John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The classic example of differing policies North and South is Sinn Féin's opposition to the household charge in this State. In Northern Ireland, the party supports taxes on the household, where people pay at least £500 per annum in rates. Sinn Féin is part and parcel of an administration in the North that will introduce water rates at the start of next year. Its position on water rates in the South is the reverse of its position in the North. It is difficult to take seriously a politician or political party when such unbelievable contradictions pop up all over the place.

Sinn Féin suits itself when it comes to real and substantive engagement and tries to have it both ways at all times. It is the party of obstructionism, having refused in recent years to nominate members to the Northern Ireland Policing Board or endorse the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

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