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PR: YD Accuses FF of Attempting to Scapegoat the Stem Cell Issue
01.03.2003
While Youth Defence today expressed their disappointment at the outcome of the European Parliament vote on EU funding for embryo destruction, the agenda of the Irish Government became much more apparent. Yesterday a memo was released explaining Ireland's position to all Irish MEP's which is that the Government is not opposed to the commission's proposal to allow funding for embryonic stem cell research. This action suggests that the Irish Government was giving the MEP's the go-ahead to vote in favour of such funding.
In a statement today YD Chairman Eoghan de Faoite said; "Yesterday the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs sent a notice to all Irish MEP's stating that the Irish Government would not oppose the commission's proposal. Today all Fianna Fail MEP's rejected the proposal. We have to ask ourselves -- are Fianna Fail trying to scapegoat the issue?"
It comes as no surprise that Fianna Fail are attempting to play both fields; they have a long history of saying one thing and doing another. But this has gone too far. Fianna Fail and their MEP's must either be in agreement to vote against EU funding of destructive embryo research or stop misleading the Irish people. Youth Defence insist that the Irish government stop playing games on this crucial issue and make a clear and unambiguous public statement of their intentions.
Eoghan de Faoite added "Fianna Fails position does not surprise me. We all know that the Taoiseach could exercise his authority over the Tanaiste and withdraw Ireland's support for this funding however with just over a week to the vote it doesn't look likely that he will do that."
Youth Defence demand that Fianna Fail stop playing ball for the government and for the opposition. The actions of the Fianna Fail MEP's today is in direct contrast to the stance taken by the Fianna Fail / PD government and shines some light on the agenda of this political party.
Eoghan de Faoite concluded; "This government are behaving like a bunch of circus clowns instead of national representatives. They are railroading ahead with support for funding despite FF MEP's rejecting the commission's proposal and having absolutely no mandate for voting in favour of this funding."
End
