Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald T.D, and the party’s deputy Leader, Michelle O’Neill MLA have spoken with incoming British Secretary of State, Chris Bryant MP by phone today.
They urged a change of approach by the Labour government in how its decisions are badly impacting workers and families; in dealing with the legacy of the past and ending immunity from prosecution of British State forces; on political reform of the Stormont institutions; and, the future constitutional position of Ireland and Irish unity for which his government must now prepare.
Mary Lou McDonald said, “I welcome the opportunity to speak directly with the British Secretary of State, Chris Bryant. The political realities in Britain and Ireland are rapidly changing. Both he and his government must recognise this as we approach the thirtieth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. The unionist political majority is gone. Peace is secure. The next part of this island’s political journey is focused on our constitutional future beyond the Union, and Irish unity.
“I made clear that Sinn Féin will work constructively to address the challenges and opportunities before us, and we will judge this government on their actions, not promises.
Sinn Féin deputy Leader, Michelle O’Neill said; “We stressed that the Labour governments approach must change. The Executive is not being funded fairly which is devastating public services. Westminster is hampering the efforts of local Ministers to deliver our agenda. The cost-of-living pressures on workers and families and a budget that helps give relief must be prioritised.
She added, “Sinn Féin recently published proposals on political reform to ensure the Executive can deliver now. This includes the devolution of fiscal powers which remain reserved by Westminster. Twenty-eight years on since the power-sharing was established the Executive is hamstrung.
“I will work with others across the board to get a better deal for all our people, businesses and communities.”
