Sinn Féin joins extreme anti-European parties to oppose EU-US trade deal – Doyle

“Sinn Féin have teamed up with the anti-European French National Front and UK Independence Party to oppose the latest stage of the EU – US trade deal (TTIP) which is aimed at increasing growth, jobs and investment in the European Union,” says Andrew Doyle, Fine Gael TD for Wicklow. 

Sinn Féin voted against the ongoing EU-US trade talks in the European Parliament today (Wednesday). 

“Fine Gael strongly supports the negotiations to establish a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Today, a majority of MEPs voted in support of the TTIP, signalling a political willingness across Europe for negotiations to continue.

“An EU-US trade deal has the potential to create 5,000 to 10,000 extra jobs in exporting companies and boost growth in the Irish economy. This is what Sinn Féin oppose.

“As a small open economy Ireland’s ability to grow and create jobs is directly linked to our ability to sell our goods and services overseas. An EU-US trade deal, which the subject of current negotiations, will allow Ireland grow its trade with the US and grow jobs back at home. This is what Sinn Féin oppose.

“TTIP is also expected to increase Irish agriculture exports by 2% to 3%. This is what Sinn Féin oppose.

“Sinn Fein oppose jobs and sustainable growth in favour of fantasy economics. Now they have found new political friends in the French National Front and UK Independents from who they can learn even more fantastical economic ideas. 

“My four Fine Gael colleagues in the European Parliament have welcomed today’s vote by the European Parliament as an important political endorsement of the ongoing negotiating process.”