Talks fail to mend relations between Govt and SF

Relations between Sinn Féin and the Government do not appear to have improved following yesterday’s meeting between the two sides in Hillsborough, Co Down.

Sinn Féin requested the meeting after repeated criticism of the party from Government politicians, particularly Justice Minister Michael McDowell, who claimed Sinn Féin was being funded by illegal IRA activities.

Mr McDowell has also likened the republican movement to the Nazis.

Both sides said yesterday talks were frank and open, but speaking afterwards, the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, said criticism of Sinn Féin would continue and was a sign of a healthy democracy.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, meanwhile, said Mr Ahern had assured him that the Government was not trying to criminalise Sinn Féin or its constituency.

He said the repeated criticism of his party was harming the peace process and, although the party had a good relationship with the Taoiseach, he resented the criticism bitterly.