Smuggling activities and politics

Limerick TD Patrick O'Donovan suggested authorities are turning a blind eye to cross border criminal activities because of "appeasement" since the peace process.

Speaking at a British Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) meeting in the Seanad, Mr. O'Donovan called on the governments of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK to "stop pussyfooting" around the issue and address it "head on".

"I know where the money that funds the Fine Gael party comes from, everybody knows where it comes from. Everybody knows where the funds for Fianna Fáil and the Labour Party comes from but there are strong question marks over other political parties," he added.

A Fine Gael TD has claimed money from cigarette and fuel smuggling is finding its way into the "political process".