Sinn Fein leaders say they are not IRA chiefs

[struggle4progress]

The leaders of Northern Ireland's republican party Sinn Fein have rejected accusations that they are members of the outlawed Irish Republican Army (IRA).

Allegations that Sinn Fein is involved in IRA crime have dealt a severe blow to Anglo-Irish efforts to restore a local government in British-ruled Northern Ireland.

"We want to state categorically that we are not members of the IRA or its Army Council," three senior Sinn Fein men said.

"Our involvement in the peace process is as leaders of Sinn Fein and as elected representatives for West Belfast, Mid Ulster and Kerry North," they said in a joint statement. <snip>

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200502/s1308183.htm