Sinn Fein Launch Election Campaign

Sinn Fein has launched its campaign for the Assembly elections on 5th May in Belfast's Waterfront Hall with the party fielding 40 candidates in 18 constituencies.

Speaking at the event, President Gerry Adams - who is now a Dáil TD - along with Vice-President Mary Lou McDonald paid tribute to the death of PSNI Constable Ronan Kerr whose recent murder in Omagh has sparked widespread condemnation.

Mr Adams said it was important that the political process not become a hostage to the "unrepresentative group" which murdered Constable Kerr.

The Sinn Fein boss outlined plans to develop disadvantaged areas, address issues of sectarianism, equality, education and a job creation plan as being amongst the main issues they aim to address.

Mr Adams commented: "We've ensured that £100m will be spent over the next four years between the First & deputy First Ministers Office (OFMdFM) and the Department of Social Development to target the most structurally disadvantaged sections of this society on the basis of objective need," he said, but noted that "sectarianism remains a major problem, which must be confronted".

"All forms of intolerance are unacceptable. Promoting equality for all is the key. The future lies in Irish unity and national equality," he concluded.

See: Job Creation Tops SF Agenda

(JG/BMcC)