Doherty: Sinn Féin’s Ukraine vote shows hardline Euroscepticism and clueless economics

Strasbourg 11/02/2026

Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty has said Sinn Féin’s decision to vote against the EU’s €90 billion support package for Ukraine is “shameful, hypocritical and completely out of touch”.

Despite claiming solidarity with Ukraine, Sinn Féin MEPs today voted against vital EU financial assistance for a country fighting for its survival against Russia’s invasion.

Doherty said the vote exposes a deep strain of Euroscepticism within Sinn Féin and a failure to understand what is driving Ireland’s cost of living pressures.

“Sinn Féin love the optics. They turn up to protests and talk about solidarity. But when the vote actually matters, they turn their backs on Ukraine. That is hypocrisy.”

She said the position makes a mockery of Sinn Féin’s constant focus on energy bills.

“Russia’s war has driven up energy prices across Europe. You cannot vote against supporting Ukraine and then pretend to care about what families are paying every month. It simply does not add up.”

Doherty said Sinn Féin MEPs Lynn Boylan and Kathleen Funchion now have questions to answer.

“Lynn Boylan and Kathleen Funchion are elected to represent Ireland’s interests. Voting against critical support for Ukraine shows either a failure to grasp what is happening in Europe or a deliberate decision to ignore it. Neither is good enough.”

She said today’s vote follows a clear pattern since 2024:

• September 2024 – Boylan and Funchion abstained on continued financial and military support for Ukraine
• March 2025 – Boylan and Funchion abstained on continuing unwavering EU support for Ukraine
• July 2025 – Boylan and Funchion abstained on condemning the human cost of Russia’s war
• October 2025 – Boylan and Funchion voted against measures responding to Russian violations of EU airspace and infrastructure
• January 2026 – Boylan and Funchion abstained on enhanced cooperation for the €90bn Ukraine loan
• Today – Sinn Féin MEPs voted against the €90bn package outright

Doherty concluded:

“The war has not changed. Russia has not changed. Only Sinn Féin’s politics have. Ireland stands with Ukraine. Sinn Féin need to explain why they do not.”

ENDS