Thanks for the Memory Stick
Sinn Fein launched their manifesto in the Baby Grand on Belfast's Great Victoria Street. Quips about the previous republican contributions to the architecture of the Grand Opera House were confined to the press corps.
Instead of being handed weighty tomes, reporters were given an executive summary and a memory stick. Party officials made much of the environmentally friendly nature of the manifesto. No printed document existed, but the stick contained both a visual and an audio version. The memory stick was 1gigabyte whereas the Conservative and Unionist document, which had also been printed, was 2 gigabytes. Does this mean the latter was heavier on detail, or is it just proof that unionists like GB more than republicans?
Like the other parties, Sinn Fein favours a reduction in local corporation tax. However, instead of acknowledging this would require a cut in the Stormont budget, Gerry Adams argued that should be a matter for negotiation. Despite the prevailing economic climate, he claims the block grant should be increased not reduced. That might stretch even Sinn Fein's negotiating skills.
The manifesto was heavy on devolved policy and Sinn Fein has repeatedly claimed that it can defend local interests by negotiating at Downing Street rather than attending Westminster. So I asked Gerry Adams if this election was irrelevant to the way his party does business. His answer - that voters should pick Sinn Fein to show their backing for their track record of leadership in the peace process.
Other policies included pushing for a referendum on Irish unity, introducing the Euro and banishing "politically driven organisations" such as MI5 and the Serious Organised Crime Agency.
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