Ahern warns SF about consequences of IRA criminality

The Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has warned Sinn Féin that it faces further political isolation if the IRA continues to engage in criminal activity.

Speaking at yesterday's St Patrick's Day reception in the White House, Mr Ahern said the Bush administration's snub to Sinn Féin would be the tip of the iceberg if the party failed to address concerns about the IRA's alleged criminal empire.

"People want to see if we're going to get action," he said, "because if we don't, the icy reception of this week will turn into just total exclusion, which is the opposite to what I want to achieve."