Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has criticised both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael MEPs for not taking the opportunity to support a vote which called for the Mercusur trade deal to be scrapped.
The Dublin MEP said:
“Parties had two opportunities to back a vote, calling for the EU to scrap the Mercosur trade deal.
“Sinn Féin was the only party to use both opportunities to vote in favour of scrapping the deal. Fine Gael abstained, while Fianna Fáil couldn’t work out if they were for or against the vote.
“This is a missed opportunity to send a clear message that all parties are united in opposition to this rotten trade deal.
“It is also the latest incident that poses questions about where Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael stand on the Mercosur deal.
“Before the general election, the government claimed in the Dáil that they were opposed to the Mercosur deal.
“However, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment failed to rule out opposing the deal when responding to a question from Sinn Féin.
“This came after Simon Harris also failed to rule out opposing the deal when he met with the IFA.
“It is clear that the government parties are talking out of both sides of their mouth, and cannot be trusted to oppose this deal.
“The Mercosur deal is bad for our health, our environment and Ireland as a whole. Sinn Féin will continue to oppose this rotten deal at every opportunity.”
