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Sinn Féin leader calls on NI voters to back pro-remain candidates

Sinn Féin has said it will not be running candidates in three Northern Ireland constituencies in...
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

14.02 4 Nov 2019


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Sinn Féin leader calls on NI v...

Sinn Féin leader calls on NI voters to back pro-remain candidates

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

14.02 4 Nov 2019


Share this article


Sinn Féin has said it will not be running candidates in three Northern Ireland constituencies in the upcoming British general election.

Party leader Mary Lou McDonald said it not be standing in East Belfast, South Belfast or North Down.

She has called on voters instead to vote for the pro-remain candidates best placed to win the seats.

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Ms McDonald said: "This election is about the future, the future of our children, our families and communities, and the future of our country in the face of the toxic Tory/DUP Brexit agenda and their disastrous cuts to our public services.

"Since the referendum Sinn Féin has worked with the other pro-remain parties to send a clear message to the British government, the EU, the Irish Government and the US, that the DUP does not speak for the North.

"Sinn Féin has stood up for the majority who voted to reject Brexit.

"The recent EU election showed there is an appetite among pro-remain and progressive voters for increasing co-operation between those who represent the majority who voted to stay in the EU."

She added: "Over recent weeks Michelle O'Neill has engaged with the other political parties to explore how best to elect the maximum number of pro-remain candidates.

"So I welcome the decision by the SDLP not to stand in North Belfast, East Belfast and North Down.

"That is in our opinion the right decision and we repeat our call to other pro-remain parties to consider their position.

"For our part Sinn Féin will not be standing candidates in East Belfast, South Belfast or North Down.

"The campaign is now well underway. Voters are faced with a choice.

"They now have the opportunity to reject Brexit, reject the DUP and reject the Tories and to stand up for the unique protections for our economy and our peace agreements achieved by Sinn Féin."

British voters will go to the polls on December 12th, after UK MPs agreed to the measure following the removal of a no-deal Brexit on October 31st.

The country is now set to leave the EU on January 31st 2020 - or earlier, if Westminster passes a withdrawal deal.


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Brexit British General Election Candidates Constituencies DUP East Belfast Mary Lou McDonald North Down Remain Candidates Sinn Fein South Belfast Tory UUP

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