SINN Féin’s Michelle O’Neill has said what Sinn Féin wins in March’s election and any upcoming negotiations will be a win for all progressive elements in society.
The party’s new northern leader was speaking at the Sinn Féin Youth National Congress in Derry.
“In this election we need to stand up for ourselves, our neighbours and communities.
“There can be no return to the status quo.
“This means that we are only interested in power sharing institutions if they deliver quality public services, investment and jobs for all of our citizens and which operate on the basis of equality, respect and integrity.
“The principles, values and the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement which is the foundation stone of the peace process must be honoured.
“The Good Friday Agreement and all subsequent political agreements must now be fully implemented – not renegotiated.
“We must defend the democratic mandate of the people to remain within the EU, through designated special status, which can secure the position of the entire island of Ireland within the European Union together.
“Sinn Fein is seeking in this election a stronger mandate to enter forthcoming political negotiations to defend your interests and put firmly the peoples social, economic and political interests first.
“What we win in this election and achieve in any negotiation is a win for everyone who considers themselves to be progressive and for the future success of this society.”