Southern politics whole different game

THE gloves have come off against Sinn Féin presidential candidate Martin McGuinness with all-out-war taking place by senior politicians for his past and present disposition.

He has recently been labelled a “terrorist” by Irish Minister for Environment and local government Phil Hogan of Fine Gael, who does not want him anywhere near the presidency. He has also been called “a consistent liar” by veteran RTÉ broadcaster Gay Byrne who withdrew as a presidential candidate.

The southern political establishment are making it very clear that Sinn Féin are persona non grata this side of the border.

The problem here is that Unionists have a strong case when the say that if the Republic’s politicians do not want to go into government with them, then why should they? Unionists cannot be criticised for this view in any way, given the crass statements that are being made by southern politicians who find themselves in complete agreement with Unionists on the issue of doing business with Sinn Féin and their links with terrorism.

Every presidential candidate is getting the third degree now that the finishing line is drawing near with every little detail and nuance being laid bare before the public.

It is unlikely that Mr McGuinness will be able to talk his way around the many claims of wrong doing that are now coming against him.

Mr Guinness is not been allowed to set his own agenda and is being bombarded with issues that go to the core of his credibility — or lack thereof.

Many victims of the Troubles are using his bid to become the Irish president as a platform to demand answers to their many questions.

The “Frank Hegarty issue”, which has come to wide public attention, is hotter than the core of the sun and is not going away anytime soon, with Hegarty’s family pointing fingers at McGuinness.

The Sinn Féin presidential candidate is coming across to many as a disingenuous figure who will not answer key questions which is costing him votes, despite the huge publicity campaign that Sinn Féin have engineered for him.

Martin McGuinness is now getting a taste of southern politics and the cold arctic wind that blows with it for anybody who is bidding to enter the highest office there is in the southern state. Sinn Féin should remember that just one inappropriate phone call to a business connection was enough to knock out political giant Brian Linehan Senior of Fianna Fáil in 1990.

He may be able to manage the media in the six counties, but he should remember that there are 26 counties down south and 4.3 million people to answer to, with a very zealous media, particularly in relation to the presidency.

Mr McGuinness needs to understand that people are no fools and know what to believe despite the dogma and showmanship.

Maurice Fitzgerald

Shanbally

Co Cork