Sinn Féin stance on using ex-convicts as government advisors 'astonishing', says Simon Harris

Mr Harris also said: "Remember the Gilmore For Taoiseach Mugs? The Mary Lou for Taoiseach hoodies could be joining them yet."

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris says it would be astonishing if Sinn Fein were to hire anyone with a serious criminal conviction to serve as an advisor in the next government. Photo: Naoise Culhane

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris says it would be astonishing if Sinn Féin were to hire anyone with a serious criminal conviction to serve as an advisor in the next government. 

Mr Harris was responding to a discussion about Sinn Féin potentially becoming the largest party in the next government, based on recent opinion polls. Cavan-Monaghan TD Matt Carthy was asked this week if he would support a ban on convicts being used as advisors to a Sinn Féin government.