Sinn Fein still not fit to be coalition partner, says Varadkar
TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has accused Sinn Fein of glorifying IRA violence and insisted that Gerry Adams’ departure as leader doesn’t make the party any more acceptable as a future coalition partner.
He urged incoming Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald to break with the past”, particularly in what he said was the “celebration of violence” at “triumphalist” commemoration events.
He stressed the economic differences between Fine Gael and Sinn Fein, adding: “I don’t see how the relationship between the two parties will change.”
His rejection of the prospect of a future coalition comes after Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin also ruled out going into government with Sinn Fein.
Mr Varadkar congratulated incoming Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald and pointed out she will be just the third woman to lead an Irish political party.
But he said: “It’s not going to change the relationship between Fine Gael and Sinn Fein or make them any more acceptable as a coalition partner.”
He said the parties’ positions on the economy and Europe are “too different” and Sinn Fein had opposed “every single” policy that helped bring about Ireland’s recovery. He said this indicates “they are not fit for office”.
Mr Varadkar added: “Sinn Fein is very much a party that’s nationalist ... sometimes even sectarian.”
He added: “I think it would be welcome if the new president of Sinn Fein was to bring about a clean break with the past, particularly the ongoing celebration of violence by Sinn Fein at commemorations.”
He said such events “glorifies IRA violence” and makes it harder to build cross-community integration.