Statement by the Sinn Fein President, Mr Gerry Adams, on the killing of Garda Jerry Mc Cabe:
DESPITE the repudiation by the Sinn Fein leadership of the killing of Garda McCabe and the wounding of Garda O'Sullivan at Adare, and despite our public expressions of regret and condolences to the families of the two gardai, there has been a continuing political effort to link this killing with Sinn Fein's efforts to restore the peace process.
This is clearly deliberate mischief making and is aimed at undermining Sinn Fein's role in the search for peace.
Let me reiterate Sinn Fein's attitude. We extend our sincerest condolences to the families of the two gardai. It is clear that the killing at Adare can form no part in the republican struggle. On the contrary, actions such as this would be a disservice to that struggle.
Those who are trying to use this killing to undermine Sinn Fein know this. In fact that is their political agenda.
The IRA last Friday said that none of its volunteers or units were involved in the Adare incident. I accept that position.