CS gas, a stun gun, fake garda jackets, balaclavas…and Sinn Féin election posters

THE indivisible links between Sinn Féin and the IRA were further exposed yesterday as the Special Criminal Court sentenced five IRA men found with CS gas canisters, a stun gun, pick-axe handles, balaclavas and SF posters.

While Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Justice Minister Michael McDowell were giving differing accounts on the evidence available to confirm the IRA membership of Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and Martin Ferris, the Special Criminal Court heard evidence which pointed to links between another Sinn Féin TD, Aengus O’Snodaigh, and the IRA.

The court heard that gardaí swooped on three vehicles and found: