Sinn Féin disappointed with opposition to Dáil committee

Sinn Féin has expressed its disappointment that plans to allow Northern MPs to speak in the Dáil have been met with such widespread opposition.

Unionist parties reacted with anger to Bertie Ahern's proposals, accusing him of trying to bring about a united Ireland by stealth.

Fine Gael, Labour and coalition partners, the PDs, also signalled their opposition to the plan.

Sinn Féin TD, Caoimhin O’Caolain has said they have acted like “partitionist parties” and that they were opposed to the proposal before the ink had even dried on the Taoiseach’s letter.

He also denied Unionist claims that such a move was an effort to bring about a united Ireland, and said he is hopeful that in the fullness of time Sinn Féin TDs will be given access to such a forum.