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Sinn F\u00e9in leader Mary Lou McDonald has said the party is “determined” to move forward in a positive way following its poor performance at the recent elections.<\/p>\nSinn F\u00e9in leader Mary Lou McDonald has said the party is “determined” to move forward in a positive way following its poor performance at the recent elections.<\/p>\n
The party’s national body – Ard Chomhairle – met in Dublin today to discuss the outcome of the European and local elections.<\/p>\n
Senior party members from across the Republic and Northern Ireland spoke about the impact of the disastrous result.<\/p>\n
The party suffered a huge number of casualties including two of its three European seats after Lynn Boylan and Liadh Ni Riada failed to get re-elected. The party also lost almost half of its council seats across Ireland.<\/p>\n
Speaking before the meeting, which was closed to the pubic and media, Ms McDonald said it will reflect about the election result.<\/p>\n
“It’s very clear that we have a job to do, that we have to set out alternatives in terms of those very big issues that affect people’s lives,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Whether it’s housing or health, whether it’s the cost of living, we are very determined to move forward in a very positive way to represent working people and families right across the land.<\/p>\n
“Obviously the election was a very difficult election for us.<\/p>\n
“But notwithstanding that we are still a very considerable political force right across the island and we know we have a responsibility to use that strength in a positive way, to present alternatives and make it clear to people that all the big dilemmas that beset Irish society have solutions and answers.<\/p>\n
“We in Sinn F\u00e9in want to be part of bringing that about. The reality is that politics will always be full of challenges and for this political party we have a set of policies, of options, of solutions to offer the Irish people.<\/p>\n
“I think we simply come back by setting that out in a positive way, by setting out solutions and answers to people and to communities who at this stage might not believe that there is actually an answer to the housing crisis.<\/p>\n
“We know that’s not true and we have a responsibility and we have an important job to do to offer leadership and alternatives and to offer direction during a time of great challenge for many people and families.”<\/p>\n