--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We don't believe that winning elections…" description: "\"We don't believe that winning elections and winning any amount of votes will win freedom in Ireland. At the end of the day, it will be the cutting edge..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e73/martin-mcguinness-9531_believe_we-don-t-believe-that-winning-elections_2507941.png" --- # We don't believe that winning elections and winning any… ![“We don't believe that winning elections and winning any amount of votes will win freedom in Ireland. At the end of the day, it will be the cutting edge of the IRA which will bring freedom.” quote by Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e73/martin-mcguinness-9531_believe_we-don-t-believe-that-winning-elections_2507941.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e73/martin-mcguinness-9531_believe_we-don-t-believe-that-winning-elections_2507941.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e73/martin-mcguinness-9531_believe_we-don-t-believe-that-winning-elections_2507941.png) > “We don't believe that winning elections and winning any amount of votes will win freedom in Ireland. At the end of the day, it will be the cutting edge of the IRA which will bring freedom.” [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Political change in Ireland depends more on militant action than electoral success, according to the speaker. **In simple terms:** Violence, not voting, will bring freedom. Key Takeaway Consider the role of force versus democracy. Themes politics conflict nationalism Mood serious reflective Type political controversial When to use this quote - peace negotiations - grassroots activism - government policy Key Concepts revolutionary tactics democratic process Questions to Reflect On - Is armed struggle justified for political goals? - What alternatives exist to achieve freedom peacefully? A Different Perspective Violence often leads to further instability and loss of life. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cutting edge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cutting-edge/) [Day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/day/) [End of the day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/end-of-the-day/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [Ireland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ireland/) [Winning elections](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/winning-elections/) ## Related quotes > [The 2014 elections are not about winning or losing, but of ensuring a bright future for India. It is about sowing the seeds for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/narendra-modi/the-2014-elections-are-not-about-winning-or-losing-but-of-ensuring-a/) [Narendra Modi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/narendra-modi/) > [Only the Irish working class remains as the incorruptible inheritors of the fight for freedom in Ireland.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-connolly/only-the-irish-working-class-remains-as-the-incorruptible-inheritors/) [James Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-connolly/) > [“It is always possible that a stupid and a mean leader can keep winning the elections and as for the result, there is no…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mehmet-murat-ildan/it-is-always-possible-that-a-stupid-and-a-mean-leader-can-keep/) [Mehmet Murat ildan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mehmet-murat-ildan/) > [The big secret to winning elections is to get more votes than your opponent. My friend Representative Robin Hayes is a good example to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jesse-helms/the-big-secret-to-winning-elections-is-to-get-more-votes-than-your/) [Jesse Helms](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesse-helms/) > [ \[Democrats\] have got to start winning elections. That involves not some great idea, but it also involves recruiting candidates. And Rahm Emanuel, the mayor… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-shields/democrats-have-got-to-start-winning-elections-that-involves-not-some/) [Mark Shields](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-shields/) > [My dad was always trying to impress upon me that the key to good governance - and winning elections - is to recognize the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jessica-tarlov/my-dad-was-always-trying-to-impress-upon-me-that-the-key-to-good/) [Jessica Tarlov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jessica-tarlov/) > [The ideas that accompany that victory, the ideas and the policies that are related to those ideas that are implemented after you win the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/the-ideas-that-accompany-that-victory-the-ideas-and-the-policies-that/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [As conservatives, as Republicans, we keep winning elections. We got a Republican House, we've got a Republican Senate, and we don't have leaders who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-cruz/as-conservatives-as-republicans-we-keep-winning-elections-we-got-a/) [Ted Cruz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-cruz/) > [If you want to know about the character of somebody in public life, look to see if they have a passion that has animated…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-kaine/if-you-want-to-know-about-the-character-of-somebody-in-public-life/) [Tim Kaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-kaine/) > [Those who fixate only on making money or winning elections will find it an unhappy existence much of the time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/margaret-hoover/those-who-fixate-only-on-making-money-or-winning-elections-will-find/) [Margaret Hoover](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/margaret-hoover/) > [Most politicians believe in just one thing - winning elections. They'll say anything to get in office and stay there.