Cavan based Senator Joe O’Reilly said: “I find it seriously disturbing that Sinn Féin are seeking to profit from the IRA, which was responsible for the deaths of more than 1,800 people."

In a press release embargo until this morning, which was issued by the Fine Gael press office, it was stated: "A Fine Gael Senator has questioned Sinn Féin’s commitment to peace as the party continues to sell IRA memorabilia on the party’s website to raise funds."

The Senator added: “Sinn Féin is seeking to exploit their association with a terrorist group that brought fear and bloodshed to Ulster predominantly for decades.

“I ask Mary Lou McDonald is she willing to stand over this celebration of terrorism by her own party?

"The glorification of the IRA or any other criminal organisation shows very questionable judgment. Is this how they raise finance for their political party and organisation?

“They are targeting middle ground support yet also want to bring the violent extreme elements with them on their journey,” Senator O’Reilly said.

"T-shirts with the slogan ‘IRA Undefeated Army’, badges daubed with ‘IRA’ and other emblems with ‘Irish Republic Army’ accompanied by what appears to be an AK-47 are openly for sale on the Sinn Féin bookshop website

“They say they want to enter Government as a coalition partner. Who could enter a Government deal with a group who continue to openly support and flog material that is clearly offensive to so many Irish people?

“At their last Ard Fheis, outgoing Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams says he has a 'particular affinity' with IRA victims. If ever there was evidence that he is speaking out of both sides of his mouth, this is it.

“Does their prospective future leader, Mary Lou McDonald endorse this hypocrisy?”