08/02/2014 Sinn Fein Party Conference

-- welcome to live coverage of The Conference. The live address from

Gerry Adams is coming up at 8:30pm and we will have bad for you in its

entirety. Already today there have been keynote speeches from senior

figures, and we will hear extracts from some of those during the

programme. Welcome to viewers from the Parliament channel will be

joining us. Mark Devonshire is in Wexford first, a word from our guest

from Queens University, Rick Wilford. Thanks for being with us.

We don't normally have these programmes in the evening, but Gerry

Adams's speeches at a different time from the other leaders. It's been a

challenging 12 months for Mr Adams and Sinn Fein, hasn't it? It

certainly has. He's been criticised on political and personal grounds.

There was an attempt yesterday by the party chairman to arrest the

criticism and throw support behind his leadership. You can't escape the

fact there has been some muttering about the future of his leadership

as president. That is lurking in the background. I'm sure he will be

given a rousing welcome, when he made the remarks to demonstrate that

the party is behind him. He is going to be confident in that respect. The

party will be completely with him, but what is he going to say? We had

a preamble on Wednesday when he made a speech in relation to the debate

on Northern Ireland when he talked about justice and equality, coming

to terms with the past and a progressive future. We will have

more of that in no doubt a few more swipes at the lack of political

leadership by the Unionist party in Northern Ireland, especially with

the Richard Haass and O'Sullivan talks and trying to resolve the

difficulties over the past, flags and victims. We are in the teeth of

an election, so no doubt there will be bold strokes called in relation

to the likely Sinn Fein performance, north and south, as part of his

speech. He had the line about the United Kingdom hanging by a thread,

which was in conversation with Stephen Walker on Inside Politics.

That is a bigger canvas for him to paint on. It is. It is never the

case of England's difficulty as Ireland's opportunity, like in

camera's speech, his call to people in England, Ireland and Wales, to

tell people in Scotland to stay with a stash Cameron's speech. --

Cameron's speech. The likelihood is it's going to be styled as Devo

Max, and the likelihood the powers will be devolved further in Wales,

so you have a fluidity in the United Kingdom, and it's no surprise that

Sinn Fein and the other parties will make what they see as a

opportunity. It is sharp and Freud on the part of the Nationalists in

relation to the difficulties that the UK government is having. -- --

schaedenfraude. Interesting to hear your thoughts as we will have at

about 9pm, but let's join Mark Devonport. , evening, what has the

mood been in Wexford over the last couple of days? Positive? I think

basically positive. It is expectant at the moment. We are in the gods at

Wexford Opera house. They say it's not over until the fat lady sings,

and it is not over until the bearded man speaks here. That is what people

are waiting for it goes Gerry Adams is due on at 8:30pm and will be

going live on our airwaves and across RTE as well. At the moment I

say expectant, but early in the day it was emotional because they

welcomed Catherine Seely, the young councillor from Craig Abram who had

faced online in to the invasion -- intimidation with her job at the

Belfast boys model school. She was projected very much into the

political spotlight as Martin McGuinness embraced and they made a

play of the fact that if the roles had been reversed, Sinn Fein

politicians, they claim, would behave very differently from the

Unionists. There is every possibility the Gerry Adams will

refer to the incident in his speech. What else do you think he will say?

