Senior Sinn Féin representative, David Cullinane, voiced his agreement with the viewpoint of Garda Commissioner Drew Harris that the use of the Tricolour on the casket of former IRA member and garda murderer, Pearse McAuley, was “scandalous”. Cullinane, who hails from Waterford, stated that he highly doubts any republicans mourned McAuley’s passing last week.
In 1996, Det Jerry McCabe perished due to actions of McAuley in an IRA bank heist in Adare Co Limerick. Despite Sinn Féin’s unsuccessful attempts to advocate for his release as a condition of the Belfast Agreement, McAuley remained a prisoner.
Picked up from jail by Sinn Féin’s Martin Ferris in 2009, McAuley faced rearrest on account of the assault and stabbing directed at his then-spouse, Pauline Tully, in 2014. Presently, Tully serves as a Sinn Féin representative for Cavan-Monaghan.
None of Sinn Féin’s key representatives made an appearance at McAuley’s recent funeral, with the party denying any association with the event. Simon Harris, the newly appointed leader of Fine Gael and likely future taoiseach, criticised the use of the Irish flag at the funeral. This sentiment was echoed by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, stating the national symbol was “mistreated and defiled” by its use on McAuley’s casket.
These remarks were made at the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) conference, attended by Det McCabe’s son, Garda Sgt John McCabe. David Cullinane, asked at a Dublin press conference about his thoughts on the Commissioner’s remark, affirmed his agreement.
He further labelled McAuley as not being a republican in his analysis and concurred with the aforementioned comments. When queried if Sinn Féin representatives might have attended McAuley’s funeral if it weren’t for the assault on Ms Tully, Cullinane replied negatively, underlining his belief that McAuley was not a republican.
Messages regarding Pearse McAuley, a prominent IRA terrorist and law enforcement killer, have been clarified. He has not been linked with republicanism for an extended period, and this detachment is, in part, due to an incident involving one of our colleagues. I share no sympathies with McAuley and cannot condone his actions.
On the topic of Sinn Féin’s previous support for McAuley’s accelerated release post-Det McCabe’s murder and Mr Ferris greeting him post-release, Mr Cullinane asserted, “My generation is determined not to relive the previous conflicts that are now concluded. Our focus today is on unveiling a healthcare strategy. My aspiration is to serve as Health Minister… Similarly, other Sinn Féin TDs are crafting strategies in their respective fields with the intention to transform the future of this country.”
During a press meet on the party’s proposal to enhance local GP and healthcare services, he remarked: “During the peace process, everyone, inclusive of the Irish Government, was complicit in the initiative to release eligible prisoners…
This was an essential component of the Good Friday Agreement… It was instrumental in the peace process.
However, I am being questioned about an individual, now deceased, with whom I have no association. I do not believe any republican mourned when Pearse McAuley died.
This is the reality and I have been unambiguous about this.”
In an unrelated event, the funeral of Rose Dugdale, a British heiress who affiliated with the Provisional IRA and later manufactured bombs for the paramilitary group, is scheduled in Dublin on Wednesday. Mr Cullinane confirmed he will be unable to attend due to other commitments, a situation mirrored by Longford-Westmeath TD Sorca Clarke, who was also present at the Sinn Féin press meet.
Dublin Mid-West TD Mark Ward expressed that he would make an appearance, and Cavan-Monaghan TD Matt Carthy stated he hoped to attend.
In his statement, Mr Cullinane argues, “Some individuals have played roles in the conflict and in my opinion others have made sacrifices as republicans, one of them being Rose Dugdale. There are occasions when one needs to lay their loved ones to rest, like those we’ve lost.”
He felt confident that Sinn Féin representatives would be present at her funeral, just like he was certain there are those who pay their respects at the funerals of individuals linked with the conflict, possibly members of loyalist paramilitaries or those who served in the British army.
“A significant amount of healing needs to transpire as an integral part of the peace process,” he emphasized.
Responding to broader questions, Mr Cullinane said, “Evaluate Sinn Féin based on our current actions. Consider Michelle O’Neil in her capacity as the First Minister of Northern Ireland…This represents republicanism and reflects our current focus. As the First Minister, she serves everyone. The political landscape has dramatically evolved and made progress throughout the island, thanks largely to the contributions of those who backed the peace process, including Rose Dugdale.”
Mr Ward disclosed his personal motivation for attendance. “Rose was my secondary school teacher. The school I attended was in a severely underprivileged area…and she provided hope and cheer to those who otherwise saw no light. I owe my current position primarily to the guidance and influence of Rose Dugdale.”