Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Eamonn Farrell/Photocall Ireland

McGuinness blames ‘West Brit’ influence for references to IRA past

Martin McGuinness says there are “West Brit” elements in Dublin, some in the media, who obsess with his past in the IRA.

SINN FÉIN’S PRESIDENTIAL candidate Martin McGuinness has blamed “West Brit elements” in the media and in political parties for consistent references to his history of involvement in the IRA.

Speaking to Newstalk’s Chris Donoghue at the National Ploughing Championships in Co Kildare, McGuinness said he respected that there would be people who would “try to muddy the waters” regarding his previous activity.

“My faith is with the people… there are West Brit elements, in and around Dublin – some of them are attached to some sections of the media, others are attached to political parties and were formerly involved in political parties.

I say to all of them: I go forward on my record. My record as a peacemaker, I think, is unequalled. Anywhere.

McGuinness added that he would not have been invited to the Oval Office, South Africa, Iraq, Sri Lanka or the Basque Country “if there were any question marks whatsoever over my work as a peacemaker.”

His previous involvement in the IRA, he said, had been “said by people who are hostile to my candidacy.”

In a nod to Fianna Fáil’s decision not to field a candidate of its own, the Sinn Féin MLA said he would be appealing to voters “who previously supported other political parties to rally to my flag.

“They have got a very important choice to make about who presents the new Ireland,” he said.

“I certainly do represent the new North – and I think I can represent all of Ireland in a way that brings great credit to the Irish people.”

McGuinness’s presidential chances were boosted earlier when Fianna Fáil’s parliamentary party agreed not to allow members nominate individual candidates – meaning that Dana and David Norris now have little hope of securing the support they need to be nominated.

Earlier, Labhrás Ó Murchú said he was withdrawing his candidacy in order to avoid causing any further friction within Fianna Fáil.

Read: Fianna Fáil not supporting any presidential candidate >

More: Labhrás Ó Murchú pulls out of presidential race >

In full: TheJournal.ie’s coverage of the Race for the Áras >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
186 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute BaaB
    Favourite BaaB
    Report
    Jan 17th 2019, 7:34 PM

    Tulsa had no problem acting when it came to poor Sgt Maurice McCabe.

    123
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute @mdmak33
    Favourite @mdmak33
    Report
    Jan 17th 2019, 8:03 PM

    All these government agencies,Tulsa,GDA etc that are found not doing their jobs properly are never held to account, inquiry is set up and comes up with strict guidelines and announced,but again they are not implemented and with Tulsa this is very worrying as children are involved. It’s all repeat repeat and cover up.

    76
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Green Lentils
    Favourite Green Lentils
    Report
    Jan 17th 2019, 10:31 PM

    @@mdmak33: good ol mizz Zappone… she’s fantastic at having her photo taken with babies we goota give her that

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Lamb
    Favourite Mark Lamb
    Report
    Jan 17th 2019, 7:59 PM

    Tusla Rotten to the Core.Well able to Set up frame Maurice McCabe I believe there is 1000s of other Maurice McCabe in Ireland who have fake/falsified Data/information on their good names on the Garda pulse records & Tusla records a lot of this is going on in family law courts /industries for custody of Children Big Money to made of the backs of innocent families this all needs to be looked into further by Human Rights Organisations our reporter s from the Journal.ie

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colm Lyons
    Favourite Colm Lyons
    Report
    Jan 17th 2019, 7:30 PM

    Tusla covering up child abuse now there’s a suprise

    90
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Padraic O Sullivan
    Favourite Padraic O Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 17th 2019, 8:49 PM
    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      News in 60 seconds