Sinn Féin are not fit for democratic government, says Martin

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has accused Sinn Féin of being unfit for a democratic government and of attempting to hijack the centenary 1916 commemorations.

Mr Martin alleged that Sinn Féin was refusing to deal with its dark past, as well as accusations of covering up child sex abuse.

Delivering the Fianna Fáil annual commemoration speech at Arbour Hill, Dublin, he said: “The political party which carries the name Sinn Féin has aggressively been promoting the false claim that they have some connection to 1916 and to the volunteers who fought then.

“This is part of their wider agenda of trying to falsify recent Irish history and claim legitimacy for the sectarian campaign of murder and intimidation which they carried out for 30 years.

“Let no one be in any doubt, Provisional Sinn Féin and the Provisional IRA have no connection with 1916. To claim otherwise is a dangerous and cynical lie.”

Leader @MichealMartinTD tells 1916 commemoration at Arbour Hill that Sinn Féin is unfit for democratic government pic.twitter.com/CYJlZMn3mB

— Fianna Fáil (@fiannafailparty) April 19, 2015

DISCOVER MORE CONTENT LIKE THIS

Mr Martin went on to argue that Sinn Féin remained “unfit for participation in a democratic republican government” and that they had had refused to acknowledge the Provisionals fought against this State, killed its servants, and “worked to destroy its institutions”.

Referring to murdered Belfast mother of 10 Jean McConville and Mr Adams’ comments on US television recently that this is what happens in a time of war, Mr Martin added: “Even though they have worked hard to hide the full details of their crimes, the core immorality of their intimidation and actions is stark. To brutally murder a mother of 10 and still protect those involved 40 years latter is depravity.

“To still describe this as a legitimate act of war shows that Provisional Sinn Féin has contempt for the settled and repeatedly expressed view of the Irish people that it was no legitimate war.”

From today's @fiannafailparty commemoration at Arbour Hill @MichealMartinTD pic.twitter.com/plTNkAslPg

— John Lahart TD (@JohnLahart) April 19, 2015

Mr Martin also referred to recent claims that Sinn Féin and the IRA had covered up alleged child sex abuse.

Responding to the attacks yesterday, Mr Adams said the comments were a sign that Fianna Fáil were becoming desperate as Sinn Féin were gaining support.

“His remarks are a clear sign of desperation at the growth of Sinn Féin and the stagnation of his own party,” said Mr Adams.

“Micheál Martin was a central figure in the Fianna Fáil administration which destroyed the economy and surrendered the sovereignty of the Irish State.”

Fianna Fáil will hold its Ard Fheis this week and will launch a number of policy documents for the general election on health and childcare among issues.

DISCOVER MORE CONTENT LIKE THIS