Three students talk

Conor O'Brien

Second year arts (economics and politics), Shankill, Co Dublin

"Sinn Féin is more interested in social issues and it is the only party dedicated to a 32-country Ireland. Fianna Fáil and the PDs are the stagnant status quo. The IRA members who were jailed and who died during the struggle were our age at the time. I might have become involved in the struggle if I had seen my house constantly raided, my friends and family dying, and not having any say in the political process."

Conor Ó Droma

Belturbet, Co Cavan, chairman of UCD's Ógra Shinn Féin

"Sinn Fein is the only 32-county party and, as a Republican, I think that it is a very important trait to have. Also, it's the only party trying to support social justice create an island of equals. The Celtic tiger's roar has not been heard in every part of the island: the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. I also support Sinn Féin's goal of making the island Irish-speaking."

Sinead Pembroke

London, second year arts (sociology and politics)

"What appeals to me is that Sinn Féin is the only real left-wing party.

Labour are champagne socialists. Sinn Féin speak to the people and are very straightforward with their policies. I also like the Republican aspect of Sinn Féin. My father is Irish and my mother is Portuguese. In London I belonged to the Wolfe Tone Society. My father is a member of the society too. "