Hundreds show support for Ó Caoláin

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

More than 300 party activists packed into the Four Seasons Hotel in Monaghan last Friday to record their support for Cavan/Monaghan Sinn Féin TD and Dáil leader, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, recently targeted by a British-owned Dublin Sunday newspaper.

Ó Caoláin resolutely rejected a suggestion printed by Ireland on Sunday that he had provided information to the Gardaí about IRA activities. In a detailed address the Sinn Féin TD reiterated his view that he and others are now being targeted because of the ongoing rise in support for the party, particularly in the 26 Counties.

Guest speaker, Sinn Féin Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP also roundly rejected the slurs against O Caoláin in Ireland on Sunday. "While these latest attacks are unquestionably directed at the Sinn Féin leadership, they target also the Peace Process and the efforts of all who seek the restoration of the Northern Assembly and the delivery of the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement, including the cross-border implementation bodies," said McGuinness.

"These attacks are designed to weaken our resolve but we shouldn't for a moment let them distract us from our task and purpose," he said.