O’Neill says Gildernew’s comments on murders was wrong

Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O’Neill has said comments made by the party’s former MP Michelle Gildernew were wrong and did not reflect the party’s view.

Gildernew had told the Borderland podcast that certain murders during the Troubles were “justified” and described Northern Ireland in a negative way.

But asked about the comments for the first time, O’Neill said they were “Michelle’s views are her own and certainly not mine.”

The first minister said: “They do not reflect my view, and they certainly do not reflect the view of our party.”

“I work every day to build this place up. I work every day to give people hope, to create opportunity, to build a brighter and better future for all.

“That’s what I am very focused on,” O’Neill added.

Ms Gildernew was an elected Sinn Féin representative for Fermanagh and South Tyrone at both Stormont and Westminster for more than two decades.

Earlier this year, she spoke of her “disappointment” at having her employment contract ended by the party, but said she was still a Sinn Féin member.

In Borderland – UK or United Ireland? Ms Gildernew and former DUP MP Ian Paisley examine the case for a border poll and what a united Ireland could look like.

The pair clash numerous times over their different perceptions of the UK and Ireland, with Ms Gildernew at one stage describing the six counties of Northern Ireland as “a shithole”.

The first minister told reporters: “I’ve spoken at length on many occasions in the past in terms of the many tragedies and injustices of that have happened to many families across this place, but our job is about healing the wounds of the past.

“Our job should be about looking towards the future and supporting families that have been impacted by conflict.”

O’Neill confirmed Ms Gildernew was still a member of Sinn Féin and was asked if she thought the comments were wrong.

She replied: “I think that she was wrong. She is a member of Sinn Féin, but her views are her views, and not my views.”