Sinn Féin is expected to put Martin McGuinness forward as its candidate in the Presidential election. The move has been approved by the party's officer board and is expected to be ratified at a meeting of the party's Ard Comhairle on Sunday. It is understood the decision was mulled over at the highest ranks within Sinn Féin for several weeks. The Derry born 61-year-old has been in the United States since Sunday with Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and will not return until tomorrow. He has had a number of transatlantic calls with Gerry Adams and others and that is how he confirmed his availability to contest the election. It is understood that Mr McGuinness told Mr Robinson of his intention to step aside from his position in the Northern Ireland executive in order to contest the Presidential election. Sinn Féin will likely appoint someone to temporarily fill the vacancy and then review the situation after the election. Last year Mr Robinson temporarily stood down from his role as first minister to address charges of financial irregularities. He was replaced by party colleague Arlene Foster and returned to his first minister position after six weeks. "This is a time of great challenge for all the people of Ireland. We need positive but authentic leadership. It will be a great honour for me to propose Martin McGuinness to contest this election on a broad, republican, citizen-centred platform," said Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams this evening. "I believe that this election will give Martin the platform to continue the work which he has led in the North and in the peace process and to put it on a national footing." please log in to view this image
If David Norris had to pull out of the race because of something in his past then McGuinness surely would go the same way with the things he is alleged to have done.
aha but marty was a rebel ... just like the boys in libya who the brits and yanks are supporting. norris tried to get a ***** a lighter sentence, big difference
Local man wins first prize in Frank Spencer look-alike contest. please log in to view this image Oooooooh Betty. The cat's done a whoopsie in the corridor. P.S. The idiot on his right had no chance. He came as Wolfie Smith.
There will be a million suicides by hanging from a sash if Martin gets in. Probably wont though, will you be giving him your vote Hash?
Nearly every political party in Ireland was born out of conflict. If anything, Martys past will win him votes. Vótáil Ginger Bollocks.
Michael D.Higgins 8/11 Gay Mitchell 3/1 Martin McGuinness 9/2 David Norris 8/1 Mary Davis 14/1 Sean Gallagher 16/1 Labhras O Murchu 50/1 Who's getting your X Reb?
Would a lot of people not be pleased he is running for it, as it means he will be out of NI politics?
A lot of Unionists you mean?You could hand a NI unionist a million pound and a free hooker every day for the rest of their lives and they wouldn't be pleased. Dour lot. He wont win, he will just step down for the 3 weeks or so of the campaign.
"When men claims Ireland freedom The men they choose to lead them Will wear the broad black brimmer of the IRA"
Nah ... I failed ... was meant to point at dev's avatar and I didn't think it all the way through ... its been a long day
Brimmer hat is kind of like a bucket hat or fishing/cricket hat mixed with a cowboy hat. Modelled here by Paisley: please log in to view this image
