Pádraic Mac Coitir, who was standing the Upper Falls constituency, polled 1,415 votes [11.3 per cent], while John McCusker, who was standing in the Lower Falls constituency, polled 647 votes [6.6 per cent].
John McCusker said: “Despite claims to the contrary, it has now been proven beyond fear of contradiction that éirígí has a large support base in west Belfast.
“Last Thursday, more than 2,000 people took the effort to go out and declare their support for éirígí, its strategy and the politics of socialist republicanism. On behalf of éirígí, I would like to thank these people and encourage them to get onto the streets in opposition to the cuts in the time ahead.
“The republican struggle is, slowly but surely, being rebuilt and today was another positive development in that process.
“Others brought huge financial resources, the influence of the corporate media and all the methods of black propaganda and demonisation to this election campaign. éirígí brought the politics of socialist republicanism and the dedication and determination of our members and supporters. We are proud of our campaign and the result it has achieved.
“éirígí will continue to campaign for the rights of the working people of west Belfast and for the political, social and economic liberation of all the working people of this country.”
Pádraic Mac Coitir added: “When éirígí entered this election campaign, its objective was to demonstrate a significant support base for socialist republican politics in west Belfast. Today, it is undeniable that such a support base exists in large numbers.
“I would like to thank all those republicans and socialists who came out to vote for éirígí and the politics we espouse. A vote for éirígí was a vote against the cuts, a vote against partition and a vote for a radical socialist republican alternative; large numbers of people have responded to that message in a positive manner.
“I would also like to thank the many, many republican activists who devoted so much time over the last number of weeks in fighting an effective, coherent campaign for éirígí. The contribution from every single one of them was invaluable.”
He continued: “éirígí fought this campaign on the basis that real change – an end to British rule, an end to poverty and the achievement of national independence and socialism – will not be secured through the ballot box. Our analysis remains the same.
“We must organise on the streets, in our communities and in our workplaces to build a movement for real change. We hope that all those who voted éirígí in this election, and the massive amounts of people who decided not to vote, will join this campaign in the time ahead.
Today, the support for a radical, socialist republican alternative has been demonstrated unequivocally.”
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