‘Public understands reasons for Troubles’

PEOPLE “understand the underlying reasons” for the Troubles and “know there are bigger questions to be asked of British state agencies” than the IRA, Sinn Féin chairperson Mary Lou McDonald has said.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, she said it was “fair and reasonable” that Sinn Féin representatives, including the younger generation such as Kerry county councillor Toireasa Ferris, be asked about IRA killings, but insisted it was a media preoccupation rather than a public one.

“When you’re standing for public office, or you’re an elected person, people are entitled to ask whatever they want within the boundaries of decency,” she said.