Sinn Féin to run most candidates in modern era

SINN FÉIN will stand at least 40 candidates in 37 consistencies in the upcoming election, the largest number the modern organisation bearing that name has stood for the Dáil.

In three constituencies, Cavan-Monaghan, Mayo, and Carlow-Kilkenny the party is pursuing a two-candidate strategy in a hope of maximising votes in distinct local areas.

Launching his party’s campaign yesterday Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin made clear that a rejection of the EU/IMF deal, described as “not acceptable” and “ruinous for Ireland” would be its central electoral message along with the need for job creation.

“People are being impoverished so that government can throw money into the banking black hole — €873 million was cut from social welfare in the budget.

“Yet only yesterday Anglo-Irish, the zombie bank that is being propped up with Irish taxpayers’ money, paid out €750m for a maturing bond despite the fact that the debt is not covered by the state guarantee,” he said.

He added that Sinn Féin had “played a key role in finally removing this Government, through exposing the full extent of its contacts with Anglo-Irish Bank executives”.

Despite Mr Ó Caoláin’s recent strong showing in Dáil debates, he stated that party leader Gerry Adams, who is contesting a Dáil seat in Louth for the first time, will represent Sinn Féin in televised leader debates.

Mr Ó Caoláin dismissed questions about Mr Adams’s perceived failings during the 2007 election on the economy stating that the party “stood shoulder to shoulder” with its leader.

The constituencies the party will not be contesting include Dublin South, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin North, Clare and Limerick City.

Party strategists are confident of the party breaking into double figures in the number of TDs returned but have distanced themselves from media claims that they could take more seats than Fianna Fáil.