17/07/2018

Brexit: Sinn Fein Slammed Over Abstentionist Policy

Sinn Fein has been slammed over its abstentionist policy after the government closely avoided defeat in Brexit votes on Monday, 16 July.

Two key amendments to the Customs Bill were voted through on by just three votes.

Sinn Fein has dismissed the criticism of not taking its seats.

Fianna FAIL TD Michael Martin tweeted: "Hardline Brexiteers won last evening's Westminster vote because of Sinn Fein abstentionism. Anti Brexit majority in Northern Ireland not represented in any forum. Durkan, Ritchie and Mcdonnell would have defeated that damaging vote for Ireland."

Fine Gaels Charlie Flanagan tweeted: "The refusal by Sinn Fein to take up its Westminster seats has plunged the British PM in to the clutches of the hard Brexiteers again. Government wins knife edge vote by wafer thin margin. #Brexit."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood tweeted: "To those who say Westminster doesn’t matter – wake up. Our future is being torn apart by the British Government. Abstentionism is not acceptable. Sinn Fein gift Theresa May a win over Brexit. SDLP MPs would have been there to stop Tories."

Sinn Fein senator Niall O Donnghaile tweeted: "Wake up. Nationalism has turned its back on Westminster. Wake up. Every nationalist constituency in the North elected an abstentionist MP. Wake up. Nationalism looks to Dublin (where the SDLP abstain from politics) for their political futures. Wake up."

(CD/MH)

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