MEP Maria Walsh has strongly criticised the two Sinn Féin MEPs who failed to support a key resolution on Ukraine in the European Parliament today.
MEPs Lynn Boylan and Kathleen Funchion abstained from a vote on the European Parliament’s support for Ukraine, once again raising questions as to their stance on Russia and the illegal and abhorrent actions of Vladimir Putin.
MEP Michael McNamara voted against the resolution, the only member of his European Parliament political group, Renew, to do so.
MEP Maria Walsh said:
“Once again, we see Sinn Féin showing their true colours in the European Parliament by failing to vote in favour of key EU support for Ukraine. The resolution, which was passed by a majority of 442 votes, strongly condemns Russia’s illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.
“The resolution denounces Russia’s aggression as an “existential threat to European security and stability”, demands the return of “all detained Ukrainians, especially children”, and states that Russia’s “use of sexual violence and rape as a weapon of war” constitutes a war crime for which they must be held accountable.
“Whenever the Parliament votes on Russian aggression, the topic emerges as the clear point where far-right and far-left MEPs meet and agree on an ideological basis.
“Abstaining from a vote of this importance, given the current geo-political climate, is shameful. MEPs Boylan and Funchion might try to hide from this by using Ireland’s neutrality as an excuse for their abstention. This would be an insult to the millions of people that have been displaced and the thousands that have been murdered since February 2022.
“This anti-European stance from Sinn Féin is nothing new; the Party has advocated for a No vote in every European treaty put to the Irish public. The Party also actively campaigned against Ireland joining the EU.
“Today’s votes also follow on from the Party’s historical pro-Russian voting record in Europe. Last year, then Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus abstained on the European Parliament’s ‘Russiagate’ Resolution on Russian interference and alleged spying. In 2022, MacManus voted against a European Parliament resolution which supported Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
“I am proud to be part of the Fine Gael party and the EPP Group which have been steadfast in our support for Ukraine – support which we will continue for as long as it takes to see fair and lasting peace in Ukraine.”
