Sinn Féin hopes for '100-plus seats in the South'

Councillors and delegates at Sinn Féin’s ard fheis in Wexford were defiant and buoyant, and came out in defence of their leader Gerry Adams, who they claim has faced a campaign of vilification by the media.

On the horizon for the party’s grassroots are the local and European elections in May. With the party expected to add to its 50 sitting city and county councillors and possibly claim at least one MEP seat in the south, it is all down to planning now, as delegate and councillor Brendan Killeavy, from Tullamore, Co Offaly, explained.

“Sinn Féin is trying to contest every area in the 32 counties, which would be a first for any party,” said Mr Killeavy. “Recent polls show our support has doubled since the last election. We’d be hoping for 100 plus seats in the South.”