Sinn Féin call for historic ‘realignment’ of politics

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has called for a historic realignment of Irish politics to pave the way for an anti-austerity Syriza-style government here after the next general election.

Mr Adams said the country was facing its biggest political shake-up since partition as he attempted to position Sinn Féin as leaders of a new power bloc.

He has urged trade union Siptu to abandon its traditional support for Labour and back a new anti-austerity movement instead.

Mr Adams told Sinn Féin members in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, that Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Finance Minister Michael Noonan were more interested in representing the EU elite than Irish citizens as they closed ranks against the new Greek government.

“The macho posturing of the ECB this week in reaction to the democratic will of the Greek people is an affront to citizens of all EU States,” Mr Adams said, accusing the Coalition of “putting the boot” into Greek efforts for a better deal.

“The issues which the Greek government are seeking to tackle are not a Greek problem. They are a European one. This State’s debt problem is not an Irish problem, it is a European one. The debt issue needs a European solution.”

Mr Adams warned trade unions they must end their “unrequited support” for Labour if the progressive left wanted to achieve change after the next election.

“We cannot transform politics or the social and economic situation on our own. We need allies, inside and outside the political sphere,” Mr Adams said.

The remarks came after Siptu president Jack O’Connor said the left had a “once in a century opportunity” to lead the next government.

Mr Adams said austerity policies had failed and it was now time to try a different approach to the economy and social justice.

“We can achieve these objectives by making progressive policy choices, mapping a way forward, and choosing priorities,” he said. “This has to include rebuilding our public health service, eradicating housing waiting lists, and creating meaningful jobs with decent terms and conditions.”

“However, this will not be advanced by the unrequited support given to the Labour Party by some in the leadership of the trade union movement.

“This misplaced loyalty to a party which has completely abandoned the interests of working people now risks the very credibility of well-meaning individuals. What is required is a coherent programme for government with clear priorities that begins the journey to a citizen-centred, rights-based society.”

Sinn Féin is the party best placed to lead an anti-austerity government, Mr Adams said.

“A real possibility now exists for a government that is not led by either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil,” he said. “In the interests of all citizens, we must seize the historic opportunity that now exists.”

Mr Adams urged left-wing forces to unite. “Irish politics is undergoing the biggest shake-up since partition,” he said. “Our citizens are increasingly disillusioned with the conservative establishment which has dominated politics in this State since the 1920s.”