McDowell: SF 'benefits from criminal activities'

Sinn Féin's leader in the Dáil, Caoimhin O'Caolain, has called on the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice to withdraw remarks they made about the funding of his party.

Michael McDowell had claimed that Sinn Féin was benefiting from criminal activity being carried out by members of the Provisional IRA.

Mr O'Caolain denies this and called on the Taoiseach to clarify the matter.

Bertie Ahern told the Dáil he had no information that such a link existed, but said he could equally not pretend he had not received security briefings on the matter.

He said: "I am aware that the Gardaí have been investigating the activities of certain people who may have connections to the IRA."