Election 2015: Sinn Fein only party firmly opposed to austerity: McGuinness

Sinn Féin is the only party in the North at this election firmly opposed to austerity, Martin McGuinness has said.

Speaking at the launch of the party’s Westminster election manifesto in Dungannon, Mr McGuinness said a new budget was required to end austerity and the necessary fiscal powers needed to stabilise the political institutions and build on the progress of the peace process.

Mr McGuinness (pictured, right, with Foyle constituency candidate Gearoid O hEara) said the manifesto represented Sinn Féin's commitment to the electorate.

He added: “It is our vow to continue to resist the disastrous agenda of Tory austerity in Ireland.

"It is our pledge to defend the most vulnerable, to protect public services and deliver a new and better future for this society.

"It is now clear that British governments, of whatever hue, will continue to impose austerity on our society.

"Sinn Féin is the only party in the North at this election firmly opposed to austerity and with a proven track record in negotiations.

"Following this election Sinn Féin will be seeking an immediate negotiation with the incoming British Government to secure a viable budget to deliver public services; return economic powers to promote growth, jobs and prosperity and protect those most in need.”

Mr McGuinness concluded: "A new budget is required to end austerity and we need the fiscal powers necessary to determine our own economic policy, to stabilise the political institutions and build on the progress of the peace process."