What is the big message likely to be? As ever with Gerry Adams's

speeches, now that Sinn Fein is a real force on both sides of the

border, he has to calibrate his speech for the two separate audience

-- audiences. In relation to the north, the Richard Haass talks, the

issues he thinks were left unresolved will have to be returned

to. The same ideas will be on the table. And also an offer to talk to

the Orange order who have featured in recent Sinn Fein speeches where

they have attacked the Unionists, saying that the Orange order has

been the tail wagging the dog. In relation to the South, again,

opposition to what they see as the austerity policies of the current

coalition. And probably a kickback against the notion that the

coalition is putting forward that they have turned the corner, and

things are getting better in terms of the bailout. Instead, Sinn Fein

will say that this isn't a real recovery. Mark, thank you for now. I

hope there is some kind of barrier behind you, it's a great shot, but

it looks a bit precarious. Hopefully I will teeter on until the end of

the programme at the very least. And as you can see, we are very much up

in the gods, some would say the cheap seats. But we will hang on in

here and now. If you do fall, lean forward, that's the thing to do. The

first speaker to address the conference this morning was Martin

McGuinness, and he said the current difficulties at month between Sinn

Fein and the de-UPR real, and he hit out -- the de-UUP -- - DUP. He spoke

out about Catherine Seely left the school after the intimidation. All

through the year we have seen flag protest, language rights protest, an

attempt by the Orange order to bully people from the unionist background

who wished to learn the Irish language. Also a fear of cultural

equality, a block on the international peace building and

conflict resolution Centre, and the public failure of the unionist

parties to sign up to the Haas proposals. My Irish identity is no

threat to those who identify themselves as Unionists or British.

In the north, there are two main allegiances. Pro-Irish and

pro-British. Both deserve to be respected and no identity or culture

is more worthy than another. Last year, in my home city of Derry,

loyalist for the bands were participating and were warmly

welcomed and applauded -- footbands. This enriches both our cultures and

we were better for it. Recently, a motion was put to Derry City Council

that it had the bid to be city of culture with the support of DUP and

loyalist parties. I see how a spirit of Gerrit -- generosity can deliver

for everyone. The challenge as Republicans we face is to articulate

a vision of a united Ireland that will accommodate, safeguard and

cherish the British identity. In the meantime, the challenge for

political unionism is to demonstrate to Irish citizens in the North how

they intend to accommodate, safeguard and cherish our identity.

So far they have failed to grasp this challenge. And I appeal to the

Unionists who wish to see progress to break free of the rejectionism

and the negative forces and lead from the front. Because our

communities are stronger together. I would like to make it clear that I

support the right of the Orange order to parade. However, they must

do it in a way that is respectful. We must be respectful to each other.

The Orange order should reach out to their neighbours and they should

engage in dialogue because only dialogue will resolve the

difficulties that we see repeated each year. No one should be fearful

of our combined cultures. The last ten years I have proactively

supported the Orange order 's and the right of parade is in Derry.

Respect, dialogue and a spirit of generosity has meant that Derry has

been trouble-free for years during the marching season. The fear I

speak about was also manifested in the past week or so with the

disgraceful online abuse targeted against a young teacher and member

of Sinn Fein our colleague Catherine Seeley. The forcing of Catherine

from her job as a schoolteacher in north Belfast been motivated

entirely by sectarian hatred and prejudice, and driven by an

unrepresentative and nasty anti-peace process group of extreme

loyalists. Their actions are absolutely contemptible. If

situation was reversed, and young Protestant teacher who was also a

member of the DUP was being forced from her job in a Catholic school, I

would be at the door accompanying her to her work.

I would challenge those directly behind the threats and do everything

in my power to see them face down. So people will judge for themselves

the response of unionist politicians to the attacks on Catherine Seeley.

This is a time when people should rightly have expected a robust

response from leaders within unionism. This is yet to come. But I

have to say, I am absolutely heartened by the glowing and brief

tributes that came from the pupils. They have shown courage and

leadership. And I have to say, the local DUP MP, who is many years

their senior, could learn a lot from them about leadership. Well, that

was Martin McGuinness, and he then welcomed Catherine Seeley to that

stage where she paid tribute to the students who had supported her. I

want to draw particular attention to the underachievement amongst

Protestant, working-class boys. Protestant, working-class boys are

entitled to the same life prospects as everybody else.

Politicians and educationalists who oppose the reform of the common

funding formula are failing these children and need to be confronted

and challenged. And they should answer directly to the students and

children they claim to represent. And if they do, I am confident that

they will learn what my own recent experience has demonstrated, that

students can be much wiser, more mature, more responsible and more

respectful than some who claim to speak on their behalf.

In the past few weeks, in my role as a teacher, I have been subjected to

a campaign of sectarian intimidation. I have already

expressed my warm thanks to all who have offered me support. I want to

take this opportunity to publicly send a message of gratitude to those

pupils of the school in north Belfast who have courageously

offered me their full support. APPLAUSE. They are a testimony to

the feelings that should permeate, not just education, but every aspect

of society. They inspire hope and confidence in me for the future. Now

let's go back to the conference centre and our political editor who

has been joined by a couple of guests. I have my hand to my ear not

because I am just about to break into song in the opera house but

because it is really quite loud here and I am trying my best to you you.

