Do we want a Taoiseach who will attend IRA funerals – Burke

Mary Lou McDonald has refused to rule out attending the funerals of IRA terrorists if she was elected Taoiseach.

Fine Gael Minister Peter Burke has said the prospect of a Sinn Féin Taoiseach attending a balaclava and beret led funeral procession is a frightening prospect for the country.

“Such an event would make any right thinking person stop cold in their tracks – the leader of the country standing at the graveside of an IRA terrorist,” Minister Burke said.

Asked last night on Virgin Media’s The Big Interview if she would attend an IRA member’s funeral if elected Taoiseach, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald refused to rule it out.

Minister Burke said, “This is why democracy is important and this is the frightening vision for everyone who cherishes and upholds the values of those who stood against IRA terrorists on this island.

“Mary Lou McDonald doesn’t want to answer questions about the atrocities their paramilitary wing committed for decades. They bombed, murdered and maimed men, women and children across this island and further afield. It wasn’t done in the name of this country.

“This month she said the ‘Free State establishment’ need to move on from holding her party accountable for the violence and bloodshed IRA provos inflicted.

“The is a Republic and a democracy. And only by honestly answering questions of our history can we secure our future.

“Do we want a Taoiseach who upholds the values of everything that is good in this country or one who will attend the funerals of IRA murderers,” Minister Burke asked.