FG TD supports coalition with SF

Fine Gael TD Michael Ring has called on the Government to stop giving "mixed messages" about its opinion of Sinn Féin.

Mr Ring said yesterday that he would be happy to enter into a coalition government with Sinn Féin and the Labour Party after the next general election.

Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats have already stated that they would not serve in government with Sinn Féin, despite insisting that unionists share power with the party in the North.

"We cannot say to Sinn Féin: 'You’re not fit to be in government in the South, but you are fit to be in government in the North'," Mr Ring said.

"If Sinn Féin continue to work the peace process and continue to work in the democratic system in this country, I see no reason why they can't be in government."