Assembly Election Manifesto 2022

For full web version of manifesto in Irish click here

Time for Real Change

Am don Athrú Cheart

Messages from Mary Lou McDonald

A chara,

Sinn Féin is leading change across Ireland.  We are leading the way to build a stronger, better and fairer country.

Tá muid ag obair le hÉireann a aontú.

We have a generation brimming with talent, and with ambition and big ideas for our country.

In the South, Sinn Féin leads the opposition and we are ready to lead government.  We are ready to deliver the kind of change people are crying out for.

In the North, the Assembly election on 5th May is a real opportunity to step forward towards a better future.  On day one after the election, Sinn Féin will be ready to get back into the Executive and Assembly and deliver for people.

We will be there to tackle the cost of living crisis and put money back in the pockets of workers and families, and to put an additional £1 billion over the next three years to reduce waiting lists and support the health service.

Be part of the change that Sinn Féin is leading across this island.

It is time for real change.  Tá sé in am don athrú dílis.

Is mise le meas,

Mary Lou McDonald TD
Sinn Féin President

Introduction by Michelle O'Neill

A chara,

Sinn Féin’s priority is to make politics work, to show that real change is possible.

That means strengthening our health service, providing our children with a modern education, building affordable homes, making our communities safer, and creating good jobs so the next generation has a future here.

It means supporting workers and families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

It means delivering the flagship projects committed to by the Executive such as Magee University expansion, building the A5 and A6 roads, and seeing the redevelopment of Casement Park.

People want us working together to prioritise these issues, and power-sharing can work if those involved are committed to it.

Good, progressive government can deliver for people. That is what Sinn Féin wants.

Immediately after the election, Sinn Féin stands ready and willing to form a new Executive to deal with the problems people face in their daily lives.  By working together, we can bring about real change.

Oibreoidh mé gach lá ar theann mo dhíchill leis an athrú sin a chur i gcrích.

Sinn Féin will work non-stop every day to make that change happen.  That is my commitment to you.

On Thursday 5th May, be part of the change that Sinn Féin is leading across Ireland.

Is Mise,
Michelle O’Neill 

COST OF LIVING CRISIS

Rising living costs and fuel and electricity price hikes are placing huge pressure on ordinary people.

This is a global crisis being felt by many people across the world. However over a decade of Tory austerity has left workers, families, and public services, less able to deal with crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and now the spiralling cost of living.

Boris Johnson has done little to support people through this crisis and while people continue to struggle, big corporations and energy companies’ profits soar.

Executive interventions alone will not be sufficient to address the severe financial pressures people are currently experiencing and the British Government must take action to tackle this crisis.

Sinn Féin has been calling on the British Government to remove tax on home heating oil; reduce tax on diesel and petrol; cut VAT on energy bills during the energy crisis; reverse red diesel rebate changes and introduce a tax on the large profits of energy companies – redirecting the money to support workers and families.

While the north has very limited fiscal/financial powers to deploy in response to soaring costs of living, Sinn Féin in the Executive is determined to support workers and families.

As an initial response to rising energy costs, Sinn Féin Minister for Communities Deirdre Hargey delivered a £200 energy payment to over a quarter of a million people across the north of Ireland and introduced a freeze on Housing Executive rents.

Unfortunately, as a result of the DUP’s collapse of the Executive there remains £334 million in unallocated funds which could have gone to alleviating some of the pressures facing workers and families.

After the election we need an immediate return to the Executive to ensure this funding is released quickly to support workers, families and the most vulnerable.

Sinn Féin would use this funding to immediately help tackle the cost of living crisis by allocating:

  • £230 to every household in the north at a cost of £177m
  • £100 to those on benefits who were previous recipients of the Energy Payment Support Scheme at a cost of £27m
  • £9m additional to the Discretionary Support Scheme which is designed to provide quick and short-term financial assistance in a crisis.
  • £8m additional to the Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme which provides financial assistance to those most likely to be impacted by the recent fuel price increases.
  • £70m for interim financial support for the Agri-Food Sector to deal with increased cost of feed, fuel and fertiliser
  • £33m for extending by a month the current business rates relief package so that businesses entitled to one month get a two months rates holiday, and businesses entitled to three months get a four months rates holiday
  • £6m to freeze Translink fares on public transport

Sinn Féin want to support workers and families facing increasing costs of living, by:

  • Legislating to make school uniforms affordable – introducing statutory guidance requiring schools to have competitive tendering processes, to remove the use of unnecessary branded items, and to permit the use of cheaper high street alternatives.
  • Legislating to End Holiday Hunger by introducing a duty on the Education Authority and the Department of Education to provide financial payments in lieu of Free School Meals during school holidays.
WORKING TOGETHER IN THE EXECUTIVE

Sinn Féin is going into this election with a commitment to get down to work to form an Executive as soon as the election is over. There can be no delays and no prevaricating.  A new Executive needs to be formed immediately to deliver the investment in health and to implement the measures needed to tackle the rising costs of living. 

