The vision of 1916 is alive today as it was 100 years ago, Martin McGuinness has told the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis.
Speaking to the party faithful in Dublin’s Convention Centre Mr McGuinness, who is contesting the upcoming Assembly elections in the Foyle constituency, reiterated Sinn Fein’s commitment to securing, in the words of the Proclamation, “the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland, and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies”.
He said the 5 May election was “hugely important” for the future of politics on the island of Ireland and presented an opportunity for a “new approach,” building on the Fresh Start Agreement, to deliver “better, more effective government and move beyond crisis and instability.”
He added: “In this important year when we are commemorating the centenary of the Easter Rising we can reflect on how far we have come.
“But the work of building a new, inclusive and progressive Ireland is far from complete.
“The vision remains unfulfilled.
“And the greatest fracture in securing that right remains the partition of Ireland.
“Sinn Fein is the only party on this island working to end that fracture in our nation.
“The vision of 1916 is alive and well in this room.
“It is also alive across this island.
“The spirit of 1916 is as relevant and inspiring today as it was a century ago.
“One hundred years ago the world gazed in deep amaze at those who stood against the might of the British Empire on the streets of this city.
“We have an enormous responsibility to deliver on their optimism and vision.
“The Assembly elections are a further opportunity for the electorate in the north to vote for our progressive politics.
He concluded: “I am asking the people of the North to come out and vote for the Sinn Fein team and in doing so to send a clear message that the spirit of freedom, embodied in the 1916 Proclamation, is alive and well in cities town and villages across Ireland.”
Photo shows Mr McGuinness (front, centre) with Derry delegates at the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis in Dublin. Included are MEP Martina Anderson and Foyle MLAs, Maeve McLaughlin and Raymond McCartney.
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