IRISH Members of the European Parliament need to explain why they voted against a resolution on Russian aggression against Ukraine this week, according to Limerick Fine Gael TD Patrick O’Donovan.
MEPs in Brussels were voting on a Joint Motion for Resolution on Russian aggression against Ukraine during a European Parliament plenary session on Tuesday.
“The people of the Ireland need a full explanation from those Irish MEPs who voted against resolution today condemning Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine,” said Deputy O’Donovan after the vote was held.
He continued: “The Irish MEPs need to explain why they voted the way they did on such an important vote in the name of Irish people. We did not send them to Brussels to behave like this.
“They need to come clean on why they did this. They need to apologise to the Ukrainian people living In Ireland, to the Irish people who voted for them. Nothing else will be acceptable and anything short of that should be reason for them to consider their positions as Irish MEPs.”
Five Fine Gael MEPs, including Ireland South representatives Seán Kelly and Deirdre Clune voted in favour of the motion
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Leader of Fine Gael in the EU Parliament, Seán Kelly MEP said: “The unprovoked, illegal attack inflicted on Ukraine by Russia must be condemned in the strongest possible way. It goes without saying that it is completely unjustified and reprehensible – it would be morally wrong to say otherwise.”
Mr Kelly welcomed EU actions and sanctions taken against Russia and also heavily criticised the Belarusian regime’s support for Russia and role in its aggression against Ukraine.
He also welcomed the Parliament’s endorsement of candidate status for Ukraine.
