18/19 April 1998
Opening Address
by Sinn Fein Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin
18 April, 1998
I would like to welcome all of the delegates and visitors who are attending this years Ard Fheis. The impressive attendance is a measure of our growing political strength and the importance of the issues facing us this weekend.
I would like to offer a special welcome to our many international guests. I hope they will forgive me for singling out for special mention Jose Ramos Horta, Nobel Peace Prize winner; Thenjiwe Mtintso, ANC Deputy General Secretary; Brahim Mokiitar Polisario Front - Western Sahara; and Congressmen Richard Neal and Peter King.
This years Ard Fheis takes place at a time of great historical importance and significance for the people of Ireland. Over the next two days, together, we will deliberate on many aspects of policy and of political importance to our struggle for a free, independent and United Ireland.. It is no exaggeration to state that, perhaps more than at any other time, the eyes of the world are upon Sinn Fein this weekend. We have media representatives from every corner of the globe.
There is much to debate at this years Ard Fheis with motions on social and economic issues, culture, health and education as well as the important question of ast weeks talks document. Clearly it is this debate which will be most closely monitored and analysed. The main forum for this discussion will take place following our party President's main address this afternoon and in the section of the Clar `Towards a Lasting Peace' on Sunday.
Ultimately it is you the delegates to the Ard Fheis who will decide how much time and consultation is needed for this debate. It is you who will make the decision on this agreement and determine when that decision will be taken. It is a source of great pride that on this the 200th anniversary of the 1798 rebellion that Irish Republicanism is a vibrant, dynamic and growing political force in Irish political llfe. We have not reached this point by chance.
Let us consider for a moment our successes since last years Ard Fheis in Monaghan. Sinn Fein has become the third largest party in the north, and the largest party in Belfast. Martin McGuinness was elected MP for Mid Ulster and Gerry Adams regained West Belfast. We also had a resounding victory in Cavan Monaghan with the election of Caoimhghin O Caolain TD. In local council elections in the north, Sinn Fein made significant gains.
As I said none of this happened by chance. We planned for it. We developed a peace strategy which can take us beyond partition to a united Ireland. And we have worked hard to advance our strategic goals. All of this has been at a time of unprecedented work for all members of the party, from our negotiating team, to our party managers, to our elected representatives, and to our party activists and supporters throughout the country. This includes those who have been with us for 30 years and longer and those who are joining us in ever increasing numbers, making us the fastest growing party on the island.
This growth reflects the confidence of nationalist and republican Ireland.
Our capacity to grow further and to provide a real political alternative to the sterile politics of the establishment parties is enormous. The months ahead will present republicans with many difficulties and enormous challenges.
We have already come through a succession of phases in our struggle, from which we have emerged ever stronger. We have never shirked our responsibilities.
It is now up to all of us here today to ensure that the struggle moves forward and that we collectively continue to build our political strength.