SDLP need to wake up to threat of anti-agreement axis – Gerry Adams TD

Posted on by

Sinn Fein

AdamsSinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD said today the SDLP needed to wake up to the fact that negative anti-agreement unionism is forming electoral pacts in the run-up to next year’s Westminster elections.
Gerry Adams said:
“For the past two years the political process has been challenged by a negative anti-agreement unionist axis which is attempting to turn the clock back.
Progress on a whole range of outstanding issues from the Good Fridayand other agreements, including an Irish Language Act, has been blocked.
The SDLP’s refusal to consider a strategic approach to the next Westminster and Assembly elections by pro-agreement progressive parties ignores the reality that unionism is currently forming electoral pacts.
The unionist parties have quite clearly set out their objective in successive party conferences of taking seats at the expense of pro-agreement parties.
This would be a setback for the political process in the North. It would also add further momentum to the British government’s shift towards increasingly partisan support for negative unionism.
There is a clear need for more innovative and forward-looking politics which can effectively counter the unionist anti-Agreement axis and the SDLP should be playing a role in that.”

    Sinn Fein is hosting a public meeting titled `Why we need to build support for the Good Friday Agreement’ next Tuesday 25 November, 7.30pm in the Boothroyd room, Portcullis House. Speakers include Conor Murphy MP, House of Lords Members Lord Alderdice, Baroness Smith and Lord Dubs, and Irish in Britain CEO Jennie McShannon. Michelle Gildernew MP will chair the meeting.
    Sinn Fein MP Francie Molloy will speak at a similar meeting, on Tuesday 9th December, 7.30pm, St Michaels Irish Centre, Liverpool. This meeting is hosted by Cairde na hEireann Liverpool.