For Bobby!

Barry McColgan
Dermot Crowley Ógra Shinn Féin
West Tyrone

In the upcoming Westminster General Election in Fermanagh/South Tyrone, a single neo liberal, pro imperialist, sectarian, Tory bigot will stand against a progressive, inclusive, Republican Candidate.

It is reminiscent of 1981, when in a similar electoral battle, the good people of Fermanagh and South Tyrone came out in their droves to elect Hungerstriker Bobby Sands MP.

Bobby Sands stood against the then Unionist candidate Harry West, primarily on a ticket supporting the 5 basic demands of political prisoners of war, but sending a clear message to the world that the republican struggle was legitimate, that a cause to achieve freedom, peace, democracy and equality was in the interests of everyone.

British Tory Prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who constantly referred to Republican's as anti democratic, was shown to be hypocritical vindictive and brutal, unmasking herself to the world as she allowed Bobby Sands, an elected member of her Parliament, and who achieved more votes than her, to die on Hungerstrike.

She murdered Bobby Sands and 9 other Hungerstrikers dismissing the democratic wishes of citizens she wished to rule.

Her legacy, the Tory legacy would later become the brutal story of shoot to kill, Brit state sponsored murder and the ruination of the British welfare state, public services, national industry, and whole communities.

The neo liberal, and imperialist legacy of Thatcher and the Tories across the north of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, has been one of brutal attacks against those who fight for freedom, for social change, and the working class communities they represent.

From the British Miners to the Irish Hungerstrikers, Thatcher and her Tory Government brought death, and devastation.

This is the same Tories which Rodney Connor is adamant he will take his whip from in Westminster.

Do you want the Tory party, who murdered Bobby Sands MP elected?

Sinn Féin are the only republican party who can ensure that the Tories are kept where they belong, in Britain.

Sinn Féin are the only party genuinely interested in ensuring the maximum nationalist and republican representation across the 6 Counties.

Sinn Féin offered to stand aside in South Belfast to give the SDLP a clear run, and asked the SDLP to reciprocate in Fermanagh/South Tyrone. This opportunity was squandered by the SDLP who allowed narrow petty political agenda's come before the interests of the republican and nationalist people’s interests in the north.

It is clear that only Sinn Féin, with the sitting MP, and a progressive programme of change can keep out the Tory.

A strong sense of solidarity and unity is needed amongst the nationalist and republican people of Fermanagh/South Tyrone on May 6th, and that unity needs to manifest behind the hard working, dedicated, progressive Agriculture and Rural Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP.

Almost 30 years on from 1981, massive progress has been made on the road to Irish freedom; Bobby Sand's death was a catalyst in all of that.

Let us continue on that road, and build the Ireland that he fought, and died to achieve.

On May 6, you have two options;

- Allow Thatcher's party, the party of Shoot to kill, who murdered the Hungerstrikers, destroyed the British Welfare State and continues to support the murder and mutilation of thousands of innocent civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, to triumph.

Or.

- Re-elect Michelle, continuing to provide the best representation for all constituents, a party dedicated to developing all Ireland networks and the economy and the only party who will work to protect and enhance public services and build peace and freedom.

In short, a vote for Rodney Connor is s vote for Thatcher, a vote for Michelle and Sinn Féin is a vote for Freedom, Peace and Equality.

When you go to the polls on May 6th, 29 years and a day following the death of Bobby Sands, have him in your thoughts as you cast your vote.

Let’s win this.

For Bobby!