Sinn Féin shortchanging those who trust them

As the leading party in the no campaign, Sinn Féin has a duty to its followers to act responsibly on their behalf. It has singularly failed to do so.

By holding firm to a narrow interpretation of the rules governing a future bailout, should we need it, Sinn Féin is shortchanging those who have put their trust in its judgement. Because European and global politics is about more than just a set of binding rules related to ongoing agreements, the question of how governments behave is vitally important.

It is bad enough that we are viewed as the “referendum capital” of the eurozone, but for voters to say no to an agreement that is designed to ensure fair play amongst all member states would be a clear signal that we can no longer be trusted to act responsibly.

Sinn Féin has prospered on the perceived notion that it has cut all ties to paramilitary activity, and should know better than anyone that, in politics, perception is everything.

Niall Ginty

59 The Demesne

Killester

Dublin 5