McGuinness on warpath at party's London reception

ONCE UPON a time, the sight of Sinn Féin figures walking up to the door of No 10 Downing Street was meat and drink for television cameras.

Today, such events are practically unknown. The welcome mat has been removed – much to the irritation of the party – judging by Martin McGuinness’s remarks at Westminster on Thursday night.

Prime minister David Cameron has vetoed meetings in No 10 with politicians from Northern Ireland, believing they should sort out their own problems.

Fresh from meeting Queen Elizabeth, McGuinness came to Portcullis House – part of the houses of parliament – for his party’s well-attended summer reception, but the glow of the royal handshake had already faded.

Cameron is guilty, says Sinn Féin, of ignoring Northern Ireland. In turn, the British privately declare that the days of the big set-pieces – the queen, et al – are over.

Since 1997, Sinn Féin has taken, but not occupied, House of Commons seats, a practice that irritates MPs on all sides of the Commons, but particularly Tories.

McGuinness is soon to stand down from his Mid-Ulster constituency, which will trigger a byelection.

Michelle Gildernew, Conor Murphy, Paul Maskey and Pat Doherty will remain on as MPs and “assume additional responsibilities in the time ahead”, he said.

Ignoring the annoyance felt by many MPs about their abstentionist policy, McGuinness took the opportunity to complain that the party was “still in the same offices” they were given in 1997.

“They are very, very tiny, so I hope that the powers that be will recognise that,” he pleaded, making a pitch on behalf of his cooped-up colleagues, as he hoped consideration was given to offering them better offices.

His Free the Sinn Féin Five request was met with some bemusement in certain sections of the audience. The reception was attended by Northern Ireland Office minister, Hugo Swire, and Jonathan Caine, key adviser to Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Owen Paterson.