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7 June 1997
Adams hails Sinn Fein success
Commenting on the substantial increase in the Sinn Fein vote in this election and the runaway success of Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin in Cavan/Monaghan, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP has thanked the electorate for their endorsement of the party's election programme and praised ``the efforts of party activists and candidates across the 26 counties who have succeeded in producing the party's best result in recent years.
The Sinn Fein President had a special word of praise for Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and his election team who ``together have pulled off a remarkable victory in Cavan/Monaghan.''
Mr. Adams said:
``I want to thank the electorate for their endorsment of Sinn Fein's election programme and to congratulate our new TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin in Cavan/Monaghan.
``As the only party of the left standing on an independent platform Sinn Fein entered this election committed to real social, economic and political change, to eliminating poverty and to offering an effective alternative to the corruption and failed politics which have been a feature of political life here in recent years. This is a platform to which the general public has responded very positively as witnessed by the substantial increase in our vote today.
``Sinn Fein is now the fourth largest party on this island and the third largest party in the north. The new Irish government and the British government must respect the mandate which the electorate has given Sinn Fein over three elections. ``Sinn Fein wishes the new government well. It is our fervent hope that it is a strong government able to act decisively on rebuilding the peace process. Sinn Fein will endeavour to work with it, to realise the hope and expectation which undoubtedly exists following three elections on this island, the change of government in Britain and the outcome of todays election.
``Sinn Fein is a truly national party, the only all-Ireland party. Our increased vote demonstrates that people all over Ireland want strong representation on all the issues that affect their lives, and particularly in any negotiations about the future of this island.
``The vote for Sinn Fein must be accorded the same status and respect as votes for any other party. Democracy demands nothing less''
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