Time for Sinn Fein to take up its Westminster seats

[mollox]

All parties, on both parts of this island, are agreed that the constitutional position of Northern Ireland has been settled in the Good Friday agreement. This position was endorsed by the electorates on both parts of the island in 1997.

One consequence of this is to remove any question as to the current constitutional legitimacy of the Monarchy and the Westminster Parliament in the affairs of Northern Ireland.

What, therefore, is Sinn Féin’s justification for continuing its abstentionist policy with regard to the five Westminster seats that party won in the 2005 general election in Northern Ireland?

Sinn Féin’s combined Westminster vote in those 5 constituencies totalled 102.5k*, out of a total combined electorate of 310k. Even if every Sinn Féin voter supports the abstentionist policy, 207.5k electors did not vote for it. Thus 67% of the electorate are now deprived of their constitutional right to representation in Westminster. Such representation is a fundamental requirement of a functioning democracy.

As Sinn Féin presents itself to the electorate in the Republic as a democratic party in the upcoming election, and accepts that the Northern Ireland constitutional issue has been settled and will not be changed without the consent of a majority there, it is time for that party to assume its democratic responsibility and provide proper representation for all its constituents, not just the ones who voted for it.

*WESTMINSTER ELECTIONS 2005

West Belfast: G. Adams 24.3k votes, total electorate 53.8k
West Tyrone: P. Doherty 16.9k votes, total electorate 58.4k
Mid Ulster: M. McGuinness 21.6k votes, electorate 61.2k
Newry & Armagh: C. Murphy 21k votes, electorate 70.8k
Fermanagh & South Tyrone: M. Gildernew 18.6k votes, electorate 65.8k

Total 5 Constituencies: Sinn Féin 102.5k (33%) of total electorate 310k.

[seamasdefaoite]

they should take up their seats or resign and refuse to stand any candidates

[Gerrry]

they should take up their seats or resign and refuse to stand any candidates

Why should they? They stood as abstentionistists. If people wanted to vote them out then they could have, but chose not to.

[Outside_The_Line]

How can you describe an illegal occupation as a "functioning democracy"? But then again; you are calling for people who purport to be Irish and 'Socialist' to enter into the British Parliament....

[locke]

Although I wouldn't vote for an abstentionist, I don't see why they should have to.

They stood on an abstentionist platform and obtained their seats in line with the electoral system that was in place there. In fact, it could be seen as going against their mandate if they did take them.

[brian99]

Could I get a copy of costs and expenses incurred by Castlerea Four (include also costs of governmart and officials time with Gerry and Martins time with Bertie discussing the boys conditions)
plese itemise costs for phone use including 1550 numbers

[KeithM]

if an MP refuses to take their seat within three months of being elected, it should be offered to whoever came second.

[Outside_The_Line]

if an MP refuses to take their seat within three months of being elected, it should be offered to whoever came second.

Why?

[Worldbystorm]

if an MP refuses to take their seat within three months of being elected, it should be offered to whoever came second.

Why? They were elected on precisely a mandate that they wouldn't enter the parliament. They didn't dissemble about it. People who voted for them knew exactly what they were getting. No one is disenfranchised by this decision. Probably quite the opposite because due to their ability to deal directly with the UK government directly they're in a position to punch well above their numeric weight. And with the introduction of devolution the dynamic moves back into a six county area and more broadly an all island focus.

Personally I don't think they should enter Westminster short of participating in a vote which would lead, say, to the dissolution of the UK, for example if Scotland decided to go it alone.

[mbari hogun]

Indeed. And as far as the people who didn't vote SF are concerned, yes, they lose their token representation at Westminster, but that's first-past-the-post for you.