McKay to stand in Assembly elections

At a packed selection convention held in Dunloy he was elected unopposed by party delegates from local Cumainn (Branches).

Mr McKay (right) outlined that a 'unity of purpose' is needed from all Executive parties in responding to British Government cuts and that the actions of those carrying out sectarian attacks in the constituency "damage their own community more than any other".

Mr McKay said: “As an Irish republican I am honoured to have been selected as the Sinn Fin Assembly candidate for North Antrim because Sinn Fin has proven itself to be a dedicated advocate of the Irish republican struggle. Our party is comfortable in laying out the keystone value of a united Ireland of equals because we genuinely believe that it represents the best future for all the peoples of this island.

“Our commitment and the voters’ confidence in us now sees Sinn Fin as the largest voice for nationalists and republicans in the North and the only all island party. This trend is reflected here in North Antrim.”

He continued: “We face a challenge of recognising the common ground between our communities. The effects of poverty and social disadvantage do not recognise religious or political opinion. The poverty felt in Loughgiel, Dunclug and Ballycastle has the same impact on families and communities in Harryville, the Glebe or Bushmills.

“There is an urgency to address poverty and disadvantage. In our society over 100,000 children live in poverty. Every day that this continues is an indictment on us all.

“We have been unwavering in our condemnation of all sectarian attacks which have taken place. Those who carry out such attacks from within the nationalist community should be mindful of one thing. Their actions damage their own community more than any other. Equally reprehensible is the lack of leadership being shown by unionist politicians when flags, images and symbols associated with the Catholic community, nationalists or republicans are burned at bonfires. Unionist politicians, with some exceptions, still avoid tackling the issue of sectarianism in their community.

“In April of this year we secured the opening of relief centres in Loughgiel and Ballymoney to help assist communities faced with extreme weather conditions. Instilling a sense of community and assisting those in the greatest need is at the heart of who we are as a political party.

“We must continue to make gains, electorally and politically. The Assembly undoubtedly needs full fiscal powers so that we can act in the economic best interests of those we represent and the devolution of these powers out of the hands of a British Government intent on making cuts regardless of the impact on the most vulnerable is something that we will continue to work towards.

“Making those gains both politically and electorally will require a lot of work, a lot of effort and no resting on our laurels. No seat is guaranteed or won until the votes are cast and counted. That work starts now.”

A Copy of the full speech is available at : http://daithimckay.blogspot.com/2010/10/sinn-fein-set-sights-on-retaining-north.html