The leader of Sinn Fein has condemned as a "scam" plans to prohibit political donations from overseas.
Speaking at Stormont yesterday, Mr Gerry Adams said the plans, announced by the Taoiseach on Sunday, were specifically intended to "stop the rise" of his party.
"We have for a party of our size a fairly extensive infrastructure and outreach and diplomatic mission going on in the USA," he said. Sinn Fein took in around £100,000 a year from foreign donations, more than the party would be able to raise in Ireland.
"In comparison to what has been handed over in a series of corruption scandals", £100,000 was not a large sum. However "in terms of building in mostly disadvantaged neighbourhoods, it is an awful lot," he said.
He said he accepted the need for action but he felt "personally insulted that such a proposal, such a scam, should be included and disguised under the suggestion that this is dealing with issues of corruption".