Sinn Féin has ‘no links’ to criminality, says health spokesperson

10th January 2023

Sinn Féin has “no links” to criminality, a party TD has said.

Health spokesperson David Cullinane said he “completely” rejects the idea the party has links to criminal activity.

He said the party is doing “exceptionally well” in polls despite the most recent Sunday Independent Ireland Thinks poll showing the party is down 2pc.

The party has seen weeks of negative press coverage due to the involvement of former Sinn Féin councillor Jonathan Dowdall in the Regency trial in the Special Criminal Court.

Business Post/Red C polls in November showed the party drop four points, despite the party remaining the most popular in the country.

Mr Cullinane did not answer if the party’s slippage in polls is due to the ongoing trial.

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“There is no links to criminality, I completely reject that assertion. Sinn Féin is not just a democratic party, but the people who vote for us are decent people and people who are party members are decent people,” he said.

“On the issue of criminality, I stand with communities who suffer because of criminality, whether it’s these so-called gangs or its any level of anti-social behaviour, Sinn Féin’s track record and my track record is standing with communities against people who are engaged in criminality.”

He said the main issues to Sinn Féin voters are housing and health, and those raising crime want to know how to better fund An Garda Síochána.

Mr Cullinane said the party is doing “exceptionally well” in polls.

“There’s always going to be ups and down in the polls, we’re doing very well in the polls, it may not be music to some people’s ears, but we’re doing exceptionally well, we’re well ahead where we were in the general election,” he said.

“I’m not in the slightest bit preoccupied in opinion polls.”

He said the main issues to Sinn Féin voters are housing and health, and those raising crime want to know how to better fund An Garda Síochána.