Sinn Féin has hit out at a veteran republican, who until recently was a prominent party member, after he claimed it was led by an "elite" who stifled internal debate.
In an interview in yesterday's (Tuesday) Irish News, former Mid-Ulster assembly member John Kelly gave a rare insight into the party, claiming "there was no space for people to have an opinion that was different from the leadership's".
Sinn Féin responded yesterday by saying it was "interesting that his commentary comes in the aftermath of his non-selection" as a candidate for November's assembly elections.
Mr Kelly last night declined to comment further.
A founder member of the Provisional IRA, who is on record as supporting the Good Friday Agreement, Mr Kelly had said in his interview that "creative ambiguity" over the IRA's future had "devalued" the Good Friday Agreement.
The 68-year-old credited the republican leadership with making political gains through the peace process, but referred to historical campaigns of 'physical force republicanism' which traditionally ended with those groups "dumping arms and dispersing".
Mr Kelly stepped down from the party last year, having announced that he would not be defending his seat.
In the interview he said: "I began to feel that within Sinn Féin republicanism there was no room or no space for people to have an opinion that was different from the leadership's opinion.
"It was contrary not only to the whole spirit of republicanism, but to the whole concept of the civil rights movement... I thought it was dangerous and unhealthy."
In response, Sinn Féin assembly member Conor Murphy said yesterday: "As a person who was head of the assembly group when John was here, I very much valued his contribution to our assembly team.
"I understand his disappointment at not being selected to be returned as an MLA.
"I think, however, the reality is that Sinn Féin in Mid-Ulster selected three candidates and those three candidates were returned with an increased mandate, so I just think really it is time to move on.
"John is entitled to his views. I valued his contribution when he was here – I understand his disappointment.
"It's interesting that his commentary comes in the aftermath of his non-selection, but people can make up their minds on it.
"I would not deny anybody's right to make a valuable contribution to a debate. If John wants to make contributions, he's more than entitled to. For us it's time to move on," Mr Murphy added.