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-browne/most-politicians-believe-in-just-one-thing-winning-elections-they-ll/) [Harry Browne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harry-browne/) > [If Democrats want to start winning elections in this country, they're going to have to start connecting with voters as well as I connect…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zach-braff/if-democrats-want-to-start-winning-elections-in-this-country-they-re/) [Zach Braff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zach-braff/) > [If I take donations from Big Corporates to fund our election campaign, I'll be accountable to them and would have to do what they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arvind-kejriwal/if-i-take-donations-from-big-corporates-to-fund-our-election-campaign/) [Arvind Kejriwal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arvind-kejriwal/) > [We're gonna need more than winning elections; we're gonna need to change the way people think, and they're not gonna change what they think…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/we-re-gonna-need-more-than-winning-elections-we-re-gonna-need-to/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [People who seek political power are, with exceptions too rare to matter, never to be trusted; at best, such people are vain and officious…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-j-boudreaux/people-who-seek-political-power-are-with-exceptions-too-rare-to/) [Donald J. Boudreaux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-j-boudreaux/) ## More by Martin McGuinness > [The position is clear - there is no ambiguity in Sinn Fein's position. We, along with all the other parties, have signed up to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/the-position-is-clear-there-is-no-ambiguity-in-sinn-fein-s-position/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [The British government needs to bring its system in Ireland under control.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/the-british-government-needs-to-bring-its-system-in-ireland-under/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [Well I think it has always been a mistake to reduce the peace process in Ireland to a decommissioning process.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/well-i-think-it-has-always-been-a-mistake-to-reduce-the-peace-process/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [That's healthy and good for us that there are people who are prepared to question what we are doing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/that-s-healthy-and-good-for-us-that-there-are-people-who-are-prepared/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [World War One is an important part of Ireland's multi-layered history during which tens of thousands Irish people lost their lives.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/world-war-one-is-an-important-part-of-ireland-s-multi-layered-history/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [I don't cheer when people lose their lives.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/i-don-t-cheer-when-people-lose-their-lives/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [Along with that ongoing process Sinn Fein took a decision to establish a peace commission which had the responsibility to travel around the country…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/along-with-that-ongoing-process-sinn-fein-took-a-decision-to/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [Unlike the Tory millionaires, I live in the heart of the proud working-class community of the Bogside in Derry.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/unlike-the-tory-millionaires-i-live-in-the-heart-of-the-proud-working/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [I do not think we can dismiss the contribution that people make, particularly when it is a very dangerous occupation to be involved in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/i-do-not-think-we-can-dismiss-the-contribution-that-people-make/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [I lost a lot of friends at the hands of the British Army. The person who actually introduced me to my wife, Colm Keenan,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/i-lost-a-lot-of-friends-at-the-hands-of-the-british-army-the-person/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [Let's leave beside them in another pile all the injustices which exist in the northern state.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/let-s-leave-beside-them-in-another-pile-all-the-injustices-which/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [The reality is that the people that we represent are no longer going to be second-class citizens in their own country.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/the-reality-is-that-the-people-that-we-represent-are-no-longer-going/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [Freedom can be gained only at the point of an IRA rifle, and I apologize to no one for saying that we support the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/freedom-can-be-gained-only-at-the-point-of-an-ira-rifle-and-i/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [Our ability to make a decision about the declaration is hampered by the British government being reluctant to give us the clarification which we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/our-ability-to-make-a-decision-about-the-declaration-is-hampered-by/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) > [I am opposed to abortion on demand, and I am opposed to the 1967 Act in Britain being transferred to the north.