Confusion over invite to meet republicans

Sinn Féin have denied that an invitation from its leader, Gerry Adams, to Taoiseach Enda Kenny to meet with senior republicans included those alleged by rape victim Maíria Cahill to have taken part in a ‘kangaroo court’.

An extraordinary series of Dáil exchanges saw a tense atmosphere hang over the chamber as Leaders Questions gave way to questions on what Mr Adams knew about claims by rape victim Ms Cahill that she was subjected to an “investigation” by IRA figures during which she was forced to confront her attacker.

The Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin rounded on Mr Adams as he insisted Sinn Féin had not been involved in attempts to cover-up sex abuse in the North.