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'Stream of unionists help Gerry Adams to victory' in West Belfast
Friday, 7 May 2010
Unionists helped Gerry Adams to his landslide victory in West Belfast, the Sinn Fein leader claimed today.
He was returned with a thumping majority which represented a 71% share of the vote in a constituency which has been more or less his since his first victory back in 1983.
The SDLP's Joe Hendron held the seat for a time, when it was claimed by republicans that Shankill Road loyalists had given him their support to send him to Westminster.
Mr Adams, 61, said a small but significant stream of unionists had backed him, and made no secret of it.
He claimed: "Its not so much they voted for Sinn Fein, but they told us so because Sinn Fein had done more for them than the unionist parties. I don't want to exaggerate this. It it small, but it is significant. It most comes from a section of working class people."
The Sinn Fein president, who has been under pressure over allegations that he was linked to the murder of Jean McConville and whose brother Liam is resisting demands to return to Northern Ireland to face sex abuse claims, said a lot of people understood he had to deal with difficult issues.
He added: "This election campaign has been very good to me in terms of being a human being. Even if I never got one vote, but to be out there meeting people - some complete strangers - and being totally sympathetic to my family situation.
"There have been a lot of lies and untruths, but people have made up their mind and decided I was good enough to represent them. I feel humbled by that."
Asked if this might be his last general election campaign, he laughed as he replied: "How long ago have I been elected? It's now 2.30am. So I've only been elected for an hour and you want me to give it up. Give me a chance."
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To Antaine , even though as you say , Sinn Fein changed their ways a long time ago , people still have a democratic right to dislike them or not agree with them.
I would love to know what exactly has he done for Unionists.
The fact is , he does not take his seat in Parliament , so how does he get things done ?
Posted by Steve | 11.05.10, 01:28 GMT
Unionists voting for Sinn Fein , becuase they did more for them than the Unionist parties did , come on , pull the other one Gerry.
I find that very hard to believe.
First of all , they would not be Unionists if the voted Sinn Fein , they would be nationalists.
Secondly the Irish Republican movement has had Protestants with in its ranks in the past.
Booby Sands was borned into a "mixed family ", in Rathcoole.
Ronnie Bunting , leader of the INLA was a Protestant.
Posted by Steve | 09.05.10, 13:58 GMT
Don't you just hate the way some people still hang onto old grudges? Gerry and Sinn Féin changed their ways a long time ago, yet some still refuse to move on. As if their side was blameless, I say well done, Mr Adams, on your victory, and it's nice to see you working not only for republicans and nationalists, but for unionists too.
Small steps will get you to your destination.
To those who hark backwards: whatever Gerry and Sinn Féin did/did not do over the years, the important thing is that they are pursuing their goals peacefully and through the democratic process now.That is the point to keep front and centre. The IRA disarmed, the unionist terrorists disarmed and we're not killing each other over politics and religion any more. What's not to like about that?
And kindly remember, if people return an elected representative, that is their choice and you must live with it, like it or not.
Posted by Antaine | 08.05.10, 15:56 GMT
I believe this. I also believe Gerry was never in the IRA.
Posted by maggie | 08.05.10, 11:14 GMT
as time moves on, more and more protestants from the shankill and all like wise areas will grow the sinn fein vote. protestant politicians are living in the past and you cant stop progress. tuv and the like are killing protestant beliefs and robbing them of their future. protestants have no one fighting their corner now. sf will make a move to develop their presence on the shankill road and it make reward them.
Posted by peter | 08.05.10, 10:36 GMT
Congratulations Gerry Adams,
Any polition that is prepared to lay down their life for the people they represent and be prepared to die for them, is the type of politician that should be encouraged. I hope that there one day will be a Republic of Northern Ireland and Gerry can bat on behalf of ALL the 6 counties Peoples.
Philip Holdway-Davis
Provisional President
www.republicofnorthernireland.com
Posted by Philip Holdway-Davis | 08.05.10, 02:33 GMT
Another fantastic election triumph.... The triumph of the will.
Posted by man dingo | 08.05.10, 00:11 GMT
I agree with Wildwood. Its tragic that some of Republican community chose not see him for what he is unlike the Unionists did with Robinson.
Tactical voting is sectarian so dont agree with FST unionist voting but the WB results show a perversely sectarian tactical vote. people vote with him for the sake of a show of strengh in Republicism... What does he have to do to loss even a small amount of support. Wear a Sash?
Posted by Sean | 08.05.10, 00:03 GMT
Dream on Gerry Adams!
Posted by Roy | 07.05.10, 21:37 GMT
Let's not forget that Hitler's National Socialist Pary also claimed to have gotten a lot of votes from Jews.
Posted by man dingo | 07.05.10, 20:49 GMT
How can anyone believe a word that this man says ?
Posted by Robert, Newry | 07.05.10, 20:49 GMT
Well done Gerry and all the Sinn Fein team. Another fantastic election triumph.
Posted by Noel | 07.05.10, 16:35 GMT
It was inevitable that working class protestants would start voting Sinn Fein.
Posted by geoff | 07.05.10, 13:52 GMT
Mr Adams.
Maybe you'll start turning up at Westminster then?
If they voted for you then they aren't Unionists, although they may be Protestants - If they exist at all. But let's face it, reality has never clouded your vision.
Posted by russell | 07.05.10, 12:51 GMT
Frightening that the people of West Belfast continue the 'see no evil, hear no evil' attitude to Sinn Fein. It seems winning is all that matters.
Posted by wildwood | 07.05.10, 12:40 GMT
Fair play to Gerry Adams, he has come through the past months with his head high and71% of the vote!!! Adams Abu!!!!!!
Posted by Gerard Collins | 07.05.10, 10:04 GMT