Menu
14/02/2005
Durkan launches scathing attack on Sinn Fein
SDLP leader Mark Durkan has launched a scathing attack on Sinn Fein claiming that the republican movement and its members view themselves as “above the law”.
Speaking during his party’s conference in Derry at the weekend, Mr Durkan said that Sinn Fein continued to hide behind their “mandate” when “their double-speak runs out and their lies just aren’t believed”.
“Sinn Fein appear to believe that the provisional movement and its members are above the law. The truth is so much of what they say and so many of their actions are beneath contempt,” Mr Durkan said.
“The reason we are in this crisis is because the provisional movement has let down everybody who made leaps of faith in this process. So don’t anyone think that the answer now is to ask us to make leaps of fiction.
”When their double-speak runs out and their lies just aren’t believed, what do they seek cover in? Their mandate. But no nationalist voted for bank robberies. No nationalist voted for abductions or families being threatened with death,” he added.
Turning to policing, the SDLP MLA for West Belfast Alex Attwood said Sinn Fein had failed to live up to the challenge of transforming the justice system.
“Working with Irish officials, those elements in and around the prosecution, judicial and justice system in the North who resist change, have and continue to be challenged, something Sinn Fein comprehensively failed to do in their failed negotiation last year,” Mr Attwood said.
”Sinn Fein said that devolution of justice was 'the backbone of the negotiation'. Sinn Fein ended up with not even a fig leaf to cover their embarrassment on this issue."
Speaking during the party introduction, former leader and current MP for Foyle, John Hume, predicted his seat would remain within the party at the next general election.
Mr Durkan is expected to be challenged for the seat by Sinn Fein Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin.
(MB/SP)
Speaking during his party’s conference in Derry at the weekend, Mr Durkan said that Sinn Fein continued to hide behind their “mandate” when “their double-speak runs out and their lies just aren’t believed”.
“Sinn Fein appear to believe that the provisional movement and its members are above the law. The truth is so much of what they say and so many of their actions are beneath contempt,” Mr Durkan said.
“The reason we are in this crisis is because the provisional movement has let down everybody who made leaps of faith in this process. So don’t anyone think that the answer now is to ask us to make leaps of fiction.
”When their double-speak runs out and their lies just aren’t believed, what do they seek cover in? Their mandate. But no nationalist voted for bank robberies. No nationalist voted for abductions or families being threatened with death,” he added.
Turning to policing, the SDLP MLA for West Belfast Alex Attwood said Sinn Fein had failed to live up to the challenge of transforming the justice system.
“Working with Irish officials, those elements in and around the prosecution, judicial and justice system in the North who resist change, have and continue to be challenged, something Sinn Fein comprehensively failed to do in their failed negotiation last year,” Mr Attwood said.
”Sinn Fein said that devolution of justice was 'the backbone of the negotiation'. Sinn Fein ended up with not even a fig leaf to cover their embarrassment on this issue."
Speaking during the party introduction, former leader and current MP for Foyle, John Hume, predicted his seat would remain within the party at the next general election.
Mr Durkan is expected to be challenged for the seat by Sinn Fein Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
05 May 2021
L'Derry Sinn Fein MLAs Will Not Stand For Party At Next Assembly Election
Sinn Fein MLAs Martina Anderson and Karen Mullan will not stand for the party at the next assembly election. The decision was made after a party review revealed election disappointments in L'Derry.
L'Derry Sinn Fein MLAs Will Not Stand For Party At Next Assembly Election
Sinn Fein MLAs Martina Anderson and Karen Mullan will not stand for the party at the next assembly election. The decision was made after a party review revealed election disappointments in L'Derry.
14 December 2010
Adams Selected For Louth 'Under Cloud'
The Sinn Féin President has been successfully selected to run for the party in Co Louth during the next election, but under a cloud of controversy.
Adams Selected For Louth 'Under Cloud'
The Sinn Féin President has been successfully selected to run for the party in Co Louth during the next election, but under a cloud of controversy.
06 September 2007
Former Sinn Fein MLA Dies
Former Sinn Fein member and paramilitary activist John Kelly has died. Mr Kelly, who was a provisional IRA activist, spent 15 years behind bars in both Northern and Southern Ireland. He was a co-defendant in the alleged arms smuggling trial that collapsed with Charles Haughey, who later became Taoiseach.
Former Sinn Fein MLA Dies
Former Sinn Fein member and paramilitary activist John Kelly has died. Mr Kelly, who was a provisional IRA activist, spent 15 years behind bars in both Northern and Southern Ireland. He was a co-defendant in the alleged arms smuggling trial that collapsed with Charles Haughey, who later became Taoiseach.
05 April 2006
Former Sinn Fein official shot dead
Former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson has been found shot dead in Donegal. It is understood that Gardai discovered his body close to his run-down home, near the village of Glenties at around 5pm yesterday evening.
Former Sinn Fein official shot dead
Former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson has been found shot dead in Donegal. It is understood that Gardai discovered his body close to his run-down home, near the village of Glenties at around 5pm yesterday evening.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
