SINN Fein has denied that it is attempting to take control of the anti drugs movement in Dublin.
A number of community anti drug groups in the city have come together in recent weeks and many appeared in a protest march through the city centre last Friday.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Sinn Fein vice president, Mr Pat Doherty, said the anti drug protests were "a spontaneous community based response to a chronic problem which the Government and its agencies have ignored for so long. They are not Sinn Fe in led or directed.
"Sinn Fe in members who live and work in these communities are, of course, involved in antidrugs campaigns, just as they are involved in unemployment groups, housing groups and many other community based organisations."
He added that the party believed "any approach to the drug problem must involve treatment for addicts if it is to have any hope of success". He called for community drug teams to be set up, linked to local clinics and involving GPs, social workers and voluntary agencies.
"Rather than attempting to undermine the work of local communities, the Government and its agencies, including the gardai, should be actively co operating with these communities in the fight against drugs. The suggestion that the anti drugs movement is republican led or infiltrated is an unwelcome distraction from the serious work that needs to be done."