I am joined by two members, the party candidate for the European

elections and a member of the Senate. First of all, viewers have

just seen Catherine Seeley speak to the conference earlier, I know

Martin McGuinness said the response of the Unionist contrast it with how

he would respond to this but the DUP did release a statement saying no

one should respond to any kind of threats. What more should he have

done? What Martin McGuinness would have done, he would have went to the

teacher's door and escorted her to work. That is the kind of leadership

that people who have heard Martin McGuinness say that would have known

that exactly what he would have done. That is the kind of leadership

we want to see from unionism and unfortunately it is not the kind of

leadership that the whole of the North is witnessing. They are

looking on, scratching their heads and asking what is unionism at? When

we looked at the Haass talks and the opportunity is missed. Making the

whole business of Catherine Seeley centrestage, weren't you supporting

-- reporting it for political purposes? Now, it she is an

activist, a Sinn Fein activist with loads of experience. For any

impartial observer watching this, they would have to say we have had

an excellent conference but the level of experience and view the

other we have had in the room, Catherine Seeley is part of that.

That is just our party leader making -- getting a round of applause.

APPLAUSE. That is just ten coming into the room, you can imagine what

it will be like when he comes to the stage. There has been an accusation

that Unionists have put off any kind of resolution because of elections,

do you believe that? You will be in an election campaign for this party

so you will be making the same kind of calculations? If that was the

case the same would apply to us, we are up for a deal and the

compromise, we know it takes courage to compromise. Haas seven is not a

Republican document but Sinn Fein have looked at this document and

said we did not get what we wanted in regard to the independent truth

commission but what was on the table was enough or us and we wanted the

other parties to have that same kind of courage. At the moment Sinn Fein

is riding high in the polls south of the border but to some extent argued

depending on things being pretty bad in terms of the economy? Well it be

tough medicine that is beginning to work? I do not believe so, Sinn Fein

is in favour of economic recovery, we want recovery that works for

everybody. What is wrong with what is happening at the moment? We still

have mass unemployment, forced immigration with those of people

leaving every week, every month. Families cannot afford to pay basic

bills, put food on the table. We want a real recovery underpinned by

job creation, investment and helping struggling families. If you look at

the scandals we have seen with pop-up payments and big salaries for

those that the top, even in charities, it is Sinn Fein leading

the charge. We are challenging and providing a real alternative, that

is resonated with supporters. I want you to talk about pylons, it affects

people in the North/ South interconnector, should that go ahead

even if they cannot afford to put them underground? What we want is

for the glib to be expanded but also to use renewable energy. We do not

believe in extending the pylons to blight and blot the landscape. We

want at consistent position. We do not want to see these unsightly

pylons put anywhere. I think we will have to leave it there and let you

take your position on the stage. We will hear more from him shortly.

