Kenny: SF should use 'influence' in other cases

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has called on Sinn Féin to use its influence on so-called 'IRA volunteers' in relation to the murders of Jean McConville and Garda Gerry McCabe.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has called on Sinn Féin to use its influence on so-called 'IRA volunteers' in relation to the murders of Jean McConville and Garda Jerry McCabe.

It follows a statement from SF President Gerry Adams earlier today in which he said that he had encouraged former IRA members to engage with the Smithwick Tribunal.

That inquiry - which sat in public for the first time earlier today - is investigating if there was State or garda collusion in the IRA murders of two RUC officers in 1989.

In the Dáil the Taoiseach said he hopes Sinn Féin will provide such co-operation in relation to other acts believed to have been carried out by the IRA.

"If that's the case, and that influence has clearly been proven, then surely it would be in your party's interest to continue to encourage 'volunteers' who are members of the IRA to produce the evidence about the death of Jean McConville, or Jerry McCabe, or others," Mr Kenny said.