The IRA have no place in democratic politics

If the Provisional IRA is still intact, then Sinn Féin must be excluded from power. Even after the 1994 ceasefire, the IRA has been linked to intimidation, extortion, robbery, and sectarianism.

Gerry Adams is repeatedly accused of having been a senior commander of the IRA. The 64-year-old emphatically denies these claims yet has repeatedly justified the 1,700 murders which the group is accused of carrying out. In most countries, mere suggestion of being implicated in such savagery would derail a political career.

Incredibly, Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin recently stated many of those involved in the IRA have involved themselves in Sinn Fein’s political project. This is a reminder that despite all efforts to portray themselves otherwise, Sinn Féin is not just another political party presenting policies designed to better the lives of voters.