Sinn Féin Uachtarán Mary Lou McDonald TD said today it was time to move forward to a new and better future. The Sinn Féin leader was speaking after Westminster election results which saw the party take the most seats, the most votes and the highest share of the vote.

Mary Lou McDonald said:

“Sinn Féin went into this campaign asking people to endorse strong leadership, positive change and a commitment to work for all.

“People have voted for decisions about their lives and their future to be made here, at home, in Ireland.

“They have voted to support better funding for our public services.

“They have rejected fourteen years of British government cuts, which have negatively impacted the people of the north.

“The voters have now spoken, and I am delighted that Sinn Féin’s seven MPs have been returned for another term.

“We have also come very very close to taking a seat in East Derry and made a significant increase in our vote in Foyle and in other constituencies.

“Sinn Féin has made history yet again by being returned as the largest party in the north, in seats, vote percentage and votes.

“The message of the people of the north of Ireland to the British government tonight is that change is happening, it is time to plan, it is time to prepare for a new future together on this island. The people have spoken.

“I want to thank every person who came out and put their X beside a Sinn Féin candidate to get behind our positive vision for a better future in a new Ireland.

“No matter what background or community people come from, Sinn Féin MPs will work hard every day to deliver on the things that matter to workers, families and businesses in every community.

“From day one, we will be knocking on the door of the British government to demand that they stop their disgraceful underfunding of our public services and of the Executive here.

“It is now time to move forward to a new and better future.”