‘Ex-Provisional IRA members no threat to the public’

Sinn Féin finance minister Pearse Doherty has claimed that former members of the Provisional IRA are no threat to the public as they are “getting on with their lives” and just meet “to have a drink”.

Mr Doherty made the comments as he accused the Government and political rivals of creating a “fake crisis” over “outlandish” claims the organisation still exists.

Speaking after returning from a summer break that has led to accusations the Sinn Féin frontbench is avoiding addressing the issue, the Donegal South West TD said the events of the past week have been over-stated and misused by rival parties.