Lessons of history - SF must not be shunned down south

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern has stated that Sinn Féin deserves credit for totally renouncing violence. Hence, Fianna Fáil would accept the backing of Sinn Féin.

Because of the difference between the two parties in economic outlook, however, he ruled out any possibility of a coalition.

“We will not go in to a formal pact, either within government, or outside of government with Sinn Féin,” Mr Ahern declared on radio yesterday.