Adams Slams Government's Border Economy

The President of Sinn Féin Gerry Adams has criticised the Irish Republic's government for failing the people of Donegal and has vowed that Sinn Féin will continue to be to the fore in tackling Fianna Fáil and the Green's economic policy decisions.

Mr Adams said: "This government and the government before it have failed the people of Donegal. The current credit crunch and downturn in the economy, coupled with the appallingly inept management of the economy by the government, has meant that almost 5,000 new people have joined the dole queues across the county in the last year.

"Donegal already has the highest levels of unemployment in the state," he said.

The SF boss's comments came against a background where changes in taxation and existing price differentials has seen a huge jump in cross-border shopping, with trade in stores in Northern Ireland's border towns representing around 40% of overall takings at the past weekend.

Speaking in Donegal last night at the commemorative dinner marking the 125th anniversary of the execution of Patrick O’Donnell, he said: "In West Donegal you have witnessed the loss of jobs in traditional sectors such as farming, fisheries, and textiles. There has also been the loss of vital services such as post offices and public transport.

"The people of the Gaeltacht have been failed by a government that has failed to provide the necessary investment in jobs and infrastructure or promote the Irish language.

"Sinn Féin has been to the fore in tackling these inequities and bad policy decisions. Irish republicans have a vision of a new future for Donegal, a new future for Ireland, and we have the spirit and confidence to work with others to achieve this."

(BMcC/KMcA)