The Taoiseach has given his reaction to the Attorney General's critical remarks about Sinn Féin. Bertie Ahern said that Michael McDowell was making a political statement at a political convention as a member of a political party. Mr McDowell is to stand for a Dáil seat for the Progressive Democrats in the forthcoming general election.
Mr Ahern went on to say that the Government's policy was to continue to work towards integrating Sinn Féin into the democratic political system. He said that progress was being made towards that end. Mr McDowell said that no person who owed a loyalty to any armed force other than those maintained by the Oireachtas had the right to seek election to Dáil Éireann.
Earlier today, Fine Gael's Charlie Flanagan criticised Mr McDowell's comments. Speaking on RTÉ's News at One programme, Mr Flanagan said that Mr McDowell should resign as Attorney General because that office should be above party politics.
Mr McDowell was earlier accused of political cowardice by Sinn Féin. The Attorney General refused to go on RTÉ radio this morning to debate what Sinn Féin claims are "outrageous and unfounded allegations" made about the party last evening.
Sinn Féin's Dublin South East representative claimed that the Progressive Democrats' President's remarks are reflective of the negative campaigning from all of the established parties in recent weeks. Daithi Doolan said that their comments are designed to frighten voters from supporting Sinn Féin.
