Harney rejects SF claims on opposing criminality

The Tánaiste has rejected an assertion by Sinn Féin that it opposes "criminality of any kind".

The Sinn Féin Cavan Monaghan TD, Mr Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin told the Dáil today that his party stood behind its claim that it was not involved in criminality.

He asked Ms Harney to accept his assertion that it was the party's belief that "anyone involved in any activities that fall outside the norms of political action should desist forthwith" and leave Sinn Féin.

Mr O Caoláin insisted his party was unwavering in trying to secure a deal in the Northern Ireland peace process. "It is our intent to seek and pursue the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement," he said.

"We are prepared to play our part in the collective process that will mean the IRA will cease to exist," he added.

Ms Harney, standing in for the Taoiseach during Leaders' Questions, retorted that she would be delighted to acknowledge Mr O Caoláin's assertions, but said she was "not going to engage in fiction".

She said she refused to accept such claims from a party that did not regard the murder of Jean McConville or the robbing of banks as crimes.

She said people were "getting sick" of the activities of republicans. "You cannot have it every way and patience is running out," she said. "Yours is the only party in this house that can take away the guns, because nobody else has guns. It's your decision."

Earlier, Ms Harney rejected suggestions by Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte that the Government was split over the issue of the membership of the IRA Army Council.

He said the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, had issued contradictory statements over whether or not senior Sinn Féin figures were also running the IRA.

Mr Harney insisted the Government "speaks with one voice" on the peace process.