Our goal is a united, inclusive Ireland where this country and all of our citizens can reach their full potential. By our determination and the support of the people, we will turn that aspiration into reality.
By Michelle O’Neill
A chairde. [Friends]
Fáilte romhaibh uilig a chairde. [Welcome, friends]
It’s great to be back in Athlone.
A lot has happened since we last met.
This time last year the return of the power-sharing institutions seemed remote.
But we never gave up.
We ensured the election outcome, and our mandate was respected.
I am proud to stand here today as First Minister.
My election was a moment of equality and progress.
What was unthinkable to previous generations is now a reality.
I said from day one that I would serve everyone equally.
That I would be a First Minister for all.
And, standing here today, I am more determined than ever.
I am working in the Executive, alongside the other parties to deliver real and positive change.
We are determined to deliver the good public services, prosperity and strong communities that we all depend on.
We are seeking to improve lives, create hope and build opportunity.
With Sinn Féin Ministers leading the Executive’s primary economic departments, we are driving economic change.
The recent change of administration in London offers an opportunity to improve Irish-British relations.
As I said last night, the jury’s out on how the new British government will live up to the commitments set out in the Good Friday agreement.
Unfortunately, their first actions demonstrated a similar approach of austerity and broken promises.
The cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment for older people is wrong and the Executive is united against it.
Pausing investment in City and Growth Deals is wrong.
Sinn Féin will continue fighting for workers, families and communities. We need investment in our public services.
People deserve better than the fourteen years of British Government austerity.
The new British Government must contribute to how Devolution will evolve rather than retreat.
The fiscal limitation placed on us restricts our ability to act to the extent demanded of at these times.
The executive requires further spending power, the onus is now on this labour government to devolve financial powers.
Decisions should be taken at home by locally elected Ministers.
Developing Casement Park in time for Euro 2028 was a huge opportunity to showcase Belfast, the North and this island.
But Casement Park will be built!
We will work with the GAA and both governments to establish a first-class stadium for Gaelic games in Ulster.
With Acht na Gaeilge in place, we need implementation of an Irish language commissioner, and delivery of the Irish Language strategy.
Lan a meesh lesh an obair sin.
The commitment by the new British Government to repeal the Legacy Act, must be delivered in full.
Our Ard Fheis welcomes the announcement that the Finucane Family have secured a public inquiry into the killing of their beloved husband and father.
We commend Geraldine and the Finucane family, including our friend and colleague John.
You have been unwavering in you determination and we will continue to support you in your journey for truth and justice for Pat.
Over the summer, there were racist attacks and intimidation on our streets.
This is totally unacceptable.
As political leaders we will continue to face down division, sectarianism and racism and will not be deterred from building an inclusive future for all who live here.
Hope will always win over hate.
Is ar sca a hela a warran muid.
Sinn Féin is the catalyst for change across Ireland.
We are going into our Ard Fheis ready to fight the general election.
We have the big ideas, and the plans, for how we will:
- Make housing more affordable
- Transform health
- Deliver affordable childcare
- Tackle the cost of living
- Advance Irish unity
This party thrives on determination and perseverance.
The process of change must and will continue.
Tapaimis an deis… Let us seize the opportunity that lies ahead of us.
Our goal is a united, inclusive Ireland where this country and all of our citizens can reach their full potential.
By our determination and the support of the people, we will turn that aspiration into reality.
A chairde, it is time again to put our shoulders to the wheel.
It is Time for Change. Tá sé in am don athrú.
We must engage with communities about the change Sinn Féin will bring.
Sinn Féin will deliver a government that will put people first.
That is needed now, more than ever.
Our commitment is to an Ireland that is stronger, fairer, and united!
A chairde. Friends. Together we will offer people real choice and a better future.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh! [Thank you very much!]
We are delighted and deeply honoured that Deputy President, Paul Mashatile is joining us at this year’s Ard Fheis.
This is a very significant and concrete reflection of the ANC’s friendship with Sinn Féin, and the ANC leadership’s ongoing support for full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and Irish national self determination.’
I am delighted to introduce to the stage our honored guest at this Ard Fheis – ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa.
- By Michelle O’Neill, Vice-President of Sinn Féin and is also an MLA and First Minister of Northern Ireland. You can follow her on x/twitter here.
- The above speech was delivered at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis (the annual conference, which translates as ‘High Assembly’) on 28 September 2024 in Athlone. You can follow Sinn Féin on x/twitter here.
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