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/i-am-opposed-to-abortion-on-demand-and-i-am-opposed-to-the-1967-act/) [Martin McGuinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) [Explore all 72 Martin McGuinness quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/) ## More Believe quotes > [I actually think acting is a form of self-hypnosis. You have to be hyper, hyper aware of what's going on around you. You have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julianne-moore/i-actually-think-acting-is-a-form-of-self-hypnosis-you-have-to-be/) [Julianne Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julianne-moore/) > [Some people still believe you should just fall in line with what's going on - and that's scary. It makes a mockery of freedom…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-robison/some-people-still-believe-you-should-just-fall-in-line-with-what-s/) [Emily Robison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-robison/) > [The truth seems to be that propaganda on its own cannot force its way into unwilling minds; neither can it inculcate something wholly new;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-hoffer/the-truth-seems-to-be-that-propaganda-on-its-own-cannot-force-its-way/) [Eric Hoffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-hoffer/) > [Resist discouragement by speaking His Word over your future. Keep standing. Keep hoping; keep believing because He is working behind the scenes. He's going…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-osteen/resist-discouragement-by-speaking-his-word-over-your-future-keep/) [Joel Osteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-osteen/) > [I can't believe that I'm sitting in meetings with Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Annette Bening. I want to take on that responsibility to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-ross-williams/i-can-t-believe-that-i-m-sitting-in-meetings-with-steven-spielberg/) [Roger Ross Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-ross-williams/) > [There is no such word as item girl in the dictionary. People have created this word and I don't believe that I am an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shefali-zariwala/there-is-no-such-word-as-item-girl-in-the-dictionary-people-have/) [Shefali Zariwala](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shefali-zariwala/) > [I understand that it's the music that keeps me alive... That's my lifeblood. And to give that up for, like, the TV, the cars,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-springsteen/i-understand-that-it-s-the-music-that-keeps-me-alive-that-s-my/) [Bruce Springsteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-springsteen/) > [I don't really like too much credit. I know nobody's going to believe this, but I'd rather be able to score goals and nobody…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bradley-wright-phillips/i-don-t-really-like-too-much-credit-i-know-nobody-s-going-to-believe/) [Bradley Wright-Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bradley-wright-phillips/) > [“What I have a problem with is not so much religion or god, but faith. When you say you believe something in your heart…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/penn-jillette/what-i-have-a-problem-with-is-not-so-much-religion-or-god-but-faith/) [Penn Jillette](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/penn-jillette/) > [Bush reiterated his stand to conservatives opposing his decision on stem cell research. He said today he believes life begins at conception and ends…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-leno/bush-reiterated-his-stand-to-conservatives-opposing-his-decision-on/) [Jay Leno](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-leno/) > [Never underestimate the power of the human mind to believe what it wants to believe, no matter the conflicting evidence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-herbert/never-underestimate-the-power-of-the-human-mind-to-believe-what-it/) [Brian Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-herbert/) > [To believe in love, to be ready to give up anything for it, to be willing to risk your life for it, is the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leonardo-dicaprio/to-believe-in-love-to-be-ready-to-give-up-anything-for-it-to-be/) [Leonardo DiCaprio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leonardo-dicaprio/) > [That's why I don't generally talk about endorsements because I don't believe we have to tell people who to vote for.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther-king-iii/that-s-why-i-don-t-generally-talk-about-endorsements-because-i-don-t/) [Martin Luther King III](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther-king-iii/) > [Mankind have been slow to believe that order reigns in the universe-that the world is a cosmos and a chaos.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-a-garfield/mankind-have-been-slow-to-believe-that-order-reigns-in-the-universe/) [James A. Garfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-a-garfield/) > [We instantly believe everything we think. Isn't that insane? It's good for us to explore the depravity of our minds, so we know we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/krishna-das/we-instantly-believe-everything-we-think-isn-t-that-insane-it-s-good/) [Krishna Das](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/krishna-das/) Browse all 47,704 Believe quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We don't believe that winning elections and winning any amount of votes will win freedom in Ireland. At the end of the day, it will be the cutting edge of the IRA which will bring freedom.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Martin McGuinness" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/we-don-t-believe-that-winning-elections-and-winning-any-amount-of/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Believe" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/we-don-t-believe-that-winning-elections-and-winning-any-amount-of/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e73/martin-mcguinness-9531_believe_we-don-t-believe-that-winning-elections_2507941.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e73/martin-mcguinness-9531_believe_we-don-t-believe-that-winning-elections_2507941.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e73/martin-mcguinness-9531_believe_we-don-t-believe-that-winning-elections_2507941.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“We don't believe that winning elections and winning any amount of votes will win freedom in Ireland. At the…” — Martin McGuinness", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Martin McGuinness", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-mcguinness/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "We don't believe that winning elections...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/we-don-t-believe-that-winning-elections-and-winning-any-amount-of/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-mcguinness/we-don-t-believe-that-winning-elections-and-winning-any-amount-of/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```