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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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James Stokes with First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill (LEFT) and Sinn Féin leader, Mary-Lou McDonald (RIGHT).
A candidate for Sinn Féin in Newbridge recently spoke at his party's official launch for its election candidates.
James Stokes opened up the event, which was held in The Helix on Sunday, April 28 last and introduced the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill.
Mr Stokes told the crowd how he inspired by his late grandfather James Stokes' activism for the Traveller Community in Newbridge.
He also said that he became involved in a campaign to provide feminine hygiene products for his school back in 2020.
This venture had a 'a positive outcome', and according to Mr Stokes, it further inspired him to become ‘an activist and a change-maker’.
He further said to those in attendance: "Sinn Féin wants to make politics work for all.
"We are truly at a turning point: I am one of the youngest local election candidates, and I know what it’s like to be locked out of housing, to not have this government represent your needs, what it is like to be continuously let down by this government of failure.
"But I also know that changes starts here."
He continued: "As candidates and as future councillors, we need to make the change for our communities, but also, for a better Ireland.
"Have those very important conversations (with constituents), and let’s deliver that real change that our community needs, that our people needs, and let’s build towards a new and united Ireland," he concluded.
The full speech can be viewed below:
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Mr Stokes also appeared alongside his party leader, Mary-Lou McDonald, and MP Michelle Gildernew when they visited Newbridge on Saturday, May 11 last.
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