11th March 2002

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David Trimble's attack on 26 Counties as a `pathetic sectarian state' verging on racism

A Sinn Fein talks negotiator in Dublin has called on Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble to apologise for and withdraw his description at his party conference of the 26 Counties as "a pathetic sectarian, mono-ethnic, mono-cultural state".

Sinn Fein South Dublin County Councillor Seán Crowe said:

"Mr Trimble's comments are not just plain daft, outrageous and incredibly wide of the mark but insulting to the people of the 26 Counties and verging on racist."

Cllr Crowe said that some commentators in Dublin had brushed aside Mr Trimble's remarks as an aberration. The Sinn Fein spokesperson said:

"If this is the case then Mr Trimble should take the time to reflect and apologise for his intemperate remarks."

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