Page Compiled By: Brendan Lynn
The information on the issue of Abstentionism, particularly the debate that took place at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Dublin on 1-2 November 1986, is divided into the following subsections:
Summary
The term abstentionism in Irish politics refers to a policy held, by Sinn Féin, not to allow its members, where elected, to sit in certain parliaments or assemblies. After the partition of Ireland in 1921 this policy was adopted in relation to all the parliamentary institutions in London, Dublin and Belfast.
However as events unfolded some sections of republicanism in the then Free State decided to take their seats in Dáil Éireann. Such moves were preceeded by, or accompanyied by, splits in the organisation and new parties were formed.
By the early 1980s Sinn Féin was being led by republicans in Northern Ireland who felt that the organisation needed to change its policy and be prepared to enter the Dáil. A failed attempt was made to change the policy in 1985, however a resolution in favour of a change was passed at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Dublin in November 1986.
Following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 Sinn Féin called a special Ard Fheis in May 1998 when delegates voted overwhelmingly to allow successful candidates to take their seats in the proposed Assembly at Stormont. As a result of this decision the policy on abstentionism now only applies to the British parliament at Westminster.
More Information
Selected reading list
Summary of the issue
Background events
Chronology of events
Main relevant item(s) on CAIN
Chapter in Book
O'Brien, Brendan. (1999) 'Going Slightly Constitutional', in, 'The Long War: The IRA & Sinn Féin'. Dublin: The O'Brien Press.
Paper
Lynn, Brendan. (2001), 'Republicanism and the Abstentionist Tradition, 1970-1998', A Paper Presented to the Institute of Irish Studies, Queen's University Belfast, (May 2001).. Belfast: Institute of Irish Studies, QUB.
Resolution 162
Sinn Féin (SF). (1986) Text of the motion on abstentionism (Resolution 162) as presented to the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis, 2 November 1986, Dublin. Dublin: Sinn Féin
Some Speeches at the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis, 1-2 November 1986
Adams, Gerry. (1986) Extract from Presidential Address by Gerry Adams, then President of Sinn Féin, on the issue of abstentionism (Resolution 162), Sinn Féin Ard Fheis, Dublin, (1 November 1986). Belfast: Sinn Féin.
Doherty, Pat. (1986) Speech by Pat Doherty, then Sinn Féin National Organiser, proposing the motion on abstentionism (Resolution 162), Sinn Féin Ard Fheis, Dublin, (2 November 1986). Belfast: Sinn Féin.
McGuinness, Martin. (1986) Speech by Martin McGuiness, then Vice-President of Sinn Féin, on the issue of abstentionism (Resolution 162), Sinn Féin Ard Fheis, Dublin, (2 November 1986). Belfast: Sinn Féin.
O'Bradaigh, Ruairi. (1986) Speech by Ruairi O'Bradaigh, former President of Sinn Féin, opposing the motion on abstentionism (Resolution 162), Sinn Féin Ard Fheis, Dublin, (2 November 1986). Dublin: Sinn Féin.
Adams, Gerry. (1986) Address by Gerry Adams, then President of Sinn Féin, before the outcome of the vote on abstentionism (Resolution 162) was announced, Sinn Féin Ard Fheis, Dublin, (2 November 1986). Belfast: Sinn Féin.
Details of source material
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