Sinn Féin has “failed to reflect where most people are at” when it comes to immigration, according to Mary Lou McDonald. 

Speaking at the Ard Chomhairle today, the party leader discussed Sinn Féin’s poor performance in local and European elections. 

The party performed poorer than they had expected, claiming less than 12% of the first preference council votes in June. 

Ms McDonald said the party’s “national leadership” initiated a review of the election campaign to understand the shortfall. 

“Having listened to our party grassroots, and equally to the electorate, we will now take decisive steps to prepare for the upcoming general election, whenever it may be held,” she said. 

“Our values - as a republican party, are firmly of the left, committed to a United Ireland, and with an unwavering commitment to equality. 

“But we – and I as the leader of this party – must acknowledge that, for a sizeable section of our supporters, they believe we failed to have their backs and that we didn’t listen to their concerns.” 

Sinn Fein party leader Mary Lou McDonald speaks to media in the count centre Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie

Ms McDonald said on the issue of immigration, the party has “failed to reflect where most people are at”. 

“Sinn Féin stands firmly against racism. So too do the Irish people,” she said.” 

“We are a modern, European country with a strong economy. We depend on migrant workers in many areas of our society, not least our health service. 

She said everyone must be “treated with respect, dignity, and in accordance with human rights standards”. 

“However, this State must have an immigration policy that makes sense to people - that is transparent, fair and that works,” she said. 

Ms McDonald said the State needs a migration system that ensures applications are processed swiftly and has clear criteria for determining who can come here, whether they can work, and what support they may receive. 

“Sinn Féin will represent what people want for this country - for their families, children and grandchildren and their futures,” she said. 

Sinn Féin policy

The party leader also noted in the March 8th referendums, Sinn Féin “got it wrong”. 

“We did what we should never do. We settled for second best,” she said. 

“Many in our party, and many of those who support our party, rightly called us out on this.” 

Sinn Féin supported a Yes-Yes vote in the referendums – although Ms McDonald criticised the wording in February and said if the referendums failed, Sinn Féin would hold new referendums with different wording if they were in Government. 

Shortly after the failure of both votes, Sinn Féin TDs indicated the party did not intend to hold referendums on either issue in the future. 

Ms McDonald noted the success of Sinn Féin in the recent UK general election, gaining the most seats in Westminster of any Northern Irish party. 

Sinn Féin MEPs, however, will continue the tradition of refusing to take their seats in London.