Michelle O'Neill shares vision for a "New Ireland" at Sinn Féin's Ard Fheis

by Gráinne Connolly

This evening, Sinn Féin leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill is delivering a key note address at the opening session of her party's Ard Fhéis held in Belfast. 

This year marks the first for Ms O'Neill as Sinn Féin's Vice-President across the island of Ireland. 

While addressing those who attended the event, she's speaking of a vision for a "New Ireland".

It included a place for Northern Ireland which would remain in the EU with the rest of the island, a place where there's rights for all people and all are treated equally and a "future where everyone belongs". 

Ms O'Neill says there is a place for everyone in what she's called the "modern, progressive, Republican Party" as it stands ready to: 

• Be in Government North and South;

• To assert and deliver rights for all;

• To continue the fight against Brexit;

• To oppose austerity at every turn.

• To deliver high quality public services.

• To take on the vested interests, putting an end to cronyism and making Government accountable to the people and the law,

• To deliver real prosperity, encourage entrepreneurship decent jobs, and fair pay for a fair day’s work!

Following the recent repeal of Abortion Laws in the Republic of Ireland, the party's Vice President expressed how they stand with women, how there's a need for a woman Taoiseach but also that there's "still plenty to do". 

"We need to now: 

• Close the gender pay gap
   
• Bring new laws to provide access to healthcare North and South 

• Live free from violence;

• Provide affordable childcare;

• End economic inequality;

• Bring more women into public life and politics.

"and surely you all agree it is time for a woman Taoiseach to lead the next Government and surely you know that woman is Mary Lou McDonald TD."

On the topic of Brexit, Michelle O'Neill says she respects the right of the British people to leave the EU, however that she's opposed to the British Government "dragging" those who voted stay. 

In recent weeks, Michelle O'Neill and the leaders of the SDLP, Alliance and Greens presented two joint statements demanding: 

• Human Rights and equality provisions must be protected.

• No exclusion from the single market or custom union

• Protection of the Good Friday Agreement in all of its parts

• That the backstop agreed by both the British Government and the EU27 is the bottom line in order to safeguard our political and economic stability now and for the future.

In order to move forward, the Sinn Féin leader here says, it's a "time to hear all voices within this debate" and that a dialogue of listening and sharing ideas must continue for a New Ireland. 

3,000 delegates will debate issues at the Ard Fhéis, including those raised by Michelle O'Neill this evening. 

The event will continue tomorrow at the Waterfront Hall.