Gerry Adams is in the conference hall as well. Let's hear more from

my guest in the studio, picking up on that conversation with Martina

Anderson who is the Sinn Fein candidate for the forthcoming

European elections. She was brought in for Barbara De Bruin who was

unwell during her term. There are we with this? How do you think they are

facing up to it? The add any position. Last time, in 2009, the

top the European Parliament Paul. People will remember that the DUP

candidate was elected without reaching the quarter. This time

there is a fragmentation within unionism, there could be up to as

many as six. The margin of victory that Sinn Fein secured in 2009 is

likely to be extended. I would expect her to be re-elected and

topped the poll again and maybe actually extend the lead that they

have over the Ulster Unionist. Council elections, they are

different, different from the have been in the past as well because we

will have a different number of councils in future but we do you

think Sinn Fein is with that? Again presumably going into that in a

strong situation. They are. Last time they were 2.5 points behind the

DUP, that is not necessarily a very sure did because there are fewer

District Council this time and fewer local councillors to be elected. It

is difficult to call but I cannot see the Sinn Fein votes lapping much

at local government level. On the other hand, I do not think it will

grow much. Maybe the Sinn Fein vote in the North has actually plateaued

a bit. They are certainly showing growth north and south among

first-time voters but I would not expect them to slip much. Beer was a

lot of talk about Unionist politicians and what the Republicans

regard as a lack of leadership. The broadest and Unionist loyalist

community are more articulate and visionary and wired to the peace

process than you give them credit for. They are not being led by the

laptop warriors or the flight protesters but sadly, very sadly,

they are not being led by you either. The leaders of unionism have

become deafened by the shouts of no surrender and blinded by the fires

of hatred. Sinn Fein is not going away. We are not going away and they

will never be a return to a 1-party state in the north again. As an

Irish republican I commit to sharing power with my Unionist neighbours. I

commit to taking uncomfortable journeys to build peace and

understanding. I want to work with the DUP in a power-sharing

executive. For power-sharing to succeed, the DUP have to want to

work with Sinn Fein as equals. That is what the DUP signed up to,

Stormont of old has gone. All that remains is the building. The new

Stormont is built on the quality. The only power is power-sharing. The

DUP must read from the front rather than being led by the few. They must

give voice to the many among the Protestant loyalist community who

support peace and one power-sharing and a better future for their young

people. This was never going to be an easy journey. There are enemies

of peace and union in many quarters. However, there is far more support

for peace, change and leadership. We need to continue this epic journey

together, safe in the knowledge there is no reverse gear. That was

the education minister addressing the conference earlier today, let us

go back to our political editor who has been joined by Alex Maskey. It

is a little bit quieter now than in earlier, I have got Alex Maskey with

me. You have been majoring on the welfare issue, it is clear that is

an issue where you have to look over your shoulder at the party in Dublin

and the South generally, you do not want to make a decision which can

read your critics to say Sinn Fein in the North are implementing

limited policies. We are opposed to the kind of cuts agenda which is

imposed by London or Dublin. We have made that clear, I have done that

this afternoon again. The difference in the South is simply that the

Irish government has a choice which in our view our bad choices. We have

opposed those measures and made credible alternative proposals. In

the north we are having a cuts agenda similar to what is proposed

by London. We are trying to challenge this government and do

what we can to tackle the cuts agenda, it exactly -- is exactly the

same position north and south. We have to work out how best we can

improve this welfare reform but we can only do it with all the other

parties challenging this government directly. I repeated my challenge,

work with us to get a better result. The DUP say you have already

negotiated as good a package as you will get and your party is divided

between the sensible line who think it has gone as far as it can go and

the others who blog because of the concern of how it will be seen in an

all Ireland perspective. -- blog. I do not believe we have got as good a

change to the Bill and I am putting that back to the DUP, had they had

their way they would have imposed the bill unchanged a year ago. We

believe we can make more changes, our only interest is to tackle the

cuts whether from Dublin or London and I am saying the DUP should join

us not simply settle for what the British government are dictating.

The social development Minister has been asking questions whether there

is a policy issue behind this. There is no policy issue because the

people you are talking about remain in the party. Our party is

completely reunited on the cuts agenda. I am more than happy, I

think he should look around his own benches that the discomfort among

his own MLAs having to impose measures that they would have been

happy to impose a year ago. Are you confident that you have negotiated

to a point that there will be no bedroom tax in Northern Ireland?

That is the agreement we have reached. The agreement and changes

we have agreed have to be put in legislation so we are working to

still make more improvements to the bill. Thank you, back to the studio.

Gerry Adams due on stage shortly and we will cross over when he makes his

way to the platform. The point made is that Sinn Fein is an all Ireland

party but it has to play two separate electorates. Absolutely.

That point is reinforced in the south where Sinn Fein is in

opposition so there is more attitude and freedom. So they can critique

the current government policies. They are the constraints where they

find it hard to negotiate, so they are a bit freer. What we will be

looking for is to see what extent there is a seamless flow between his

North and South aspects of his speech, whether it is seamless,

clunky, but I guess they will push the view that they need

redistribution, social justice, emphasis on equality and diversity.

