Sinn Fein sure of continued US funding
Sinn Fein is confident of continuing financial support from the US, despite attempts by unionist parties to have the IRA re-listed as a terrorist organisation.
There was speculation that Sinn Fein would get the backlash from an upsurge in anti-terrorist feeling sweeping America in the wake of last week’s atrocity.
Unionists have been actively trying to get the IRA re-listed following events in Colombia and particularly since President Bush’s declaration of war against terrorism.
The anti-Agreement Ulster Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson was among a group of unionists on their way to Washington last week to persuade the American government to declare the IRA a terrorist organisation. Such a move would affect US funding for Sinn Fein.
The group was diverted to Canada when the US attacks were mounted and they had to fly home. However, Donaldson says he will return to the US when normality returns.
By then, he said, Bush should be even more receptive to the idea of banning Sinn Fein and the IRA.
American funds is a huge source of income for the Republican Movement. Over the years, Irish Americans have ploughed millions of dollars into Sinn Fein coffers.
A ban on fundraising would have a serious impact on Sinn Fein, particularly in the run up to a general election in the Republic in which the party will vigorously contest.
