THE former government minister, Mr Kevin Boland, has nationalists in the North to boy-cott the May 30th elections which, he believes, could lead to a return to Stormont.
Mr Boland was speaking, at a Republican Sinn Fein press conference in Belfast yesterday. Mr Tony McPhillips, an independent councillor in Co Fermanagh, was also present.
By drawing up a list of parties and individuals who could contest the election, and by barring others, the British government had set up "a selection, not an election process", he said.
The Republican Sinn Fein president, Mr Ruairi O Bradaigh, urged nationalists to "reject this gerrymandered election by withholding their votes and implementing a resounding boycott of the poll".
He said support for his party's boycott campaign was growing. The peace process had reinforced the unionist veto and meant "everlasting British occupation" in the North.
"The cross Border boards might flutter a few unionist hearts but they don't have anything to worry about. The British aim is, after 27 years of conflict, to finally stabilise their presence in Ireland with a new Stormont and cross Border boards."
Meanwhile, the Irish Republican Socialist Party, the INLA's political wing, has condemned Sinn Fein's acceptance of the Mitchell principles and accused the party of a "U turn".
A spokesman said "Sinn Fein's decision on Mitchell is a clear acceptance of British and unionist preconditions to talks. The party is acquiescing to an internal solution to the conflict.
"How can anyone who has stood so courageously against British imperialism, who has steadfastly refused to bend the knee, now begin to meet preconditions, to grovel for the right to represent a risen people?"
The IRSP is also urging nationalists to boycott the poll.