Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I will not note the sniggers from other benches, because the hands of the mortals who are sneering are not as clean as they would wish them to be. Sinn Féin is determined to play a part in the collective effort to create the conditions in which the IRA will cease to exist. Will the Tánaiste accept that republicans have taken many difficult decisions during the peace process? Does she accept that the Sinn Féin leadership has moulded a political strategy that has brought the vast majority of republicans away from physical force? That process has not ended — Sinn Féin is determined that it will be brought to a successful conclusion by both Governments and all parties which are interested in that purpose and intent.

I ask the Tánaiste to note that my colleague, Deputy Ó Snodaigh, has stated categorically that he has no knowledge of, and was in no way connected with, any of the activity for which four people were convicted yesterday. I ask her to note again that I have made it clear on the floor of the House that my fellow Sinn Féin Deputies and I reject the brutal murder of Robert McCartney. We have called on anyone who can assist the McCartney family to do so. I wish to make it very clear, not only for the ears of the Tánaiste but also for the ears of all whom this statement addresses, that Sinn Féin is absolutely opposed to intimidation of any form.

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