Sinn Féin Ard Fheis 2013 April 12, 2013
Posted by Oireachtas Retort in Irish Politics, Sinn Féin.trackback
Due to get under way in Castlebar shortly. No sign of a clár yet but motions available here and speeches here over the course of the weekend.
Gerry Adams was on with Pat this morning.
The Cedar Lounge Revolution 
Sinn Fein is affiliated to PANA and myself and Seamas Ratigan will reperesent PANA at the Ard Fheis. We welcome the resolutions on the foreign policy debate and SF’s clear continuing support for positive neutrality. It stands in contrast to the decision of the Labour Party in government to support the policy of “additional military flights” through Shannon Airport, its support for the continuing Irish army participation in the Afghan War, its decision to participate in the Mali war and to continue to support Irish participation in EU Battle Groups via the Swedish led Nordic Battle Group in 2015.
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Given Labour’s betrayal and the implosion of the far left, perhaps this is the only game in town. It would be great to see the emergence of a leftwing pressure group that could counter coalition tendencies.
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Streaming now
Mary Lou speaking
http://www.sinnfein.ie/ard-fheis-2013
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A1, thanks doctorfive
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jim i reckon the best hope of a group within sf to counter coalition tendancies left or are now with eirigi
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Outside SF now. But if they keep a distance from the cul de sac policies of militarism they have my good wishes. For me any dalliance with militarism is juts a path to the grave or a prison cell. Only a mass campaign can win. Oh and I am not a peacenik. For me you tie all forms of struggle to the real needs of the situation.
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+1
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Excellent contribution on water metering from some guy from Clones a few minutes back. Who was the Basque guest speaker anyone know?
One of the Labour shadow Cabinet in attendance also.
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IT headline: “Sinn Féin leader does not completely rule out a government with Micheál Martin’s party”
Adams quote: “I’m not mesmerised about being in government except on terms which advance the historic project which we have set ourselves and that is to build a fair and just society and to build a real republic across this island.”
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/adams-personally-against-coalition-with-ff-1.1358796
The beginning of the softening up of the membership & support base?
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I liked Mary Lou’s dig at Howlin, the guy with the stick who is not a stick
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Mary Lou, Adams and Marty, FF in waiting. J Monaghan – draft dodger
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Mary Lou, Adams and Marty, FF in waiting. Any one saying otherwise is a moron or a knave.
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Ard Fheis rejects motions for a free vote on the issue of abortion. Barely ten hands raised in favour.
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One of those ten presumably being peadar toibin?
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No, actually!!! Member of Ard Chomhairle, so couldn’t vote against their mandate!!
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He spoke in favour alight. I think every one that did was prolife. It’s interesting how personal choice & not having others view imposed becomes a concern isn’t it…
Motion in favour of an all island football league just passed too I think. Gerry’s speech on in a few minutes. Broadcast on RTÉ News Now I think
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“a real Labour Party with a principled leadership should not be in government with Fine Gael” says he
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SF haven’t ruled out going into a coalition with FG.
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After SF making such a big issue on scrapping the Property Tax, what do you think the chances are of coalescing with FG (if FG would have or need SF)?
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I would think the chances of FG and SF being in coalition would be minimal for a very very long time. Any FGer I know it’s not just an absurd idea, it’s anathema to them (and a fair few FFers of my acquaintance would have a similar line come to think of it.
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Whatever the numbers throw up following an election, this is about power not politics.
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