‘Secret SF probe into 40 cases of abuse’

Sinn Féin conducted a secret 2006 investigation into "40 different cases of sexual and physical abuse" by the Provisional IRA, and sent a memo to party media handlers "should the report ever be leaked," it has been claimed.

Fine Gael TD Regina Doherty made the allegation, which has been denied, as growing rape and abuse claims threaten to engulf Sinn Féin.

Speaking on RTÉ News last night, Ms Doherty claimed she has been told by credible sources that four “very senior members” of Sinn Féin led a 2006 investigation into “40 different cases of sexual and physical abuse” by Provisional IRA members.