Noonan welcomes Sinn Fein agenda in mainstream politics

Fine Gael leader Michael Noonan has offered an olive branch to the republican movement.

Speaking at the annual Michel Collins commemorative oration at Beal na mBlath, Mr Noonan welcomed the recent steps taken by Sinn Fein, but reminded them of their commitments under the Good Friday agreement.

He appealed to the Republican movement to desist from introducing their own policing, either in inner city areas or on the doorstep of the Minister for Justice in Kerry.

He added that Fine Gael is an Irish Nationalist Party, which wishes to see the unity of all the people who share the territory of the island of Ireland.