Sinn Féin say party’s popularity isn’t protest against government

TWO NORTH Cork Sinn Fein candidates in the forthcoming local election have rejected any suggestion the party's high standing in the polls is a protest against the government.

Melissa Mullane who is standing in the Kanturk/Mallow area and June Murphy, pictured, a candidate in the Fermoy area, both insisted the party is performing well on its own merits.

Ms Mullane, a sitting Mallow town councillor, said people are aware of what Sinn Fein stands for and are “well in tune” with their policies.

“I have been involved in a lot of election campaigns and now, more than ever, people are aware of our policies and what direction we want this country to go in,” said Cllr Mullane.

“Obviously we are delighted to be doing so well in the polls. But the real way to gauge public opinion is to meet people and listen to their concerns and worries. People want change and the overwhelming response we have been getting is that people believe we are the party that can deliver that,” she added.

Ms Murphy, who contested the 2002 general election for Sinn Fein, is equally dismissive of the notion of the party benefitting from a protest vote.

“I do not think that is true at all. The simple fact of the matter is that people believe what we are saying. The work that has been done at all levels in Sinn Fein has filtered through and people realise that will continue when more party candidates are elected to office,” she said.

“I think people are very protective of their vote and want to make the right choice on May 23. Certainly the response Sinn Fein has received on the doorsteps would indicate that we are that choice,” she added.

Cllr Mullane said key issues that have angered people the most are those of medical cards, water charges and emigration.

“One elderly lady told me the government had taken her medical card, her pension and her grandchildren who were forced to emigrate to find work. That was heartbreaking,” said Cllr Mullane.

“Another issue that has come up time and time again is that of social housing.

“The fact is there is not enough to go round, something I have experienced all too frequently during my time on Mallow town council,” she said.

Ms Murphy said she too has seen at first hand the desperate financial pressure people are under. “This has created a very real sense of anger against a government they believe has broken every promise it made before the 2011 general election,” she said. “I realise local elections traditionally have a poor turnout, But I think this time around that will chance and Sinn Fein will reap the benefit of that,” said Ms Murphy.