PARTY LEADERSHIP:SINN FÉIN delegates expressed support for the continuance of Gerry Adams as party leader, but were divided in their views on coalition with other parties.
Law graduate Patrick Daly (21), who is vice-chair of the Dublin branch of Ógra Shinn Féin, the party’s youth wing, said there was “a great youth involvement” at this year’s conference.
On the issue of coalition after the next election, he said: “I personally would not agree to go into coalition with any of the parties, when you look at what happened to the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats. I can’t stand Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael.”
If Sinn Féin joined a coalition “I would be very disappointed”.
“I wouldn’t leave, but I think a lot of young people in the party would be very upset about it. But I don’t think they will go into coalition.”
He said Mr Adams should stay on as leader.
“He’s a great man, a great character. He’s able to bring the party together. He’s a great figure in Irish politics.”
Portlaoise delegate Caroline Dwane said she particularly liked Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh’s ardfheis criticisms of former ministers who were drawing pensions while still serving in the Dáil, and this at a time when social welfare rates were being cut.
She agreed with the ardfheis majority vote to refer the issue of coalition to a special delegate conference if it arose after the next general election.
“I would not have been in favour of ruling out any party. We’re not in a position to rule ourselves in or out.”
Her husband, Brian Stanley, is a member of the town and county councils, and she said she canvasses “continuously” from one election to the other.
She is “very happy” with the leadership of Mr Adams. “He has brought the party a long way.”
