Fianna Fáil are abandoning Irish neutrality – Chris MacManus MEP
Sinn Féin MEP and candidate for Midlands Northwest in the European elections, Chris MacManus MEP has warned that Fianna Fáil are abandoning Irish neutrality.
Speaking from county Offaly, MEP MacManus said: “It is very clear that Fianna Fáil are abandoning Irish neutrality. On the international stage Ireland’s neutrality has been fundamental to the unique role we play in peacekeeping and diplomacy. It is a strength for Ireland and one that the Irish people value. Weakening or ending Ireland’s neutrality would be a negative shift in Ireland’s foreign policy.
MEP MacManus said the Fianna Fáil leader was making a U-turn on previous promises: “Fianna Fáil have previously paid lip service to protecting Ireland’s neutrality, but are now performing a dangerous and hypocritical u-turn. According to media reports, the Tánaiste is now seeking Government permission to draft a bill that would end the triple lock, a key part of protecting neutrality. This stands in stark contrast to Micheál Martin’s comments about neutrality while in opposition.
“He previously told the Dáil that attempts to undermine neutrality by changing the triple lock amounted to ‘nothing more than an out-of-touch, ideological obsession on the part of Fine Gael, which ignores the fact of Ireland’s international standing.’
“This government’s own Programme For Government included a pledge to keep the triple lock. This government has absolutely no mandate to now change it, against the will of the Irish people.”
MacManus pledged his own party’s continuing support for Irish neutrality, “It is clear that Fianna Fáil are performing a hypocritical u-turn that is not in Ireland’s interests. Sinn Féin are committed to standing up for Ireland’s interests and protecting Irish neutrality.”
MacManus concluded, “Fianna Fáil MEPs cannot be trusted on neutrality. Fianna Fáil candidates such as Barry Cowen, Lisa Chambers and Niall Blaney must tell voters if they support Micheál Martin’s plan to undermine neutrality.” ENDS
