Sinn Féin MLA Martin McGuinness has said Sinn Féin is the only party in the North at this election firmly opposed to austerity.
Speaking at the launch of Sinn Féin’s Westminster election manifesto in Ranfurly House, Dungannon, Mr McGuinness said: “This manifesto represents Sinn Féin’s commitment to the electorate. It is our vow to continue to resist the disastrous agenda of Tory austerity in Ireland.
“It is our pledge to defend the most vulnerable, to protect public services and deliver a new and better future for this society.
“It is now clear that British governments, of whatever hue, will continue to impose austerity on our society.
“Sinn Féin is the only party in the North at this election firmly opposed to austerity and with a proven track record in negotiations.
“Following this election Sinn Féin will be seeking an immediate negotiation with the incoming British Government to secure a viable budget to deliver public services; return economic powers to promote growth, jobs and prosperity and protect those most in need.
“A new budget is required to end austerity and we need the fiscal powers necessary to determine our own economic policy, to stabilise the political institutions and build on the progress of the peace process.”
Meanwhile responding to remarks by Fianna Fáil Leader Mícheál Martin at Arbour Hill today, Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams TD said: “Micheál Martin’s claim that Sinn Féin is not not fit for democratic government is a matter which the electorate will decide.
“Sinn Féin has a mandate in both part’s of this island. That is what drives the hysterical rant by Mícheál Martin about Sinn Féin at Arbour Hill today.
“His remarks are a clear sign of desperation at the growth of Sinn Féin and the stagnation of his own party.
“Micheál Martin was a central figure in the Fianna Fáil administration which destroyed the economy and surrendered the sovereignty of the Irish State.
“The Fine Gael/Labour coalition has been implementing an austerity agenda which was laid out for them by Fianna Fáil, including Micheál Martin. Water Charges for example were a Fianna Fáil idea.
“Micheál Martin is clearly facing huge internal and external pressures over his leadership and the failure of Fianna Fáil to make any headway with the public in recent years.
“His speech majors on negativity and invective but offers no message of hope or policy proposals which could build a better future.
“Micheal Martin clearly sees Sinn Féin representing a genuine republican alternative to which citizens are turning in ever greater numbers and his remarks must be seen in this context.
“For our part, Sinn Féin is focussed on bringing about a united Ireland and a real republic based on the ideals of social justice and equality.”
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