One of the refrains going through the party in the last period has

been the point about leadership. There has been the critique of the

unionism where the parties are not showing the leadership to see off

the barking dogs which seemingly dictate what the leaderships are

saying. That means, I suspect, the pressure to live in San demonstrate

solidarity -- to events and demonstrate solidarity behind Adams

and Sinn Fein is more than ever. They need that solidarity and common

front where they critique the unionist for being absent. Declan

kidney made the point, because he called people to stand square behind

Gerry Adams. -- Kearney. And to stop the criticism from outside Sinn

Fein. We are just watching Gerry Adams stepped up to the platform. As

you suggested, he has a standing ovation before he spoke. Let's hear

what he has to say. It looks as if he is about to make a start. We

expect him to talk up to almost 9pm. Let's hear what he has to say.

A very special welcome to friends of Sinn Fein from the USA, Canada,

Australia, comrades from South Africa, cut -- Palestine, Cuba, the

Basque country, Britain and all of our followed dignitaries. -- fellow

dignitaries. (HE SPEAKS GAELIC). I want to send solidarity greetings

to the family of Councillor John Davey who was killed by British

forces 25 years ago next Friday. We also remember our friend, Father

Alex Reid, the chaplain to the peace process who has passed away since we

last met. I want to send very special greetings to John Downie,

currently exiled in London, and to all other ODRs.

A special welcome to the campaigns, and solidarity that family of Pat

Finegan, and all victims of the conflict.

Remember back in the day when it was promised we would be governed

differently? Remember they promised to transform the political culture

and end cronyism. They promised a strategic investment bank, and end

to open only grams, they said they would not cut child benefit, though

citizens with disabilities, especially children. What have they

delivered? Cuts to living standards and vital public service, an

unsustainable banking system, cuts to people with disabilities,

unemployment at 12.4% with 179,000 long-term unemployed. Ten people

every hour leaving the state. Ireland under attack with the

close-down of Garda stations, post offices and schools. A households in

mortgage distress and homelessness on the increase. -- hundred and

40,000 households. Health service that crumbling. Charges they go

straight into the Cumberland -- pockets of consultants. No strategic

plans for flood defences or adequate financial aid for households who

cannot get insurance because of where they live. That is Labour's

way. Lots of money for consultants,

investors, bankers and politicians, but little for disabled children.

Most citizens do understand the difficult choices must be made, but

what they resent and what Sinn Fein resent is the fairway that this is

being done. Instead, our society is increasingly

polarised between haves and have-nots, ruled over by a

government that is increasingly arrogant. The arrogance that

dismisses concerns about fracking, the arrogance that cuts the

allowances of home helpers and hikes up prescription charges. The

arrogance that ignores community health concerns at the construction

of pylons. Does Pat Robert really believe that people will be formed

by a meaningless pre-election promise from him? -- were fooled by

a meaningless pre-election promise? Let me be very clear, Sinn Fein will

not make election promises that we cannot keep, and Sinn Fein will keep

every commitment that we make. Today, this very day, 240 people

have left Ireland. That is 240 devastated families. And Kenny, our

Taoiseach, dismisses this as a desire to travel.

For some parents, all of their children have left. They are the

Skype generation, scattering, given the final poise -- Bush out of the

-- push out of the country by dole queues. These people and their

families know exactly who is responsible for forced emigration.

That is why there is no government task force on immigration. That is

why there is no boat for the diaspora that would give them a

stake in the country -- vote. Jobs can and should be created. That

is how we will bring our young people home, and Sinn Fein wants our

young people back here in Ireland where they belong.

Sinn Fein also stands firmly for a national public health service. This

states -- State's two-tiered health services at breaking point. We

oppose cuts and support those who make a stand, those like communities

with the absence of a proper ambulance service, the difference

between life and death. Patients waiting years for procedures because

there aren't enough doctors or nurses to cope with demand. The

children waiting for cochlear implants or medical cards.

