The majority is sending a clear message to SF
The vast majority of voters said they want to be governed by those who will ensure that Sinn Féin is not a part of the governing process until a clear break with criminality has been established.
Out of a total of 18 seats, 14 were won by parties from across the political spectrum - SDLP, DUP and Sylvia Hermon for the UUP - who reject Sinn Fein’s current position.
Sylvia Hermon underlined the betrayal by Sinn Fein of the trust put in it by the UUP and the cost of that betrayal to her party in the election.
However, if the trust now put by the unionist electorate in the DUP is not found wanting, then at last the duplicity of Sinn Féin will be tested.
As a member of Fianna Fáil I would find it totally unacceptable for my party to be in partnership with Sinn Féin in the Dáil until long after its rejection of those from within its ranks who engage in hostage-taking of innocent families and all other evil activities. Likewise, Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair have no right to attempt to force on Northern Ireland any solution that does not conform with the Good Friday Agreement, which was again underscored by the general election vote in the North.
Like the people of Northern Ireland and their rejection of violence, the English voters rejected their government’s involvement in Iraq.
Michael Moloney
Cappakeel
Emo
Portlaoise
Co Laois