Sinn Féin wants to work with others to deliver effective government, to deliver progressive change and to deliver good public services. We are committed to power-sharing and the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement including the North-South institutions.

Until recently, the last two years had shown that these institutions can deliver. But we can and must do more.   

The work of the Executive has been stifled by the lack of fiscal powers. Now is time to empower the Executive and devolve increased powers to allow us to make the decisions on the issues which affect workers and families across the North.

That includes powers for progressive taxation and the power to raise the minimum wage.  We cannot rely on a British Government which will always put its own interests above that of ordinary workers and families.   

The British Tory government cannot be allowed to slow down the change that is coming. It must deliver on its commitments regarding the Irish language rights and reproductive health services for women.   

Sinn Féin will work to immediately form a new Executive and to:

  • Put an additional £1 billion into our health services over three years to tackle waiting lists, recruit more health and social care staff and fund transformation
  • Immediately allocate £330 million to tackle cost of living interventions including a payment of £230 to every household.
  • Deliver a new economic strategy to support local business, promote regional balance and create good quality jobs by continuing to grow the all-Ireland economy and maximise the opportunities from access to the EU and British markets
  • Deliver over 100,000 homes over the next 15 years
  • Deliver Acht Gaeilge and reproductive rights for women – both of which are long overdue.
  • Work with the Irish government to establish an all-island Citizens’ Assembly to discuss our constitutional future
HEALTH

Health is a priority for Sinn Féin.

That is why Sinn Féin Finance Minister Conor Murphy has committed to making health the Executive’s number one spending priority by increasing the health budget by £1 billion over three years.

We are committed to investing in the health workforce, tackling waiting lists and ensuring people can see a GP when they need one.

A decade of Tory cuts has meant our health and social care system is currently not fit for purpose.

During two years of a global pandemic our health and social care workers continued to provide frontline care for our sick and most vulnerable. It was an important reminder of how much we depend on these services and the dedication and commitment of its staff to deliver it in extremely difficult and unprecedented times.

Despite the dedicated efforts of health and social care workers the health system is under severe stress. Unprecedented staff shortages are leaving GP surgeries, Emergency Departments, hospitals and other services such as care in the community unable to meet the needs of patients across the north.

Too many people are languishing on long waiting lists – hoping to get the care they need.

Barriers to accessing health services persist, particularly for those in deprived communities and rural areas.

Mental health challenges, substance abuse and suicide continue to impact our communities.

Difficulties in addressing these problems are compounded by having two health services on the island, with wasteful duplication and illogical back-to-back development.

The growth of shared services is an acknowledgement that it makes sense to operate healthcare on an all-Ireland basis and the successes of these shared services to date such as the North West Cancer Centre and all-island Congenital Heart Disease Network is living proof of that. 

We need to invest in our health and social care system and maximise the potential of all-island services if we are to prevent its collapse.

SINN FÉIN’S PRIORITIES IN HEALTH ARE:

  • Increase the health budget by £1 billion by 2024/25 in order to;
    • Tackle Hospital Waiting Lists, such as investing in elective care centres and funding transformation of health and social care
    • Recruit and retain more nurses, doctors and health and social care workers
    • Ensure fair pay and conditions for health and social care workers
    • Improve access to GP appointments and care packages in the community
    • Deliver a fully funded Mental Health Strategy
  • Widen the individual areas of cooperation on the island both in border areas and in areas of specialist medical practice
  • Work to ensure all-Ireland recognition of health qualifications and standards
Planning for Unity

Demand for change is sweeping across Ireland. People want to see an Ireland of diversity, equality and respect. 

That change needs properly planned through discussion, dialogue, and negotiation.

We must avoid any repeat of the Brexit debacle.

This will require a democratic process that will allow everyone, north and south, to participate in planning and preparation for constitutional change.

This will facilitate a peaceful, smooth transition to a new and united Ireland – one that belongs to us all, including our unionist neighbours and where we can govern ourselves.

The division of Ireland has held back our potential for too long. There is now a real opportunity to shape a more prosperous future – to achieve a stronger, better and fairer country.

