McDowell stuck in Section 31 era

Ten years ago there was a sustained effort by the Dublin Government to marginalise Sinn Féin and all it stood for. Its representatives were censored through Section 31, and refused a voice to answer the criticism and accusations levelled at republicanism by biased, ignorant political figures and the establishment media. A lot has changed since then. Section 31 is gone, and while some of the censorship mentality remains, we can at least put our point across — most of the time.

What hasn't changed is the criticism and accusations still being levelled at the party.

Last week, Justice Minister Michael McDowell made completely untrue, unsubstantiated remarks about Sinn Féin being funded by illegal IRA activity. In a total abuse of his position, he called Sinn Féin "morally unclean".

The Minister's rant was criticised by the Irish Examiner, which ran an editorial the following day slamming him for "fanning the flames in the North", and saying that while the Minister obviously doesn't like Sinn Féin, he has no right to vilify them with empty accusations.

In a sickening, self-righteous response, McDowell gave an interview to the Sunday Independent accusing the Examiner of "self-censorship reminiscent of Weimar Germany",

The Sunday Independent, in its self-appointed role as watchdog for the Irish media, (ie. anti-Sinn Féin — good, pro-, or fair articles — bad), was delighted to report that the Minister "praised those journalists and newspapers who do tell the truth".

Yes, the Sunday Independent, the beacon of objective, truthful reporting.

McDowell is aware that Sinn Féin is fully compliant with the laws in relation to funding.

He is quite obviously rattled by the proven success of Sinn Féin in the North, and its growing success in the South. But his comments are more than just the tools of electioneering. They are dangerous to the peace process. Those sort of comments are the ones seized upon by the DUP and other anti-Agreement parties, just like the comment made by Bertie Ahern about not willing to share government with Sinn Féin was seized upon.

Sinn Féin has taken the courageous steps necessary to bring peace to this island. Attempting to exclude Sinn Féin would ultimately result in the process failing.

Ten years ago, there were those, including McDowell, who opposed the talks between Gerry Adams and John Hume. They voiced bitter opposition to our initiative and tried to bring forward fake solutions to the conflict that were more about isolating republicans and nationalists than creating peace.

McDowell's comments are as wrong today as they were ten years ago, and he should withdraw them.