10 May 1998
Martin Ferris proposing Ard Comhairle Resolution 9
That this Ard Fheis agrees to amend the Sinn Fein constitution to enable successful Sinn Fein canditates to participate in elected institutions on the island of Ireland.
I am asking you to support this motion so that our candidates can take on face-to-face those who want to hold onto power in the northand to hold back the tide of change. The 6 county statelet depends for its very existence on the exclusion of nationalists. I want you to consider here what established the 6 county state and what keeps it going. The institutions of the statelet, the RUC, the judiciary, the civil service, the health and education boards, industry, its political system, all depend on discrimination and bigotry to exclude nationalists from any say over their own lives. When Unionists use that old catchcry `The People of Ulster' they mean only unionists. The very existence of nationalists is denied, never mind any acknoweldgement of their rights. We must seize this opportunity that Sinn Fein has created through hard work and push forward with our political objectives. Equality, an end to discrimination, fundamental constitutional and political change, the promotion of nationalist rights and entitlements will erode the very foundations of the 6 county statelet.
Sinn Fein is the third largest party in the north and the largest party in Belfast. In a relatively short time, we have come from a position of having little political strength to a situation where we are at the centre of a changed political landscape which we have been responsible for shaping.
The mandate which we presently hold was hard won. There is no easy path for republicans in this struggle. Sinn Fein members and family members have been killed. Our opponents have put every possible obstacle in our way and it is a testament to the commitment and courage of our candidates, their families and our supporters that we are now the fastest growing party in Ireland.
Sinn Fein won our mandate because we give real representation, we fight our corner, and we are not intimidated, cowed or bought off. Having struggled to gain real political power it is logical that we use that political power to make the maximum gains for those who choose Sinn Fein to represent them. Who else has the dedication and determination to do so.
I understand the reservations that republicans have about entering an Assembly. But this is no Stormont. The partitionist set-up of the past cannot be applied any longer. This Assembly's life line is connected to the North/South bodies, the all Ireland element without which it cannot function, and our intention is to expand and strengthen that all Ireland dimension.
There are dangers in the steps we are taking. But we are no strangers to danger. There are challenges and risks for us, but the greater challenges and risks are for our opponents.
I believe we have a duty and a responsibility to our voters and to all those throughout Ireland who want freedom, justice and peace to seize the initiative and ensure that there is real delivery on the potential in this document. I also believe that if we are not there, the potential will not be exploited.