Adams response to Murphy conviction shows ‘SF not fit to govern’

The response of Gerry Adams to the conviction of Thomas 'Slab' Murphy shows Sinn Féin is not fit to govern, it has been claimed.

Renua leader Lucinda Creighton told reporters this morning the party president should distance himself from the prominent republican.

She said: “This is Gerry Adams’s approach to our criminal justice system. We have seen it in relation to allegations of sex abuse and we have seen it in relation to racketeering allegations and various others.

“I think Gerry Adams’ very vague and non-committal statement yesterday was disappointing.

It proves Sinn Féin, as a party, are not fit for government.”

Mr Adamshas previously defended Mr Murphy, insisting he was a “good republican”.

Mr Murphy was found guilty of failing to furnish tax returns on his farm income between 1996 and 2004.

In a statement yesterday, Mr Adams refused to condemn the republican.

Ms Creighton said it would be an “important mission” for Renua to ensure Sinn Féin is not part of the next Government.

She said: “That is a fundamental objective of Renua Ireland. We don’t believe they are fit for office.

“Not alone because of their murky connections with criminal activity but also because of their hair-brained economic policies which would destroy the state in our view.”

A Sinn Féin spokesperson said: “It is clear that Renua are desperate to make themselves relevant as the election approaches and they are still languishing on 1 per cent in the opinion polls.”