Allegations of criminal links overshadow SF conference

The curtain came down tonight on a drama-packed Sinn Féin annual conference that was overshadowed by the murder of Belfast man Robert McCartney and other criminal links to the 100-year-old party.

By the time the national anthem was sang from the podium today, a total of 280 motions had been debated and voted upon over three days by an estimated 2,000 delegates.

After the dramatic arrival of McCartney’s five sisters for Gerry Adams’ presidential address yesterday, delegates today settled down to framing policy on devolution talks, policing, prisoners and future coalition plans.

The final day’s session opened with news that a Sunday Business Post opinion poll showed that 72% of people wanted a clear signal from the IRA – such as decommissioning – before the Government should resume talks with Sinn Féin.

In a debate on the suspended power-sharing talks, the party accused the Irish and British governments of trying to weaken its negotiating power.

Incoming general secretary Mitchel McLaughlin called on delegates to shift their short-term focus to upcoming elections for the Dáil and Westminster parliaments, and on building policies and party support.

“In the coming months we have an opportunity once again to seek an increased endorsement of our strategy, to ensure that when we return to discussions, we will do so with an increased mandate.”

Delegates also voted to keep the party’s coalition options open after the next General Election in the Republic.

SF's Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said: “Keep them all guessing. Stay in the mix. Affirm our political platform and goals and restate time and time again what others must do to measure up.”

On policing, justice spokesman Gerry Kelly called on supporters in Dublin’s Royal Dublin Society arena to brace themselves if a new beginning in policing is achieved in Northern Ireland.

“It is not an impossible task and Republicans need to be acutely aware that this in turn will raise fundamental questions and problems for all activists.

“But we will pursue proper policing and justice with all our energy.”

Dublin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh called for reform of the Garda Síochána and for the ultimate creation of an all-Ireland police force.

Delegates earlier passed motions calling for the release of all Republican prisoners and for the Columbia Three men – currently in hiding – to be brought home.

Prisoners’ spokesperson Ann O’Sullivan called for the controversial IRA killers of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe to be freed immediately.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern had signalled the four men could be freed as part of an agreed peace deal, but has now abandoned this promise.

Ms O’Sullivan also attacked “the sustained political and media frenzy” surrounding the men’s living conditions in Castlerea Prison as “nonsense”.

Media reports had suggested that the inmates refused to mix with other prisoners and regularly hired local cabs to deliver their groceries.