SF launches campaign against referendum

Sinn Féin has launched its campaign for a No vote in the Government’s proposed citizenship referendum.

The party has accused the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition of using the referendum as a diversionary tactic to take the spotlight of other, more pressing political issues like hospital waiting lists and the housing crisis.

It also said there was no evidence to support Government claims that Ireland’s citizenship laws were being abused by non-nationals.

Sinn Féin said the referendum was racist and showed that the Government did not believe all children were equal.

It also said the proposed amendment could have adverse consequences for the Good Friday Agreement.