Crowley should reconsider

Gerard Howlin’s article (Opinion, June 25) highlights the importance of Brian Crowley reconsidering his decision to unilaterally leave the centrist Alliance for Liberals and Democrats in Europe (ALDE) group for the right-wing, eurosceptic European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group.

Fianna Fáil has long had a pro-European stance, from moves under Lemass and Lynch to join the then EEC to playing a major role in the accession of the countries of central and eastern Europe. As a party, we are proud of our strong record in supporting human rights internationally and protecting minorities. Being pro-European does not mean not being critical of some actions of the institutions and the decision-making process but it does mean being constructive in trying to better the lives of all of us who live in Europe.

The parties that comprise the ALDE grouping have differing views, some of which would not be shared by Fianna Fáil, but they have much more in common with us than many of those with whom Brian has apparently chosen to align himself. If we look at Finland, for example, the Centre Party would share many of the Fianna Fáil stances on human rights and agriculture, compared to the far-right True Finns, who could be described as xenophobic and who would oppose any European assistance for Ireland. Marian Harkin, the Independent MEP, remains a member of the ALDE, but would not share all of Fianna Fáil’s views. She does, however, have an open and constructive vision for Europe.

Fianna Fáil’s membership of ALDE was confirmed and recognised at the 2012 Árd Fheis, after the party had hosted a successful ALDE Congress in Dublin. At this year’s Árd Fheis in Killarney, Brian Crowley shared a platform during the European discussion with Graham Watson, the President of the ALDE group.

Brian has said the reason he left was not on principle, but because he wanted to protect two jobs. I understand that ALDE offered to guarantee these but there appears to be some doubt. If this is the reason Brian has left, I am sure that such a minor matter in the scale of things can be sorted. As a party, Fianna Fáil should have no association with xenophobia, racism, homophobia or anti-Semitism and should continue to place human rights as the underpinning central tenet of our foreign policy. This is a value of the ALDE grouping but certainly not of the ECR. I hope Brian will reconsider his decision.

Cllr. Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fáil)

Wexford County Council

The Chase

Gorey, Co Wexford