8th December 2002

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Ferris story mischievous and inaccurate

A Sinn Fein spokesperson today described as mischievous and inaccurate, the story which appeared in a Sunday newspaper in relation to Kerry North TD Martin Ferris. Dismissing the story the spokesperson said:

``Deputy Martin Ferris was unemployed for many years and has severe asthma. He holds a medical card until the end of this year on the basis of eligibility and due to his medical condition. He was in contact with the Health Board as recently as last week in relation to the matter and was assured that this remains the case and under no circumstances would he have abused the situation

``Furthermore Deputy Ferris takes home the average industrial wage. A large proportion of his Dáil salary goes towards providing local constituency services and some also goes back to the party.

``Deputy Ferris and his family are deeply upset and angry at the inference being made in that Sunday newspaper today. He has now handed the matter over to his solicitor.''

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Sinn Fein Press Office, 44 Parnell Square, Dublin 1
Tel: +353-1-8726100 and +353-1-8726839   ·   Fax +353-1-8733074
E-mail: sinnfein@irlnet.com   ·   Website: http://www.sinnfein.org

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