Ireland elects too many anti-EU MEPs, says O’Brien

Fianna Fáil Minister Darragh O’Brien says that Irish voters elect too many MEPs who are against the European Union.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, O’Brien, who has been selected as the Director of Elections for Fianna Fáil’s European campaign, specifically cited Mick Wallace and Clare Daly as examples of this kind of politician.

“We have too many anti-EU MEPs in the European Parliament, and Irish people, in the main – every poll is showing – are pro-European and they see the benefits of the European Union,” O’Brien told the newspaper.

“Unfortunately, some of the people who are sent over there are effectively anti-EU or EU-critical and are taking positions on foreign policy that are at odds with the people here and we need to call it out during the campaign.”

“I hope this campaign allows people to be more aware on what our MEPs are actually doing and what they’re voting on and whether are they representing our constituencies.”

Ireland will elect 14 MEPs to Europe this June, the highest number of MEPs returned by Ireland since 1999, with O’Brien saying that incumbent MEP Barry Andrews has been “effectively selected” to be Fianna Fáil’s candidate for Dublin.

O’Brien took issue with Wallace and Daly’s foreign policy, and called on voters to be aware of that when they cast their votes in June.

“I don’t understand Clare Daly’s position with regard to Russia and Ukraine, with regard to Iran,” he said.

“I find that quite disturbing actually,” he said, pointing to Mick Wallace and his views regarding China.

O’Brien said he “actually likes Clare” and has no “beef” with her.

“I’ve no beef with Clare. I’m just making the general point and I think that’s something people will look at, frankly, because thankfully, we’re a broadly positive country in relation to the EU.”

O’Brien also took aim at Sinn Féin MEP Chris McManus, claiming that the MEP has abstained on votes in relation to Russia.

A Sinn Féin spokesperson replied that MacManus “has consistently voted to stand with Ukrainians suffering at the hands of an unjust war instigated by Vladimir Putin,” calling the suggestion “disingenuous and frankly bizarre.”

“This is another desperate attempt by Minister Darragh O’Brien to distract from his appalling record in failing to tackle the housing crisis.”