McGuinness: Visa refusal will not affect SF relations with US

Sinn Féin's Martin McGuiness claimed today that relations between the US and his party will not be affected by the refusal to grant a visa waiver to Rita O'Hare.

Ms O’Hare, the party's Washington representative, has been denied permission to travel to the US with Mr McGuinness next week.

Speaking after a meeting with the US ambassador in Dublin this morning, Mr McGuinness said the decision will not affect efforts to get the peace process back on track.

However, he said that it is a cause for concern because Ms O' Hare has made a huge contribution to the peace process.