11th March 2002

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Arrest of Martin Ferris - "gross interference in the democratic process"

Commenting on the arrest of Cllr. Martin Ferris, Sinn Fein TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said:

"I have protested in the strongest possible terms at this arrest to both the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, John O'Donoghue.

"There has recently been an orchestrated campaign of vilification against Sinn Fein by some of our political opponents and by sections of the media, much of it focused on North Kerry. It is no coincidence that this is one of the constituencies where Sinn Fein is challenging the main government party, Fianna Fáil, for a Dáil seat. The arrest of our North Kerry candidate must be seen in that context. I regard it as gross interference in the democratic process."

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