Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin, Lynn Boylan, has confronted Ursula von der Leyen’s hypocrisy in how she has failed to stand up to Israel as they inflict genocide on the people of Gaza.

MEP Boylan was the sole Irish MEP to speak in a debate in Strasbourg today about re-electing Ms von der Leyen as Commission President.

Sinn Féin MEPs, Lynn Boylan and Kathleen Funchion, voted against Ms von der Leyen.

Speaking in the debate, MEP Boylan said:

“’The rule of law is the glue that binds our union together.’ Those are your words Madam von der Leyen. So why is it that in your eyes some people are more equal in law than others?

“Why is it that Human Rights are applicable in some conflicts, but not others? Why are the lives of Palestinians not worthy of the same Human Rights, the same International law, the same humanity? We are witnessing the most documented genocide in history, and still there are no consequences for Israel.

“When you declared Europe stands with Israel, when you stood shoulder to shoulder with Netanyahu, you greenlighted this genocide. The double standards, the hypocrisy with how you reacted to the conflict in Ukraine compared to Gaza has done untold damage on the world stage to the European Union.

“There have been no sanctions, no suspension of trade. In fact, EU money and arms continue to flow to Israel. Forty thousand civilians slaughtered. Children burned alive in their tents, and still no consequences. Colleagues, today say No to genocide and say No to Von Der Leyen.”