TD suggests Sinn Feín/Fianna Fáil coalition
Cork East Deputy Ned O’Keeffe told the Irish Examiner that he fully concurred with the comments of Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern that it was only a matter of time before Sinn Féin went into Government in the South.
But yesterday, Mr O’Keeffe became the first FF deputy to advocate consideration of a coalition arrangement with Sinn Féin after the next General Election.
“They have proved to be very efficient in Dáil Eireann. They are a constitutional party working within the framework of the Constitution.
“I fully support what Dermot Ahern has said. We have to give them recognition for having been endorsed by the people of Ireland.”
But Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny went on the attack over Mr Ahern’s remarks yesterday.
He resolutely ruled out any prospect of Sinn Féin entering into a FG-led Government in the foreseeable future.
“It seems that the Minister is speaking for Fianna Fáil only and in that context, obviously, it is going to cause tensions within the Government.
“It sets up the spectre of the possibility of a Government between FF and Sinn Féin against the combined opposition party.”
Asked what his position would be if the IRA put its arms beyond use and declared its intention to disband, he said:
“I’d first of all like to see a statement from P O’Neill consigning the IRA to history. I’d like confirmation from General de Chastelain that there are no further arms dumps, no hidden Semtex,” he said.
He continued by saying that he would like to see a demonstrable end to the IRA but said that, even then, Fine Gael would not be willing to consider a coalition arrangement.
“In those circumstances it may well be that Sinn Féin will get some extra support from the people of the country but I do not envisage them sharing Government with Fine Gael,” said Mr Kenny.