We can use this opportunity to create an all-Ireland National Health Service, sustainable housing policy, universal childcare, and ensure transition to a carbon neutral economy.

There is now a democratic process through referenda provided for in the Good Friday Agreement, to allow people to decide the future.

People across Ireland would be better served without duplication of governmental systems, with a single national health service, economy, tax regime, legal system, and education system.

European Union leaders have guaranteed that the north will resume full membership of the EU as part of a United Ireland.

Unity is central to building a modern, inclusive, fair society and a country which can play its full part in the world.

Now is the time to talk about the future.

SINN FÉIN’S PRIORITIES INCLUDE:

·        Working to have the Irish government establish an all-island Citizens’ Assembly to discuss our constitutional future;

·        Working to improve North-South co-operation and delivery by the all-Ireland bodies.

·        Securing a date from the Irish and British governments for the referenda on unity provided for in the Good Friday Agreement.

·        Engaging with people on the future of Ireland in an inclusive, respectful and informed way

Economy

Sinn Féin want to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy for all. 

We want an economy which supports local business, promotes regional balance and creates good quality jobs by continuing to develop the all-Ireland economy and maximise the opportunities from access to the EU and British markets.

After more than a decade of the DUP in the Economy Department, the North continues to have the lowest wages, lowest economic growth, lowest productivity, and highest economic inactivity on these islands.

We have also seen the continued persistence of regionally imbalanced economic development in the north which is a hallmark of unionist stewardship of the economy since partition. This has been particularly felt in areas west of the Bann.

Projects that promote regional balance, such as the expansion of Magee University to 10,000 students and the A6, and those which enable the development of the all-island economy, such as the A5, Narrow Water Bridge and the Ulster Canal, must be delivered.

Since the chaos of Brexit, Sinn Féin worked to secure the Protocol to protect business and jobs. We realise the huge opportunities that exist for our local businesses due to our access to both the EU and British markets and we will support them to trade with those markets.

Over the last year we have seen a huge increase in cross-border and All-Ireland trade benefiting the north. This simply would not have been possible had it not been for the Protocol.

The Protocol is also an opportunity for attracting high-end Foreign Direct Investment; developing new – and expanding existing – local businesses creating good quality jobs and modernising the economy.

Now is the time for a new economic strategy. The recently announced Independent Review of Invest NI is also timely. It’s an opportunity to further develop all-island industries such as tourism and agri-food, and identify greater potential for the all-island economy.

A new economic strategy for the North must be located within a wider strategy to integrate and develop the all-island economy post-Brexit. This includes work on all-island development, investment, and infrastructure strategies. 

Sinn Féin also want to promote opportunities for local economic development including supporting the role culture, arts and heritage can play in helping local economies by attracting businesses and generating tourism.

We want a model of local economic development that tackles inequality and poverty by redirecting wealth and public spending into communities.

Sinn Féin Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has appointed an Advisory Panel on Community Wealth Building to identify opportunities to grow and support community wealth building.

SINN FÉIN’S PRIORITIES IN ECONOMY ARE:

  • Deliver a new Economic Strategy that maximises dual access to the EU and British markets
  • Focus on creating good jobs; promoting regional balance; improving productivity and increasing decarbonisation in a New Economic Strategy
  • Following the independent review, ensure Invest NI prioritises regional balance and support for local business development
  • Seek greater devolution of fiscal powers to better equip the Assembly to target resources and develop progressive taxation policies that will improve public services and better support the people who live here
  • Further integrate the all-island tourism sector by extending the Wild Atlantic Way; Ireland’s Ancient East; and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands into the north
  • Develop an action plan in response to recommendations from the Community Wealth Building Advisory Group 
Housing

Sinn Féin’s housing plan is the biggest shakeup of the housing system for over 50 years and will deliver over 100,000 homes over the next 15 years in urban and rural communities across the north.

People are entitled to homes that are good quality, safe, secure, comfortable, and affordable.

We will target areas where housing need is the greatest so that people who have been failed by the provision in housing for decades have the opportunity to live in their communities.

Sinn Féin is also committed to increasing the number of social homes in rural communities. The challenges that exist in the provision of rural housing including difficulties in demonstrating need and the lack of wastewater and sewage infrastructure must be addressed.

Sinn Féin will also protect private renters from poor quality, sub-standard housing and unfair rent increases.

Sinn Féin Minister for Communities Deirdre Hargey has introduced legislation to protect private renters from unfair eviction notice periods; to limit the amount a landlord can charge for a deposit to no more than one months’ rent; and to improve the safety of homes.

