Governments 'allow NI dysfunction' says Fianna Fáil leader Published duration 27 April 2014

image copyright PA image caption Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin was addressing his party's annual Easter Rising commemoration

The British and Irish governments have allowed dysfunction to grow in Northern Ireland's political institutions, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said.

Mr Martin said the governments had taken a "hands-off" approach in addressing outstanding issues in the peace process.

The leader of the Republic of Ireland's main opposition party said the governments should focus on achieving real progress instead of talking about how great their relationship is.

He made his remarks at his party's annual 1916 Easter Rising commemoration at Arbour Hill in Dublin.

Mr Martin also criticised Sinn Féin, saying it had "zero claim" to be the party of 1916.

"It is not even the direct democratic successor of the party founded in 1905 by Arthur Griffith and which only ever won a majority when Eamon de Valera was its leader," he said.

Related Topics Dublin