Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty spoke at a commemoration in Belleeks, County Armagh, marking 50 years since IRA Volunteer Peter Cleary was killed by the SAS in 1976.

Doherty stated that public anger over rising fuel costs and strained public services indicates the current political and economic systems fail ordinary people. He noted families struggle to make ends meet, workers fall behind, and small businesses face pressure. Doherty said recent protests reflect a deeper crisis where government responses provide insufficient relief.

He highlighted challenges in Northern Ireland, including underfunding of public services by Westminster affecting health, education, and infrastructure. Doherty added that political efforts to destabilise institutions hinder progress.

Doherty positioned Sinn Féin as an alternative, focused on improving lives despite partition and British policies. He said the Good Friday Agreement achieved peace but requires constitutional change toward Irish unity for lasting solutions.

In the South, Doherty said Sinn Féin offers change by prioritising working people over established parties. He called for an Ireland with strong public services, fair wealth distribution, secure housing, and support for workers and carers.