Sinn Féin and DUP round on Government

THE Government was last night accused of naked electioneering following Michael McDowell’s controversial attack on Sinn Féin.

Both Sinn Féin and the DUP rounded on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, and on Michael McDowell for his outspoken accusations on Today FM that Sinn Fein was a "morally unclean" party that received funding from IRA.

Sinn Fein's Caoimhghín O Caoláin said it was an outrageous attack on his party that had to be viewed in the context of next years elections.

"Either as a solo-run or on behalf of the Government, Michael McDowell is scraping the bottom of the barrel in an attempt to divert attention away from their appalling record since being re-elected," he said.

The DUP also seized on the comments as another example of political inconsistency in the South over the status of Sinn Fein. "The fact that the Progressive Democrats to which Mr McDowell belongs and Fianna Fáil face electoral challenges from Sinn Fein, is no justification for embracing [the party] in Northern Ireland whilst simultaneously excoriating them in the Republic," said DUP chairman Maurice Morrow

In Brussels last night, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern backed his Justice Minister following his controversial remarks.

In Brussels last night for the Inter-Governmental Conference, the Taoiseach pointed out that Mr McDowell, in carrying out his role as Minister for Justice, had a right to investigate evidence in his possession.

"If there is any evidence of a connection between paramilitaries and crime the Minister for Justice is right to tackle this," he said.

The Taoiseach said he had not been aware of Mr McDowell's remarks but he had no difficulty supporting him on this.

"He is referring to investigations into this and there have been a number of arrests in this area," he said.

Mr Ahern did not specifically respond to Mr McDowell's allegations that Sinn Féin was in receipt of funds from IRA criminal activities.

Mr Ahern told the Dáil in the past three weeks that events had moved on somewhat since his pre-election statement that he would not enter a coalition with Sinn Féin.

The remarks come at a sensitive time when efforts are being made to form a new administration in Belfast following the recent election when Sinn Fein emerged as the largest nationalist party.

Mr Ó Caoláin said Mr Ahern appeared to have lent some support to the Justice Minister's comments, and demanded that he clarify his position.

"There is no substance to these allegations whatsoever. Sinn Féin's accounts are all properly audited and above board and adhere to all the guidelines," he said.

"The Taoiseach cannot have it both ways. There can be no fudge on this issue.

"He either fully supports the remarks made by the Justice Minister or he shows proper leadership and demands that they are withdrawn immediately," he said.