McDonald: Le Pen will damage 'no' campaign

Reacting to news that Jean Marie Le Pen is to come to Dublin next month to campaign against the Reform Treaty, Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald said Mr Le Pen’s politics are not welcome and he will most likely end up helping the 'yes' campaign.

"While we can not stop Mr Le Pen from coming here and we are all supporters of free speech it would be preferable if Mr Le Pen stayed away as I fear he will only damage the no campaign with his narrow brand of xenophobic politics.

"Le Pen is fighting the Lisbon Treaty on a completely different stance to that of Sinn Féin and other 'no' campaigners in this country.

"While we cannot stop people from all over the EU from coming to Ireland to campaign on both sides of this debate it is the Irish people who will ultimately decide whether or not to ratify this treaty.

"If Mr Le Pen really wants a no vote in this referendum then the best thing he can do is to stay away. Sinn Féin will not be extending any welcome to him."