Mary Lou McDonald to speak at Sinn Fein election launch in Derry

The Dublin Central T.D. will be joined by the three Sinn Fein candidates contesting the Assembly election in Foyle: Martin McGuinness, Raymond McCartney and Maeve McLaughlin.

Speaking to the ‘Journal’ ahead of the election campaign launch, Mr. McGuinness admitted to the limitations of being in government with the DUP but Sinn Fein has been responsible for “progressive politics” in the North.

“Of course, we are already in government in the North,” said Mr. McGuinness.

“It is a government with limitations given that we share power with the DUP and the British government still exercises control over our budget.

“However, Sinn Féin’s record in government clearly demonstrates how we have forced progressive politics onto the agenda at Stormont and defended the rights and entitlements of all citizens.

“We still have much work to do in order to create a genuinely pluralist, tolerant society of equals. But no one can deny the change that has happened and we will continue to make progress,” he said.

Mr. McGuinness went on to say that Sinn Fein has made a positive impact upon Derry over the last five years.

“You only have to look around this city to see how things have changed for the better,” said Mr. McGuinness.

“Twenty years ago, this was an occupied city.

“Today it is a city of peace, it’s unrecognisable. We are an example for others to follow.

“Imagine where we will be in another 20 years.

“Sinn Féin’s presence in government has had a real and practical impact on the lives of our citizens,” he concluded.

The Sinn Fein Foyle election campaign launch will take place in the City Hotel on Saturday April 2 at 3:00p.m.

The 2016 Assembly Election is scheduled to take place across the North on Thursday May 5.