
Sinn Féin held its Ard Fheis (Annual conference) over 9-10 September. Described as ‘a conference of firsts’, it was indeed the first time the event had taken place in Belfast at the prestigious Waterfront Hall. The rising confidence and strength of the party was evident, reflected in the breadth of speakers and policies over the two days, and laid out in both keynote speeches of party president Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness. Vice President Mary Lou McDonald gave the perspective for ‘reuniting Ireland’.