Martin rejects Ó Cuív remarks on coalition with Sinn Féin

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said he is not in favour of any future coalition with Sinn Féin.

Deputy Martin's comments follow remarks by Éamon Ó Cuív in an article published by the Irish Mail on Sunday, which suggested Sinn Féin would be "natural coalition partners" to Fianna Fáil due to their shared republican ideology.

The Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West also said there would be no problem with Gerry Adams' party's recent history, comparing to the Workers' Party relationship with Labour.

However he has acknowledged that the parties have taken different standpoints in key areas of late, including the EU Fiscal Treaty, for which Fianna Fáil is supporting a Yes vote, while Sinn Féin is on the No side.

The latest opinion poll published today puts Sinn Féin two points ahead of Fianna Fáil.

But Deputy Martin said he does not agree with his party colleague.

"I wouldn't share Éamon's analysis on that," he said.

"I think people are entitled to have their individual analysis, in terms of how they see politics evolving (but) I wouldn't share that analysis.

"I don't actually see Sinn Féin as a republican party in the sense of the true meaning of the term," he added.

"Sinn Féin, because of what it espoused, is actually the antithesis of uniting Protestant and Catholic on this island."

Meanwhile Sinn Féin has also rejected the suggestion that the party could be bedfellows with Fianna Fáil.

Kerry North-West Limerick TD Martin Ferris said Deputy O'Cuiv needs to get real.

"I think Éamon Ó Cuív's article this morning does not reflect the real world," Deputy Ferris said.

"In reality, Sinn Féin is the main opposition party.

"We are miles apart in relation to economic policy… We are a party that is not afraid to tax the rich."

Deputy Ferris said the leadership of the past Fianna Fáil Government had also played a significant role in bringing about "the situation in which the citizens of this country find themselves at this current time".

Fianna Fáil is holding its annual Easter Rising Commemoration in Dublin today, with Deputy Martin to deliver an oration at the graves of the 1916 patriots at Arbour Hill cemetery.

That follows the annual Éamon de Valera Mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Arbour Hill at midday, in memory of all deceased members of Fianna Fáil.