Sinn Fein split - MEPs divided on European anthem
04 February 2009
Statement by TUV MEP Jim Allister:-
"This morning an interesting split in Sinn Fein emerged in the European Parliament in Strasbourg over the status and respect due to the so called European Anthem, 'Ode to Joy'.
During its playing in the plenary session at the start of a formal sitting for a visiting Head of State, Barbara de Brun stood to attention, while Mary Lou McDonald remained seated, as did Eurosceptics, including myself, across the Chamber.
Clearly, de Brun supports the trappings of statehood which the EU has gathered to itself. Hence, her craven deference to the anthem, the most potent of those trappings.
This mixed message from its two MEPs demonstrates that Sinn Fein is in a muddle over its attitude to the EU. One MEP embraces the symbols of Europhile expansionism, the other studiously sits it out. So, just where does Sinn Fein stand? Is it Eurosceptic in the Republic and Euro-fanatical in Northern Ireland, just as it opposed the Euro currency in the Republic, but wants it in Northern Ireland?
Sinn Fein can't have it both ways - but, then, on its experience in Northern Ireland, it probably thinks it can, because there it can be in government while still glorifying terrorism and retaining its IRA Army Council!"
