Adams says SF set for election breakthrough

Sinn Fein president Mr Gerry Adams said today his party was poised to make a "significant breakthrough" at the upcoming General Election.

Speaking at the launch of his party’s campaign, Mr Adams said Sinn Fein was fielding 37 candidates in 34 constituencies and come May 17th the party would translate its "potential into political strength in Leinster House".

He said Sinn Fein was contesting the election as part of its effort to strengthen the peace process and under the banner ‘Building an Ireland of Equals’.

"The issue of equality is central to what we believe in and we will be challenging all of the other parties and putting this issue centre stage during this campaign," he said.

Mr Adams said the big difference between this and previous election campaigns is the Sinn Fein challenge to other parties.

"Sinn Fein has been central to the agenda for change on this island," he said.

He criticised the other main parties saying, "so far this election has been dominated by bickering and posturing between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Their manifestos are classic examples of the politics of election promises."

"But in between elections over the last ten years Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, along with their surrogates in the PD and Labour parties have managed to widen the gap between the rich and the poor," he said.

"They have invested in the wealthy, instead of health, education and infrastructure. They have had their opportunity and they failed," he said.

Mr Adams said: "Many people are disillusioned by the way politics have been conducted here. By the revelations of corruption and the increase in poverty."

"Sinn Fein does not pretend to have all the answers but we do want to be the lead party in offering an alternative vision," he said.