MICHELLE Gildernew has said that she will be demanding speaking rights in the Republic's parliament if elected MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone next month.
The Sinn Féin candidate made the comment during a speech an an event to officially launch her campaign in Enniskillen on Sunday, attended by the party's northern leader Michelle O'Neill and MEP Matt Carthy.
Ms Gildernew said: "If I am elected as MP I will be going to Leinster House and I will be demanding that I am given speaking rights as your MP."
The claim was met by derision by some on social media, including Fine Gael Louth County councillor John McGahon, who posted a video in response with the caption: "What the hell are you talking about?"
Another Twitter user added: "Does Michelle know this is a Westminster election? Not an Irish Parliamentary one."
Ms Gildernew is attempting to retain the seat she lost two years ago to the UUP's Tom Elliott, in what is expected to be the closest race anywhere in the north.
In 2015, Mr Elliott defeated Ms Gildernew by less than 600 votes when the DUP did not stand. And in 2010 Ms Gildernew won the seat by just four votes against unionist unity candidate Rodney Connor.