James Rennie is letting patients and their families down. Let me be clear

about this, our leader might be tempted to move James Rennie in the

reshuffle, but Enda, that is not enough. James Rennie has to go, but

this government has to go with him. The government isn't just failing on

the economy and public services. Look at what it is doing to the

language, to the rights of the speaking and survival of our native

language. The resignation is a damning indictment of labour. Looks

what it's doing to the arts. Despite all the potential and contribution

to the economy and society are struggling in the face of

substantial cuts. There is little commitment to their development. And

the debacle over the Limerick city of culture highlights this. The arts

are an easy target, that this is short-sighted. The renowned artist,

Robert Balla, said that this government is one of the worst for

the arts in the history of the sake -- state. He is right. A community

without a thriving arts and cultural life is not a community at all. The

arts must be valued, promoted and their potential built upon, because

they enrich the lives of citizens, encourage social good and lift the

spirit. They show us what we are, what we could, and what we should

be. Many of the problem is that Ireland faces today are a direct

result of a toxic political culture that arose from the

counterrevolution that followed the 1916 rising. The

counterrevolutionaries who succeeded Michael Collins, like their

contemporary is in the North, put together the two conservative state

created. In this part of Ireland this toxic culture led to the abuses

of power and planning, and the banks, and church and state run

institutions, and in the health service. An elite, politically

represented by the leaderships, often supported by the Labour Party,

oversaw a culture of corruption and golden circles. These are the same

interest that collapsed the economy here six years ago. This corrupt

political culture led to scandals, the nearest gamble, Bethany home and

the cases like Louise O'Keefe, pursued all the way to Europe by

this state which also intimidated other victims to drop left court

cases. -- their court cases. -- the Neary scandal. This same culture led

to other scandals in CRC. Sinn Fein is committed to taking on this toxic

culture. That is what our senators, MPs, El LA, councillors and activist

do every single day -- MLAs. And that is what Mary McDonnell is doing

on the Public Accounts Committee, holding them to account.

Being in government is about making choices. In the Northern executive,

Sinn Fein chose not to impose water charges. Sinn Fein invested millions

in new school bills and capital projects. We chose to protect

payments to young people in education, and we refuse to raise

student fees or impose prescription charges. There are countless other

difficult but positive choices Sinn Fein in government is making in the

north, even without the necessary fiscal powers. So don't be fooled by

Labour or any others, who claim they don't have any choice in the

decisions they are making. Martin McGuinness and our team of ministers

have shown what is possible with real political leadership.

Let's be clear, a Bill of Rights, , these things are not going away.

Let's also be clear that these issues will be resolved. There may

be obstacles but be sure of one thing, change will not be stopped. I

am happy to meet with the Orange order at any time to discuss these

matters. I want to see the Orange order treating its catholic

neighbours with respect. I want to see it treated with respect. Orange

is one of our country's national colours. The Orange order is one of

our national traditions. We want to live together in peace and respect

and with tolerance, from everyone for everyone. Of course, for those

trying to resist the change, they should reflect. The tide of history

and for those who seek to build a peaceful and inclusive future.

Ireland North and South is changing. SPEAKS IRISH. Sinn Fein is a united

Ireland party, others have a different view. We give all citizens

the say on the future. Isn't it a very limited vision that looks to

limit any part of Ireland even in a semidetached week? Surely we have

the right to govern ourselves, green, white and orange. Why would

any Democrat refused to let the people have their say on this? Are

they refused -- a feed of the people, the future, democracy? As

Ian Paisley famously talked Martin McGuinness, we do not need any

English minister to rule us. APPLAUSE. This conference has

proposals to protect and promote the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and

transgender citizens. Equality is for everyone and that must include

the LG BD community. APPLAUSE. Homophobia and -- in Russia or

Ireland must be rejected. APPLAUSE. This conference also promotes and

protects the rights of workers. SPEAKS IRISH. If we are serious

about changing this country, the left needs to come together around

viable alternative policies and to take on the conservative

establishment which brought the economy to its knees and created the

toxic culture we are trying to break free from. The Conservatives and

right wingers consistently reunite around our issues. Those who have a

pigeon which is progressive, we must do the same. -- a vision. We must

protect public services and invest in jobs. Real change also means

tackling low pay and zero hours contracts. It also means protecting

job creation. It means abolishing the local property tax and improving

vital public services, tackling excessive wages at the top of the

public sector, the wages of TDs and ministers. APPLAUSE. Their is a lot

to be hopeful about, 1-party rule in the North has gone. 2.5 party rule

in this state is going also. APPLAUSE. However well baby group,

however well be redeployed themselves -- regroup, Fiona Foyle

will never again be the dominant force the one where. -- once were.

