O Caolain accuses Noonan of 'bullying' Sinn Fein

Mr Caoimhgh∅n ╙ Caolβin (SF) strongly criticised Fine Gael leader Mr Michael Noonan in his statement on the New York atrocity…

Mr Caoimhgh∅n ╙ Caolβin (SF) strongly criticised Fine Gael leader Mr Michael Noonan in his statement on the New York atrocity.

Mr ╙ Caolβin said an important response was to redouble efforts to make the peace process work.

"I roundly reject the shameful remarks of the Fine Gael leader, who has endeavoured to turn this atrocity into a stick to beat Sinn FΘin.

"The bullying of Deputy Noonan will not force Sinn FΘin, nor the greater number of Northern nationalists, into acceptance of a flawed policing package.

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"Rather, my colleagues in Sinn FΘin and I have rededicated ourselves to resolving the very difficult outstanding problems.

"That is what all who genuinely wish to see a real and lasting peace in Ireland should now also address."

Mr ╙ Caolβin said many of the New York Irish had been central to the peace process, as he was well aware from his visits to the US on behalf of Sinn FΘin.

Mr Gerry Adams, he said, had told the Assembly in Belfast last week that one of the missing persons was an organiser of a lunch for the Friends of Sinn FΘin at the top of the North Tower of the World Trade Centre two years ago.

"These devastating attacks were utterly reprehensible, and I condemn them without reservation. The deliberate killing of civilians is always wrong, whether it is armed political groups, governments or individuals who are responsible.

"In this international crisis, the Irish Government should maintain an independent and principled position based on human rights," he said.

He added that "a war of retaliation by the USA can only multiply the complex problems which gave rise to this disaster and bring death and destitution to thousands more people."