Fianna Fáil Slam Sinn Féin As 'Unfit' For Government

Fianna Fáil leader Mícheál Martin has criticised Sinn Féin as "unfit for participation in a democratic republican government."

Speaking at the annual 1916 Commemoration, Mr Martin said that Sinn Féin had been "aggressively promoting the false claim that they have some connection to 1916 and to the volunteers who fought then."

"This is part of their wider agenda of trying to falsify recent Irish history and claim legitimacy for the sectarian campaign of murder and intimidation which they carried out for 30 years.

"Let no one be in any doubt, Provisional Sinn Fein and the Provisional IRA have no connection with 1916.  To claim otherwise is a dangerous and cynical lie."

Mr Martin added that while they are no longer a "movement engaged in murdering people", Sinn Féin has refused to do is acknowledge that they were "always wrong".

Responding to the remarks Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams said they were "a clear sign of desperation at the growth of Sinn Féin and the stagnation of his own party."

He added: "Micheál Martin was a central figure in the Fianna Fáil administration which destroyed the economy and surrendered the sovereignty of the Irish State.

"Mícheál Martin is clearly facing huge internal and external pressures over his leadership and the failure of Fianna Fáil to make any headway with the public in recent years.

"His speech majors on negativity and invective but offers no message of hope or policy proposals which could build a better future.

"Mícheál Martin clearly sees Sinn Féin representing a genuine republican alternative to which citizens are turning in ever greater numbers and his remarks must be seen in this context. For our part, Sinn Féin is focussed on bringing about a united Ireland and a real republic based on the ideals of social justice and equality."

(MH)