Joint Statement from FF Chairman Brendan Smith and Whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Fianna Fáil has been affiliated to the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) since 2009. In the last five years, Fianna Fáil MEPs have voted with the ALDE group in parliament.

This group’s policy platform mirrors most closely the policy principles that Fianna Fáil want to highlight in the European parliament on behalf of the Irish people. ALDE has argued for increased investment in job creation, youth unemployment and social and economic development across the EU.

In response to MEP Brian Crowley’s stated intentions to unilaterally join the European Conservative and Reformists Group (ECR) Fianna Fáil Chairman Brendan Smith and FF Whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl commented: “We are disappointed with Brian’s personal decision to join the ECR and by doing so align himself to policies and political parties that directly contradict core principles of the Fianna Fáil organisation. These include the group’s Eurosceptic stance and its position on membership of the Eurozone. Indeed, a number of the parties in this right wing grouping stand in direct opposition to Fianna Fáil’s Republican ethos and tradition.

“This is unacceptable, particularly given the fact that Brian successfully ran for election under the ALDE banner. ALDE had also committed to and agreed to Brian’s request to keep on two administrative staff for the coming parliamentary session.

“Fianna Fáil remains a committed member of the ALDE party and Brian Crowley’s decision to leave will be discussed at the weekly Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party meeting in Leinster House tomorrow.”