Sinn Féin 'not welcome in Europe'

The SDLP’s European candidate Martin Morgan today condemned the “duplicitous” politics of nationalist rivals Sinn Féin.

Mr Morgan, speaking at the launch of his party’s manifesto in Belfast, said politicians throughout Europe believed the prospect of Sinn Féin being elected to the European Parliament was abhorrent.

The SDLP, which has had an MEP since 1979, is under pressure from Sinn Féin, which overtook it as the largest nationalist party in last November's Assembly elections.

Mr Morgan said despite courting many political parties throughout Europe, Sinn Féin had failed so far to find a home within one of the major groupings.

“This is because they (Sinn Féin) don’t have any pedigree or credibility or record on European matters and because of the duplicitous nature of their politics,” he said.

He added: “When Sinn Féin talk about equality and human rights for a lot people inside and outside this room I think that leaves a very sour taste in terms of the behaviour of paramilitaries on the streets of Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.

John Hume, the former SDLP leader, who is standing down after 25 years as an MEP, claimed that Northern Ireland’s place within Europe would be diminished if Sinn Féin and Ian Paisley’s Democratic Unionists were both returned.

“They don’t belong to any group. If they got up and spoke they wouldn’t even have a seconder. Just imagine the image that would give to Northern Ireland.”

Mr Hume argued that as a member of the socialist grouping within the parliament he has had the ear of commissioners and prime ministers.

He added: “This is about real politics, not flag waving. It’s about the real issues in the modern world and modern Europe.”

Mr Morgan said he was confident that the people of Northern Ireland would return himself as the major pro-European candidate.

“We are fighting a professional energetic campaign. We are looking to retain our seat.”

Asked about who SDLP voters should transfer to, he added that was a matter for their discretion.

“Our policy is to vote SDLP number one. The electorate can make up their minds after that.”