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How a Political Outcast became a successful Political machine

Don’t spell this wrong or you’ll be knee capped!. AS1. SINN FEIN. How a Political Outcast became a successful Political machine. Northern Ireland Political Parties. INTRODUCTION.

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How a Political Outcast became a successful Political machine

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  1. Don’t spell this wrong or you’ll be knee capped! AS1 SINN FEIN How a Political Outcast became a successful Political machine Northern Ireland Political Parties

  2. INTRODUCTION • Sinn Fein have in the last 15 years progressed from being a Political Pariah to the largest Nationalist Party in Northern Ireland HOW?

  3. BASICS • Sinn Fein means ‘Ourselves Alone’ and it has its roots in 1905 • It is a REPUBLICAN party with a commitment to a United Ireland • It also has a Socialist agenda with firm working class support

  4. Troubled History • Sinn Fein was regarded as the Political mouthpiece of the IRA • Its strategy throughout the Troubles was a policy of fighting for Power ‘…with an Armalite in one hand and Ballot box in the other.’

  5. Troubled History • However Sinn Fein struggled to win power outside of hard line Republican Ghettos. • It also suffered badly in the late 1980’s due to: • IRA disasters such as the Poppy day bombing • A Government ban on broadcasting Sinn Fein. • A weariness of the Troubles

  6. Towards Peace • Gradually it worked towards a peaceful settlement • The ‘Downing Street Declaration’ provided a basis for negotiation with the British Government declaring ‘No selfish interest in Northern Ireland’ • In 1994 the IRA declared a tentative ceasefire

  7. GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT • Despite breaking the ceasefire and a huge bomb at Canary wharf in London the first ceasefire was the start of a process leading to the GFA • Sinn Fein had many demands BUT also a lot to negotiate

  8. What SF wanted What SF got from GFA

  9. Since 1994 SF have polled remarkably. • Today they are the dominant Nationalist party and one of the chief beneficiaries (with DUP) of Devolution • In 1992 SF had NO MP’s to 5 today • They have 4 Executive Ministers including Martin McGuinness the DFM

  10. Why have SF did so well? • THEY HAVE BEEN LEGITIMISED • Dedicating themselves to wholly peaceful means has been extremely popular. (esp. with Middle class voters) • This has made them a legitimate party to vote for. • They have been viewed as ‘Peacemakers’ • Initial fears about their radical policies or inexperience in office proved unfounded. They have proved accomplished and mature in office with a good relationship with DUP

  11. Why have SF did so well? • 2.THEY HAVE STRONG SUPPORT • They have managed to hold on to core areas of support such as West Belfast BUT also gain ground in new areas such as Fermanagh / South Tyrone – West Tyrone etc • They have a strong Youth vote • They have strong GRASS ROOTS – with good links to local communities • SF work especially on local issues such as joy riding

  12. Why have SF did so well? • 3.THEY BENEFIT FROM UNIONIST DIVISION • The dominance of the UUP has been destroyed since the GFA. The DUP has become very strong but Unionism faces weakness from a shredding of their vote between parties.

  13. Why have SF did so well? • 4.THEY HAVE AN ALL IRELAND AGENDA • Their all Ireland approach attracts many Nationalists. • They are only party to stand North and South of the border • Gerry Adams has left West Belfast seat to become TD • Martin McGuinness is aiming to become Irish President.

  14. Why have SF did so well? • 5.ACHIEVEMENTS • One of the biggest reasons is that SF appeared to achieve everything in the GFA. Their list of demands was met (in fact it was mostly to do with the SDLP)

  15. Why have SF did so well? • 6.SDLP DECLINE • With the achievement of all SDLP demands in short time – it left them without a strong list of policies • SF began to look like the dynamic voice of Nationalism

  16. Danger from apathy – people believing they have become too much part of the old system. • Danger from Personal issues – Gerry Adams has been under intense pressure over his brothers child abuse and how much Gerry knew. He is also accused of leading and knowing the whereabouts of the disappeared.

  17. Danger of SDLP resurgence • Danger of voter apathy and anger at budget cuts • Opposition from dissident Republicans • Failure of campaign in ROI – Voters in the Republic are very wary of Northern Parties

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