Public will see through Sinn Fein’s misleading comments on renewal of Special Criminal Court – Farrell

Sinn Fein are attempting to deceive the public with the false assertion they will support the renewal of the Special Criminal Court in the Dáil next week, when they have no intention to do so, according to Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell.

Deputy Farrell, Fine Gael’s justice spokesperson, branded as illogical the call from Sinn Fein for Government to ram through a raft of reforms on the hoof, with no clear timeframe in place for doing so.

Deputy Farrell said: “Sinn Féin must take us all for fools with their latest commentary on the Offences Against the State Acts and the Special Criminal Court (SCC), which is an integral part of our criminal justice system and tackles dangerous criminals, subversives and domestic terrorists.

“A review of the legislation by an expert group resulted in them publishing their report this week.

“Government, as outlined by Minister Helen McEntee, will now examine carefully and engage with the relevant stakeholders before proceeding further on the recommendations.

“In the meantime, it is critical that we renew the legislation giving power to the Special Criminal Court.

“Sinn Féin, which has never voted to support the retention of the SCC, indicated they would be willing to vote for its renewal this time, if reforms from the expert group are implemented first.

“During a car crash interview on Wednesday on RTÉ Radio1, Sinn Féin party spokesperson on justice, Pa Daly, refused to say if his party would support the retention of the SCC.

“Yet subsequently, in a newspaper interview, Deputy Daly indicated Sinn Féin would be prepared to back the Dáil vote if Government agreed to an amendment that would commit it to early implementation of the Peart Group recommendations.

“Sinn Fein are being disingenuous in the extreme, as they know any proposals for reform must be thoroughly considered and treated with the utmost care.

“Sinn Fein are therefore speaking out of both sides of their mouths when it comes to renewal of the SCC, they are deliberately using the process to disguise the fact they will refuse to support the renewal of the SCC, and hope that people buy what they’re selling.

“I believe the public will see through Sinn Fein’s performance and recognise this for what it is, a distraction aimed at diverting attention from their inability to take on some of the most dangerous people in the State.

“With this latest attempt to hoodwink the public, perhaps they want to demonstrate a softening in their previous stance against law and order matters.

“But as we know from their reckless economic policies, they would stall progress at every step of the way if in government and enable criminals to strike fear and terror into entire communities.

“Unlike Sinn Fein, Fine Gael remains unanimous in its support for the SCC and for building stronger, safer communities throughout the country,” Deputy Farrell said.