Sinn Féin Senator and European election candidate for Dublin, Lynn Boylan, has said that Barry Andrews and Regina Doherty are running scared from scrutiny of their terrible record on climate action.

Senator Boylan made her remarks after the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael European candidates failed to show up to today’s climate debate hosted by Friends of the Earth.

Senator Boylan said:

“I am deeply disappointed that not a single Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael MEP candidate bothered to show up to the climate debate hosted by Friends of the Earth.

“Barry Andrews and Regina Doherty are running away from scrutiny of their terrible record on climate action.

“Their failure to attend today’s debate tells voters everything they need to know about Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis.

“This meeting was even online, so candidates could have attended, and taken part in the discussion, from anywhere. Instead, Barry Andrews and Regina Doherty refused to stand over their record.

“The next European parliament will have a crucial role to play in ensuring a liveable planet, yet the biggest polluters consistently avoid their responsibilities.

“Our future depends on decisive action, and I want to go to Brussels to stand up to the corporate interests and push for climate action that protects the most vulnerable in our society.”