Fine Gael “dithering” on Von der Leyen, says Doolan

Sinn Féin European candidate Daithí Doolan said that Fine Gael are “in a state of confusion” when it comes to supporting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Doolan joined fellow European candidate Aodhán Ó Ríordáin in criticising Fine Gael’s implicit support of Von Der Leyen, who has come under intense scrutiny for her handling of the Israeli-Gaza conflict.

Von Der Leyen is the head of the European People’s Party which is Fine Gael’s grouping in the European parliament.

“The current European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen should not be rewarded with a second term,” Doolan said.

“Von der Leyen’s expression of unqualified support to Israel’s genocidal attacks in Gaza was shameful and undermined public confidence in her office. Her comments gave political and moral cover to Israel’s crimes against humanity.”

“Von der Leyen has damaged the EU’s reputation on the world stage. Her comments have undermined any future attempts by the EU to facilitate a ceasefire or support a long-term peace process in the region.”

Doolan said that Fine Gael does not have a consistent position on Von Der Leyen and called for clarity.”

“Fine Gael MEPs appear confused and divided on this important matter. Frances Fitzgerald confirmed in a tweet that she is looking forward to supporting Von der Leyen. Meanwhile her colleague Colm Markey, speaking during last night’s debate with me in UCD, spoke out against the Von der Leyen Commission and supported Sinn Féin’s position that she must not be reelected to a second term.”

“The least the public can expect from MEPs and EU candidates is clarity and consistency on this important matter. Fine Gael are clearly speaking out both sides of their mouth. The electorate deserves better than this.”