Speaking in advance of an event involving the Sinn Féin national leadership, who will be in the St Patrick’s Centre on the 30th of May to discuss the implications of Brexit and Tory cuts, Chris Hazzard MLA said: “On the 30th of May I will host an event in the St Patrick’s Centre involving senior Sinn Féin representatives who are to the fore in negotiating special status for the North within the European Union.
“At this meeting will be the former Minister for Health and Sinn Féin’s leader in the North, Michelle O’Neill, MLA, Teachtaí Dála Mary Lou McDonald and Pearse Doherty and John Finucane, the party’s Westminster candidate in North Belfast for a public discussion on the future of South Down post-Brexit.
“I will be inviting people to engage with Sinn Féin’s national leadership for a discussion on Brexit and the challenges for South Down arising from the North’s forced exit from the EU.
“We want to listen to the concerns and hopes of local people at a time of great uncertainty and upheaval policies and explain the policies Sinn Féin are pursuing to protect people from the worst excesses of Tory rule.”
Chris Hazzard said that Sinn Féin is using its significant representation in the Assembly, the Dáil, and the EU parliament in the pursuit of policies that will enhance local businesses and the economy; assist farmers and the agri-food and fishing industries and protect regional health services and education system.
He added: “We are determined to achieve special status for the North within the European Union. This is essential if we are to preserve the Single Market and Customs Union, retain the Common Travel Area and maintain access to EU funding streams all of which are minimum requirements that must be achieved if we are to negate the worst aspects of Brexit.
“These goals will not however be delivered by those who wield power at Westminster – it is a battle will be fought and won in Ireland and Brussels.
“The event in the St Patrick’s Centre on the 30th of May is an opportunity for Sinn Féin to share its vision for South Down and explain the work we are doing locally and nationally to safeguard peoples future prosperity.”
