Blair urged to take on Sinn Féin over party funding

A SENIOR unionist yesterday urged ministers to “take on” Sinn Féin which he accused of being funded by profits of illegal terrorist and criminal activity.

Ulster Unionist David Burnside told the Commons it was "masquerading" as a democratic party while actually being financed by the IRA.

Also at question time, Labour backbenchers insisted the link between criminal activity and fundraising for political parties was "wrong" and called for "clarity and transparency" in the funding process.