SF mask slips as election candidate refuses to condemn murder of Garda - O’Brien

Fianna Fáil Senator Darragh O’Brien says he is horrified by the remarks made by a Sinn Féin election candidate on national radio over the weekend regarding the murder of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe.

Senator O’Brien made the comments after Sinn Féin General Election candidate for Dublin-Fingal Louise O’Reilly refused to condemn the brutal murder of the Garda who was gunned down in the line of duty by IRA members.

“The remarks made by Louise O’Reilly on national radio last weekend are deeply shocking. She was asked a straightforward question as to whether she condemned the murder of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe. Instead of condemning the murder she instead attempted to deflect the question, and remarked that the conversation was ‘hilarious’. It was truly sickening to listen to,” said Senator O’Brien.

“As a staunch supporter of the Gardai I recognise the difficult job they are expected to carry out day in and day out. I have spoken in support of the Gardai on numerous occasions in the Seanad and have been fighting for the force to be adequately resourced in the face of Government cutbacks. Ms O’Reilly seemingly has no idea of the high level of respect that the people of Fingal have for our Gardai.

“The mask has slipped with Sinn Féin. Ms O’Reilly says that she is a new generation of candidate, but she cannot even bring herself to condemn the murder of those that are employed to serve and protect our communities. The comments she made shows that Sinn Féin has a twisted moral compass. Sinn Féin are simply unfit to govern.

“Ms O’Reilly will find little support here in Fingal for her cold and heartless views on Gardai. The fact that she could laugh about the murder of a Garda on national radio, and label the incident as ‘hilarious’, says enough about how she feels towards those tasked with serving and protecting our communities,” said Senator O’Brien.
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