The Sinn Féin leader has urged immediate Government measures to make everyday living more affordable for people.
In a keynote speech to her party’s Ard Fheis, Mary Lou McDonald said that an affordable standard of living must form the foundation of the country’s future, reports RTE.
The party is calling for a significant reduction in excise duties, including the full removal of carbon tax on home heating oil and green diesel.
It is also proposing electricity credits totalling €400, alongside a €500 disability cost payment to be introduced through an emergency mini-budget, reports RTE.
Additionally, the party called for increased support for people receiving social welfare, pensions, child benefit, and fuel allowance.
Sinn Féin is also advocating for a permanent reduction in the USC, which it says would return €500 to every worker, reports RTE.
Ms McDonald told delegates that as the 30th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement nears, referendums on Irish unity could take place by 2030.
“Sinn Féin will bring forward legislation before the summer compelling the Irish government to publish a green paper – a detailed discussion on the process of Irish Unity,
“And to convene a series of all-Ireland Citizens Assemblies to advance the discussion, the sharing of ideas, and planning for constitutional change,” she said, reports RTE.
The Sinn Féin leader accused Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of being determined to erode Ireland’s neutrality.
“We stand by Connolly. We serve neither King nor Kaiser but Ireland,
“So, Micheál Martin and Simon Harris, I challenge you to put your plan to scrap the Triple Lock to the people,
“You’ll get your answer – hands off Ireland’s neutrality,” reports RTE.
Ms McDonald earlier stated there were no plans for leadership changes within Sinn Féin and rejected claims of internal discontent.
“There isn’t a story there”, she told reporters. “I’m the leader of the party and we’re in a very good place,
She added that the party remained united, resilient and determined to “motor on,” reports RTE.
Ms McDonald said that party members elect the leadership at each Ard Fheis and that both she and Michelle O’Neill would be re-elected.
She also said she intends to lead Sinn Féin into a government that excludes both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, reports RTE.
She said the Government was facing pressure and was currently short one minister and one TD.
Last night, party members voted in favour of banning fox hunting, going against the preferences of senior Sinn Féin figures, reports RTE. There are concerns this stance could negatively impact the party’s support in rural areas.
The vote was narrowly decided following a prolonged and at times tense debate, which was briefly interrupted when Belfast’s International Convention and Exhibition Centre had to be evacuated due to an alarm.
Sinn Féin Monaghan TDs Matt Carthy and Cathy Bennett opposed the motion, while Dublin MEP Lynn Boylan and Kildare North’s Réada Cronin were among those supporting the ban, reports RTE.
However, Ms McDonald rejected suggestions that the leadership was losing control of the party.
She said the situation demonstrated the strength of Sinn Féin and confirmed that members ultimately determine party policy, reports RTE.
“I know that makes us different from other parties,” she said.
Last night, party Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty called for the immediate rollout of a mini-budget, saying the Government must act to assist households, reports RTE.
Ms McDonald and First Minister Michelle O’Neill also met the family of murdered Derry GAA official Sean Brown at the Ard Fheis, stating afterwards that they “will continue to press the British Prime Minister to establish a public inquiry into Sean Brown’s collusive and devastating murder without delay”,
Delegates will also consider proposals aimed at strengthening public services and preparing for Irish unity, reports RTE.
Sinn Féin entered this Ard Fheis as the most popular party in Ireland according to opinion polls, though still below its peak support levels from 2022.
A recent poll also showed the party at its lowest level of support in the North in five years, ahead of next year’s Stormont Assembly elections, reports RTE.
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