Sinn Fein is now a major player in both states in this island with

policies, objectives and expanding organisation which transcends

position. SPEAKS IRISH. APPLAUSE. In May, in European and local

government elections, north and south, you can play your part. For

the first time ever, every boater in every County Council on this island

will have the opportunity to vote for Sinn Fein. In this centenary

year, Sinn Fein is running more female candidates than ever before.

-- voter. May I single out and salute Councillor Catherine Seeley

who is standing up for women and for Sinn Fein against sectarianism.

APPLAUSE. They will be over 350 Republican candidates across

Ireland, each of the committed boys for their community putting

people's interests ahead of the party and government. Let's not

forget successive governments here, including this one, have centralised

power and emasculated local democracy. I want to commend the

hundreds of local Sinn Fein representatives who have done

sterling work at local level for decades. SPEAKS IRISH.. Our EU

candidates, MEP Medinah Anderson in the north, Matt Hardy in the

Midlands and North West, others in Dublin and the South constituency

have offered the representation people have failed to get from other

MPs. MEPs will fight for the best deal for Ireland on every single

issue. Since we last met the world and in particular South Africa, I

welcome our comrades from South Africa here today, the world and

South Africa lost a great leader. When Madiba, Nelson Mandela... He

was a friend of Ireland and Sinn Fein. Richard McAuley and I were

greatly honoured to represent Irish republicans at Madiba's funeral and

be part of the guard of honour. APPLAUSE. SPEAKS IRISH. Madiba's

qualities of leadership and peace building are needed more than ever

across the globe, particularly in the middle east. The current

Palestinian/ Israeli these processes not going to deliver, at this time,

and outcome. The people of Palestine have not been upheld. That is a

shame. APPLAUSE. I welcome the Palestinian ambassador here today, I

welcome the ambassador for Cuba. APPLAUSE. Since tell those all that

these conflicts can only be resolved if the international community

upholds their own laws and international laws and takes

positive focused initiatives to find revolutions -- resolutions. That

includes places where the suffering is unacceptable. The big powers at

the EU are moving gradually towards greater militarisation. Sinn Fein

opposes this and we will go bust lead defend and promote Irish

neutrality. APPLAUSE. Margaretta D'Arcy is in prison over this issue.

Margaretta is not a criminal, Margaretta should be freed

immediately. APPLAUSE. Sinn Fein is the only credible and real

opposition in this house. We have clear positives and alternatives to

the austerity embraced by the cosy consensus. Our message is clear, now

is the time for change. It is time to rebuild our economy and society,

this government must give families a break. The next budget must give

something back and ease the tax burden on working people. It must

remove the property tax and promote investment in jobs. Politics is

about delivery for citizens, delivery for people. On the 11th day

of his hunger strike, he wrote their is no equality in a society which

stands upon the political and economic of rare or lead the

strongest make it good or survive. It is about standing up for citizens

and their rights. The Irish people have injured much throughout our

history and we have come through it all. Ireland is a great country, the

Irish people, we are now mean people. We will overcome the

challenges and prosper and working together, we will rebuild this great

nation. Be sure of this. APPLAUSE. Be sure of this as was said, we

shall overcome. APPLAUSE. Let's make 2014 the year of change. SPEAKS

IRISH. APPLAUSE. A standing ovation, no surprise they are, for Gerry

Adams. Delivering his party leader speech to the party faithful. I am

sure this will be a sustained and enthusiastic response. It is

received and acknowledged by Gerry Adams and his party colleagues join

him their onstage and congratulate him. The warm embrace between him

and Martin McGuinness. What did you make of that? A very balanced

speech, very asymmetric. We talked about the prospect of how he is

going to strike some balance between north and south. Although we lot of

his speech was tilted to the south, about a page and a half of his

speech had been North mentioned. There was some but not so much about

being in government in the north? You might did use maybe they feel

more comfortable in opposition, there was a part where he talked

about the left regrouping and offering an alternative to the

Coalition Government in the south. That could be interpreted as a sign

of weakness. They have much more of an electoral challenge their than

they do in the north where they are much more secure. It will be

interesting to hear what his political opponents made of it.

Thank you for being with us. That visit from this week's edition of

The Conference. From me and the team, goodbye.