McDowell warns SF candidates

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell warned Sinn Féin local election candidates yesterday that they will have no say in the future policing of the State as long as they still support the IRA.

Local councillors will be given a say in policing policy under new laws to be introduced by the minister later this year.

Mr McDowell said he had documentary evidence to show that the Sinn Féin members regard themselves as subservient to the IRA. And all branches of the republican movement, including Sinn Féin, regard the IRA Army Council as the legitimate government of this State, he added.

"There is no room for ambiguity either Sinn Féin candidates support the institutions of this State and regard An Garda Síochána as the legitimate policing authority or they have no business seeking election," he said.

He called on Sinn Féin councillors to repudiate the claim that legal authority in the State rests with the IRA Army Council.

Sinn Féin South European election candidate David Cullinane did not respond to Mr McDowell's claims but said that the minister is becoming increasingly desperate.

"The Progressive Democrats could not field one European election candidate and only a small number of local election candidates in Cork Sinn Féin will fight this election on its record in the peace process and delivering for local communities," Mr Cullinane added. Mr McDowell made his comments on Sinn Féin at the launch of the Progressive Democrats' local election campaign in Cork.

The party's seven candidates in Cork city and county include: Máirín Quill, Teresa O'Brien, Dave Buckley, Michael Burns, Maggie Egerton, Peter Merrrigan and Gerry Kelleher.

Mr McDowell praised the pilot scheme set up by Cork gardaí, city council and local business to tackle street crime and violence.

The local partnership has reduced street crime by a third in the first year. "I would like to pay tribute to Chief Superintendent Ray McAndrew and everyone involved in the partnership for restoring peace to the streets," Mr McDowell said.

The new Garda Síochána Bill provides for similar local partnerships to be set up across the country. "I am confident that where Cork leads the way others will follow," he added.

The bill will also include the setting up of joint policing committees with local representatives. Councillors will have powers to make recommendations about policing matters but gardaí will also have a right to make recommendations to local authorities about how they can reduce crime.