We want to build on these improvements with further legislation to protect private renters from unfair rents, improve housing standards and end unfair letting fees.

Homelessness must also be tackled. 

Preventing and addressing homelessness will take a considerable effort across departments and sectors. While the solutions are wider than housing alone, building more homes is a huge part of the solution.

SINN FÉIN’S PRIORITIES IN HOUSING ARE:

  • Deliver over 100,000 homes over 15 years
  • Revitalise the Housing Executive so it can start building houses again
  • Ensure social rents remain fair and the lowest social rents on these islands
  • Introduce further legislation protecting private renters through improved housing standards
  • Ban unfair letting fees
  • Introduce regulations to deliver fair rents including reducing or freezing rents
Education

Sinn Féin wants an education system that delivers for all and doesn’t leave anyone behind.

We want to see an end to the cruel practice of academic selection and introduce a school transfer system based on equality and fairness for all students regardless of their background.

Parental demand for Integrated Education and Irish Medium Education are both growing and while we have a system which currently has tens of thousands of available school places, many parents are unable to access a place in these sectors for their children.

Those who want their children educated through Irish Medium or in the Integrated Education system should have the opportunity to do so.

It’s also time to make the school curriculum relevant to the needs of our young people.

This means modernising education to include age appropriate Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE), introducing a new focus and greater awareness of the climate change and biodiversity emergency, investing in digital skills and STEM subjects and putting an emphasis on emotional health and well-being.

As we emerge from the pandemic, Sinn Féin wants to support our children and young people as they get back on their feet after a hugely disruptive two years.

We want to see a careers guidance service which tailors advice to the skills, talents and interests of each young person and which informs them of both the vocational and academic routes to success.

Sinn Féin wants to improve access to further and higher education for all young people including those with disabilities; those from low income families; those with childcare responsibilities; and those with care experience, to name a few.

We are committed to lifelong learning and enabling people of all ages to access skills opportunities, whether that is university or further education courses, apprenticeships or traineeships.

Sinn Féin will work to remove barriers and promote all education opportunities across Ireland as the best way to increase access to third-level education and support economic development.

SINN FÉIN’S PRIORITIES IN EDUCATION ARE:

  • End the practice of academic selection
  • Respond to the demand for both Irish Medium and Integrated Education
  • Modernise the curriculum with the inclusion of age appropriate learning on Climate Change, Relationship and Sexual Education, and emotional health and well being
  • Extend access to post-graduate tuition fee loans to those studying in the south on a similar basis to those studying in Britain
  • Remove barriers to cross border enrolment and promote third-level education opportunities across Ireland to support students to qualify, live and work here

 

Workers Rights

Throughout the pandemic, despite the huge efforts of workers, we have seen some deplorable actions taken by large companies in the shape of ‘fire and rehire’ tactics which aim to re-employ workers on worse contracts than they previously were entitled to.

One of the worst examples of exploitation of workers was the sudden firing of 800 staff – including workers from the north – by P&O with no regards to their employment rights.

Sinn Féin is committed to strengthening workers’ rights and ensuring they are protected in law.

We also want to tackle low pay and insecure jobs which cause in-work poverty by improving workers’ pay and conditions and removing the barriers to work.

Sinn Féin Finance Minister Conor Murphy has made the Executive a Living Wage Employer and has also made payment of the Living Wage a requirement for any company receiving a government contract.

Sinn Féin has been progressing legislation to ban Zero Hour Contracts and we will continue this in the next mandate.

We also want to bring in legislation that will introduce paid leave for carers; improve access to flexible working; and make trade union membership accessible to more workers.

Lack of affordable childcare is also a barrier to accessing employment.

Sinn Féin Minister Deirdre Hargey introduced upfront childcare costs for the first month for parents on low incomes moving into employment. This is an important intervention in supporting people back to work however the delivery of a childcare strategy for the north is vital to understanding the needs of parents and ensuring we have a sustainable childcare sector providing a high standard of childcare going forward.

SINN FÉIN’S PRIORITIES FOR WORKERS RIGHTS ARE:

  • End Zero-Hour Contracts
  • Devolve powers to set minimum wage and replace with the Real Living Wage
  • Remove the restrictions on trade union recognition in workplaces with 20 workers or fewer
  • Develop legislation to introduce paid leave for carers
  • Deliver a childcare strategy to support good quality affordable childcare
  • Legislate to improve access to flexible working and the right to disconnect
  • Legislate to end fire and rehire tactics
  • Create good quality jobs
Rural Communities

Rural communities are vital to the cultural and social fabric of Ireland and we want them to thrive and be places where people want to live and work in, do business in, and visit.

