Ó Caoláin: McDowell's comments 'scare tactics'

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has dismissed as "disgraceful scare tactics" comments by Minister for Justice Michael McDowell that the party was playing a significant role in prompting trouble at the Shell gas terminal site in Co Mayo.

Deputy Ó Caoláin said: "Tánaiste and Justice Minister Michael McDowell’s disgraceful comments this morning are scare tactics designed to deceive the public.

"The campaign at Bellanaboy is community-led and community-driven and has won widespread active support from people of all political parties and none. To try to portray that campaign and this morning’s protest as being orchestrated by Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and myself is absurd."

One protestor was reportedly taken to hospital with neck and back injuries after violence broke out between protestors and gardaí at the site this morning.

Members of the Shell to Sea group also say a number of other protestors sustained head injuries at Bellanaboy but did not need hospital treatment.

Deputy Ó Caoláin added in a statement today: "Sinn Féin has been proud to take our place in support of the people of North West Mayo in opposition to this pipeline. We have backed the Shell

to Sea campaign’s demand for the refinery to be offshore."

He said the Tánaiste had today merely taken "yet another opportunity to have a go at Sinn Féin".