McDonald: French and Greek elections 'massive blow' for austerity

Sinn Féin has described last night's election results in France and Greece as “a massive blow against the failed policies of austerity in Ireland and across Europe".

"People are sending a clear signal that austerity is not working and that a new approach based on jobs and growth must be found," the party's deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald commented today.

Describing as "cynical in the extreme" comments by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore that the Government shares the French President-elect’s growth agenda, Deputy McDonald said that Msr Hollande is opposed to the EU fiscal treaty in its current form.

"Eamon Gilmore is an enthusiastic supporter of the treaty," she said.

"Francois Hollande is standing up for French interests and demanding investment in growth.

"Eamon Gilmore is implementing a right-wing Fine Gael agenda of cuts, tax hikes and state asset sales."

Deputy McDonald reiterated her party's call for a No vote in the May 31 referendum on the EU fiscal treaty.

“This weekend's election results have shaken the pro-austerity forces across Europe," she said.

"However they have not been dealt a knock-out blow.

"On May 31 the people of this state must reinforce the message from France and Greece that austerity is not working.

"A No vote in Ireland will strengthen the hand of all those arguing for jobs and growth.”