O'Neill: Confronting sectarianism is a key challenge for Sinn Féin

By Adam Evans

Sinn Fein's leader at Stormont has said confronting sectarianism is a key challenge for her party.

Michelle O'Neill has been speaking during the opening session of the 2017 Ard Fheis.

"A key challenge for us all is to confront sectarianism and the causes which segregate our communities still – 20 years on from the Good Friday Agreement.

"The DUP’s denial of rights for all citizens, and the failure to fully implement previous political agreements, the contempt shown for Irish national identity and culture combined with the RHI scandal to tip us into the ongoing political crisis. 

"These rights include marriage equality, language rights, a bill of rights and the rights to an inquest in legacy cases.

"An Irish Language Act has both practical and symbolic importance in recognising and respecting Irish national identity." 

Ms O'Neill said her party remain committed to the political institutions.

"Sinn Féin has invested hugely in the peace process and the political institutions for the benefit of everyone and we remain committed to making the institutions work.

"I want to lead Sinn Féin back into a new Executive, which represents genuine equal partnership Government.

The 2017 Ard Fheis is first since Martin McGuiness passed away in March.