There is an incredible sense of community spirit in rural areas which was clearly demonstrated during the pandemic when local sporting and community groups, such as the GAA, came together to distribute meals and provisions to support those needing to isolate.

However, a lack of access to services, amenities and employment are challenges facing many rural communities, as are issues with the rural planning system.

Improving access in rural areas to public services, housing, high-speed broadband, and good infrastructure, and supporting rural economies, is a priority for Sinn Féin.

Sinn Féin Finance Minister Conor Murphy introduced rates relief for rural ATMs recognising the problems with access to cash in rural areas due ATM closures.

Sinn Féin Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey worked with the Ministers for Rural Affairs and Infrastructure to deliver support for small settlements to help address long standing issues such as rural poverty and isolation, and to improve access to services in rural towns and villages.

We need to improve connectivity for rural communities and tackle rural isolation in order to ensure better access to services and opportunities. This includes delivering investment for rural roads to address the deterioration of our local road network, and improving road safety.

Rural tourism and hospitality holds great potential to develop rural economies. We want to extend the internationally recognised tourist routes, the Wild Atlantic Way; Ireland’s Ancient East, and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, to the north. 

Family farms and the Agri-food sector are a major source of economic prosperity to our rural communities and wider economy however Brexit has meant huge uncertainty for farmers over the last number of years.

While the Protocol protects our farmers from the worst impacts of Brexit by maintaining All-Ireland trade and access to the EU market, the loss of EU funding and the potential impact of the British Government’s free trade deals remain serious problems. 

While the British Government has given assurances to maintain funding to 2025 there is no clarity as to what support farmers and rural communities will receive after that.

Sinn Féin is committed to standing up for small farmers and rural communities.

The proposed Future Agriculture Policy to replace the EU’s Common Agriculture Policy must include support for hill farmers, retain access to single farm payments for small farmers and allow farmers to receive a fair and equitable return for their produce.

This can improve the viability of small farms. 

Farmers and rural communities will also play an important role in meeting our climate change targets. Sinn Féin believe they must be supported in developing more sustainable practices and benefit from the opportunities presented by it.

Sinn Féin wants to see the establishment of a Commission on the Future of the Irish Family Farm which would be tasked with producing recommendations as to how our family farm model can survive and thrive into the future.  We believe that the Commission’s remit should be all-Ireland in scope and prepare a long-term vision that will support our family farmers and the communities that depend on them.

SINN FÉIN’S PRIORITIES FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES ARE:

  • To protect the right of rural families to build in their communities in line with best planning practice
  • To improve rural broadband, infrastructure and access to public services
  • To reintroduce an ANC payment for Hill Farmers
  • To deliver a Future Agriculture Policy that protects the family farm including retention of payments to farms of three hectares and above
  • To deliver a rural development policy that involves grassroots organisations in identifying and bringing forward projects that support the economic and social development of rural areas
  • Secure the North’s inclusion in an all-island Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for Irish grass-fed beef 
  • Support more sustainable farming practices through Just Transition Fund for Agriculture
  • Oppose abolition of the Agriculture Wages Board
  • Initiate an Organic strategy that will assist farmers to make the transition to organic production, ensure that organic produce is marketed and promoted sufficiently so that Organic food production is a profitable endeavour
Tackling Climate Change

Sinn Féin was to the fore in delivering climate legislation for the north that is ambitious, fair and deliverable in reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 in line with the rest of Ireland. 

The north is no longer the only part of these islands without climate legislation.

Sinn Féin ensured that the climate legislation was firmly grounded on the principles of fairness and a just transition away from fossil fuel dependency and towards a fairer and greener society powered by renewable energy.

We need to develop our abundant solar, tidal, and onshore and offshore wind resources across the island and off our coast and develop the potential of green hydrogen.

A move towards renewable energy with a diversity of sources will increase energy security by reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports which are more susceptible to international markets and can also lead to the energy independence for the island of Ireland.

Meeting our climate change target of net-zero by 2050 can only be done successfully if it is done fairly and in partnership with workers, farmers and small businesses in the different sectors.

That means that farmers, workers, and families are not left behind.

It means that people must be supported to make the necessary changes and are able to access the opportunities that the move to a more sustainable society can bring.

It means the burden of the cost of reducing emissions isn’t left on the shoulders of those least able to pay for it.

