Economy and treaty to be focus of SF ardfheis

THE ECONOMY, Irish unity and the treaty referendum are expected to dominate proceedings at the Sinn Féin ardfheis which takes place in Killarney, Co Kerry, on May 25th and 26th.

Party finance spokesman Pearse Doherty said yesterday the ardchomhairle was recommending rejection of a number of motions on the agenda, including one calling for a tax on corporate profits and a motion on abortion supporting women’s right to choose.

Asked whether Sinn Féin would be publishing its accounts in time for the ardfheis, Mr Doherty said it was party policy to publish financial information on its website. However, the 2011 accounts were not ready and would not be available until June, a spokesman later said.

With Sinn Féin surging in the polls, the party is set to intensify pressure on the trade unions to break links of support for Labour. A motion from the Drimnagh branch calls on Siptu and other unions to review their links with the party, and to ensure that funding is made available to candidates who best represent their members.

A motion from the Newcastle West branch in Co Limerick “regrets the absence of the fada in many official publications” and urges Sinn Féin to set an example in its correct use.

Among the guests addressing the gathering will be Unite union head Jimmy Kelly, a former worker with Vita Cortex, and representatives of the African National Congress and from Palestine and the Basque Country.

More than 1,500 delegates will attend the conference, which is being held for the first time in Munster.

Mr Doherty said Sinn Féin was experiencing a huge growth in membership and for many of those attending, this would be their first ardfheis.