I grew up in a staunch SF household, so feel free to call me biassed, but I'm very grateful for it, its opened my eyes to the power of media in shaping a great portion of the public's opinion, it really baffles me how so many people can full heartedly despise SF for reasons they have only been spoon fed by the southern Irish media, and as for their involvement in the troubles along with the PIRA I can only say to please realise that this was an incedibly complex situation and one that was far from what the media would convince you as a gang of murderous thugs bombing and killing as they please, this was an organisation that had the constant of support of people like Nelson Mandela, and at his funeral stood Gerry Adams in his guard of honour might I add. I've seen so many people say they would vote for SF if Gerry stepped down, and it definitely would increase their vote, but it would be a step in the complete wrong direction, Gerry is the biggest political heavyweight in Ireland, he has been at the forefront of some of the defining moments in Irelands recent history, to just cast him aside for more appeal is the kind of move thats sadly come to be expected through the public opinion obsessed political parties of nowadays. Its become more about doing whats best for a partys image instead of doing whats right.

I know and have met many people within Sinn Fein and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that they are exactly the kind of people that are not just needed in Irish politics, but in politics as a whole. They are passionate not for money or power, they are passionate about reversing the corruption of modern politics, about narrowing the gap between the upper and lower classes (which I read recently is now larger in Ireland than anywhere in the EU if not all of Europe) and about bringing true equality to Ireand's people.

All SF TDs take home whatever is the average working salary in Ireland at the time (right now its around 28,000) plus expenses. The rest of the 92,000 euro TD salary is sent back to the party where its used to pay for things like the wages of the TD's Personal assistant and to fund party events and election campaigns. I know for a fact that not one SF TD is in it for the money, for they would be in the wrong party completely. This is what all partys should be doing, how can you best represent the people of your area when you take home around 3 times their average salary at least ?

Lastly, In my opinion Sinn Fein will take power within the next two elections, but what will happen then I have no idea, What I know for a fact is that SF will do everything they can to better Ireland not just for the wealthy like governments of late, but for the lower and working class people who are being squeezed most, but I fear that will be a slow process, great damage has been done by the corrupt governments from celtic tiger times up untill the present day. 4 years in charge may not be enough time to advance Ireland enough that people will not be put off by the guaranteed onslaught of abuse they will recieve from the Irish media and opposition partys at every corner on the way. I hope by then people will see what a unique opportunity for real positive change SF brings to Irish politics.