A Just Transition Commission will be established to ensure we meet our climate objectives fairly. The Commission will also identify and support opportunities for the creation of green jobs and industry.

A Just Transition Fund for Agriculture will provide funding to support farmers to adopt more sustainable practices.

Reaching net-zero emissions, improving our environment and reversing biodiversity loss must also be progressed on an all-island basis. Our countryside, rivers and mountains don’t recognise the border so our policies to address the significant challenges that exist must be based on the reality that we live on a single geographical entity.

We need to reduce dependency on private cars by improving our public transport network including all-island rail links such as connectivity in the North West and the Dublin to Belfast corridor.

We also need to prioritise active travel infrastructure such as cycle lanes and greenways to encourage people to take up healthier forms of travel, such as the Sligo-Enniskillen Greenway.

The electric vehicle charge points network must be made fit for purpose in order to support electric vehicle usage. 

An important first step in moving away from fossil fuel dependency is to introduce a ban on petroleum licensing, drilling, and extraction in the north of Ireland. This includes a ban on fracking which would end the prospect of fracking anywhere on the island.

Sinn Féin will work with all sections of society to ensure measures, such as climate action plans, are developed that are fair and deliverable.

SINN FÉIN’S PRIORITIES ON TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE ARE:

  • Bring forward legislation in the Assembly to ban petroleum licensing, drilling, and extraction– including fracking
  • Ensuring Climate Action Plans are developed in partnership with farmers, workers and sectors and are economic, social, and rural proofed
  • Putting in place the structures provided for in climate legislation including;
    • Just Transition Commission – to ensure a fair and just transition
    • Just Transition Fund for Agriculture – to support farmers in adopting more sustainable practices 
    • Climate Change Commission
  • Work on an all-island basis to meet climate, environmental and biodiversity objectives
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Sinn Féin is committed to an inclusive and diverse society based on equal rights and equal opportunities for all citizens. There can be no place for sectarianism, racism, misogyny or disability discrimination in our institutions and our society.

We want to mainstream equality in all aspects of political and public life.

This includes putting in place the necessary legislation to safeguard everyone’s equality and human rights.

The COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years has had a disproportionate impact on the health and wellbeing of those with disabilities. It is important we have strong equality and human rights protections for people with disabilities.

The pandemic also marked a surge in domestic violence. The scourge of violence against women must be addressed and a violence against women and girls strategy must be delivered.

We want to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive society for all including those seeking refuge from conflict. The north is home to refugees and asylum seekers from across the world including in recent times those from Syria, Afghanistan and most recently Ukraine. 

We need to be an inclusive society for all ethnic minorities, both indigenous – Irish Travellers – and those who more recently have made this island their home.

Current hate crime legislation is outdated, not fit for purpose and has failed to prevent rising numbers of hate crimes. It is important new legislation based on international best practice is introduced to tackle hate crime in all its forms.

We want a society that values and celebrates the diversity of our identities, religious or none, sexual orientation, gender, disability, age, or ethnic origin. 

We want women to be able to access the safe and legal health services they are entitled to.

We want to see parity of esteem for Irish culture and language as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement.

Sinn Féin will also uphold the rights of all victims of the conflict to information, maximum disclosure, and truth.

We oppose the British Government’s attempt to introduce an amnesty for its state forces, intelligence services and the agents who killed for them.

Sinn Féin stands with victims, families, other political parties and human rights groups who continue to vigorously oppose the proposals outlined in the British Government’s legacy command paper of July 2021.

We uphold the rights of all citizens to access due legal process, by way of independent investigations, legacy inquests, and civil challenges.

It’s time to address the legacy of the past by implementing the mechanisms agreed at Stormont House in a human rights compliant manner to ensure that families are not waiting any more decades for truth and justice.

Sinn Féin will also continue to advocate for victims and survivors of institutional abuse to protect their right to truth, justice and redress that they have been denied for too long.

SINN FÉIN’S PRIORITIES INCLUDE:

  • Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy
  • Refugee Integration Strategy
  • Acht Gaeilge
  • Immediate provision of modern reproductive health care services 
  • Ban conversion therapy
  • Incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into local law 
  • Bill of Rights;
  • Social inclusion strategies on Anti Poverty; LGBTQI+; Disability; and Gender Equality
  • Strengthen legislation to tackle hate crime, including sectarianism
  • Implementation of the legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House in a human rights compliant manner
  • Right to truth, justice and redress for victims and survivors of intuitional abuse