Sinn Féin presidential candidate Martin McGuinness has again justified his previous membership of the IRA and denied claims he supported actions against gardaí.
Speaking this morning, Mr McGuinness also said that while he would be an outspoken president if elected, he would have no difficulty working with the Government.
In an interview on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, the candidate said he unreservedly condemned any attacks on the gardaí. He also claimed he had received backing from individuals who had suffered during the Troubles.
"In the course of this campaign, I am being supported by people who were hurt by IRA actions in the past and who lost loved ones," he said.
Mr McGuinness was speaking after the widow of Det Garda Jerry McCabe, who was shot dead by the Provisional IRA during a botched armed robbery in 1996, said yesterday the candidates’ "loyalty to a secret illegal army," was "incompatible with the office of president of Ireland".
In a statement released to the Limerick Leader, Anne McCabe also claimed that Mr McGuinness had visited Kevin Walsh, later convicted for his role in her husband's killing while he was on the run.
Mr McGuinness has denied he visited Walsh or that he knew the whereabouts of others still wanted in relation to the killing.
"I would never support attacks on the gardaí. I have two cousins who were in the gardaí and my heart goes out to all of those who lost loved ones," he said.
He also defended his former membership of the IRA.
"I do believe that the conditions that existed in the North made it justifiable for young people like myself to stand up against the British army...but I would not stand over actions that could not be stood over," he said.
Mr McGuinness said that if elected as president, he would not be afraid to speak out on issues he disagreed with. He said he did not think that being forthright with his opinions would cause difficulties with the Government.
"I intend to be outspoken in a very positive and constructive way...I would be prepared to speak out in the interests of the people, who in the course of this election are going to cast their vote for me," he said.
I don't envisage that there would be any difficulty with myself and Enda Kenny having a positive and constructive working relationship. That is the least of my worries," he added.
Mr McGuinness ruled out a transfer pact saying he thought it was "foolish for any candidate to express a preference for any other candidate," at this time.
