Evidence needed to justify claim

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has portrayed the Irish Examiner’s coverage of his outspoken comments on Sinn Féin last week as “self-censorship which is reminiscent of Weimar Germany”.

The minister seems to believe this newspaper has called on “people in authority to turn a blind eye to the evidence”. Nothing could be further from the truth. It seems that Mr McDowell is intent on attacking the messenger.

It is the second time in recent months the minister has made controversial statements that have not been substantiated by evidence. The first assertion was some gardaí had been paid by journalists for information. The latest is his allegation Sinn Féin has benefited from the proceeds of criminal activities carried out by the IRA.