Sinn Fein candidates Sen. Kathryn Reilly & Caoimhghin O Caolain TD

Sinn Fein launched their general election campaign for Cavan-Monaghan in Cootehill. The election has not yet been announced but deputies are widely expecting to get their marching orders next week when the Taoiseach will probably set a date. The Sinn Fein duo of Senator Kathryn Reilly seeking #1 votes in Cavan and Caoimhghin O Caolain looking for first preferences in Monaghan seem confident they can take two of what will now be four seats up for grabs.

Launch of SF election campaign in Cavan and Monaghan

A large chunk of West Cavan with 36 DEDs centred around Ballyconnell and Swanlinbar has been chopped off and added to Sligo/Leitrm which also takes in a small part of south Donegal including Ballyshannon and Bundoran.

The troops were rallied by MEP and national director of elections Matt Carthy from Carrickmacross.

SF supporters at the campaign launch

See next week’s Northern Standard for a full report.

Speaking at the launch, Sinn Féin Senator Kathryn Reilly said:

“In 2016, we have an opportunity to take a further step towards achieving the vision of 1916.

“There is a lot of positivity, energy and enthusiasm around this campaign.

“We have been out knocking on doors for months now and I have been getting a very warm response, which is encouraging. Ordinary people are genuinely angry and fed-up at the way they have been treated by this government. They are looking for a Government who will stand up for them. They are crying out for effective representation in the Dáil.

“Sinn Féin is confident of winning two seats in Cavan/Monaghan. We will be running a positive campaign, offering solutions to the chaos of the Fine Gael/Labour Party government.

“Sinn Féin will be offering the people of Cavan/Monaghan a real alternative to the crisis in housing & health care caused by this government and its Fianna Fáil led predecessor.

“By electing a strong team of Sinn Féin TDs to the Dáil, you are sending a clear message to those politicians who have for too long had the reins of power in this state and presided over failure. You will also send a message that the people of Ireland do not want a situation where the people serve the economy, but a situation where the economy that serves the people.

“Sinn Féin has clearly set out a range of progressive, fully costed proposals, which would bring about a fairer, more equal and inclusive society. Our message is resonating. A Sinn Féin government will deliver a fairer recovery, with decent jobs. We would defend and invest in our critical public services. We want a fair and progressive tax system. We would scrap both water charges and the property tax.

“It is up to ordinary workers, communities and families across this constituency, who have suffered as a result of this Government’s policies, to join with us in the campaign and help us to make history in 2016 by returning two Sinn Féin TDs for Cavan/ Monaghan. I am inviting everybody who believes in that vision to come along to my launch on Friday night to show your support.”