Dublin Sinn Féin City Councillor and EU candidate Daithí Doolan has said that Fine Gael MEPs are in a state of confusion when it comes to supporting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Cllr Doolan said:

“The current European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen should not be rewarded with a second term. Von der Leyen’s expression of unqualified support to Israel’s genocidal attacks in Gaza was shameful and undermined public confidence in her office. Her comments gave political and moral cover to Israel’s crimes against humanity.

“Von der Leyen has damaged the EU’s reputation on the world stage. Her comments have undermined any future attempts by the EU to facilitate a ceasefire or support a long-term peace process in the region.

“One of the first tasks of new MEPS in June will be to ratify the nomination for Commission President. Unfortunately Fine Gael MEPs appear confused and divided on this important matter. Frances Fitzgerald MEP confirmed in a tweet that she is looking forward to supporting Von der Leyen.

“Meanwhile her MEP colleague Colm Markey, speaking during last night’s debate with myself in UCD, spoke out against the Von der Leyen Commission and supported Sinn Féin’s position that she must not be reelected to a second term.

“The least the public can expect from MEPs and EU candidates is clarity and consistency on this important matter. Fine Gael are clearly speaking out both sides of their mouth. The electorate deserves better than this.”