FIANNA FÁIL has rejected a claim that the Taoiseach's decision to attend a fundraising function for the SDLP was tantamount to supporting discrimination against a Protestant victims' group.
William Frazer, of Families Acting for Innocent Relatives (Fair), made the charge after Bertie Ahern joined SDLP leader Mark Durkan and other Fianna Fáil and SDLP politicians for the breakfast in the Carrickdale Hotel, Co Louth, last Friday.
Much of the €33,000 raised by the function will be used to defray a surcharge and fees incurred by the SDLP of over £70,000, according to Newry and Mourne SDLP councillor Frank Feely.
In 2002, 12 Sinn Féin councillors and five SDLP councillors including Mr Feely denied permission to Mr Frazer and Fair to use the council-controlled community hall in Newtownhamilton, Co Armagh despite legal advice that they were in breach of regulations.
Mr Frazer took a case against the councillors and the local government auditor found in his favour. The councillors were fined £10,809 and faced being barred for five years. The councillors appealed and it was agreed that they would pay the surcharge and legal costs but wouldn't be barred.
Mr Frazer yesterday queried why the Taoiseach attended the event. "Why should he help people who discriminated against us?" asked Mr Frazer.
