An independent candidate who is opposing Gerry Adams in west Belfast in the forthcoming Northern Ireland election says he is standing because of continuing IRA punishment attacks.
Dr Liam Kennedy, professor of economic and social history at Queens University Belfast, said his campaign will focus on the "grip" paramilitaries have on communities and the threat to democracy they represent.
Dr Kennedy said regular shootings and assaults by the IRA in west Belfast contradicted Mr Adams's public statements of opposition to these activities.
"Mr Adams has been the MP for eight years and the position hasn't improved," he said.
He was accompanied to Dublin today by Michael Gallagher, chairman of the Omagh Support Group.
They met the Tánaiste Ms Harney this morning before holding separate meetings in the afternoon with the main Opposition leaders.