THE SINN FÉIN leader has called on the trade union movement to give up their “unrequited support” to the Labour Party.

Speaking in Mullingar this afternoon, Gerry Adams said that he wanted Sinn Féin to lead an anti-austerity government, echoing the Syriza government in Greece.

However, he said that he couldn’t do it without the help of unions.

“We cannot transform politics or the social and economic situation of on our own. We need allies, inside and outside the political sphere.”

Last week, Siptu president Jack O’Connor said that Irish left had a “once in a century opportunity” to win the next general election and build a platform for the future.

Adams said that that platform cannot be attained in one fell swoop.

“But we can achieve these objectives by making progressive policy choices, mapping a way forward and choosing priorities. This has to include rebuilding our public health service, eradicating housing waiting lists and creating meaningful jobs with decent terms and conditions.

“However, this will not be advanced by the unrequited support given to the Labour Party by some in the leadership of the trade union movement.

“This misplaced loyalty to a party which has completely abandoned the interests of working people now risks the very credibility of well-meaning individuals. What is required is a coherent Programme for Government with clear priorities that begins the journey to a citizen-centred, rights-based society.”

Adams said his party wanted to lead an anti-austerity government.

“We believe this is the only sure way of moving positively towards the objectives I have outlined. A real possibility now exists for a Government that is not led by either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil.”

He said it was up to all those progressive forces who believe that such a goal was attainable to work together towards that end:

“In the interests of all citizens, we must seize the historic opportunity that now exists.”

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