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.