Go to Westminster and stop hard Brexit, Irish Prime Minister tells Sinn Fein Sinn Féin should end its century-old policy of not taking its seats at Westminster in order to put a spanner […]

Sinn Féin should end its century-old policy of not taking its seats at Westminster in order to put a spanner in the works of hard Brexit, Ireland’s Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.

The party, which has four MPs who do not participate in Parliament, could hold the balance of power in a tight vote about backing a customs union with the EU after Brexit, according to Mr Varadkar.

“I do think it is important that people who do have influence, people who could attend, bear in mind the effect that they could have,” he said.

“It is often the case, historically, that Irish MPs elected in the House of Commons find that their votes don’t matter but if you look back historically there actually were periods when they held the balance of power and were really able to make things better for Ireland. I would hope that those who could cast their votes will bear that in mind.”

Not up for discussion

The push comes after Jeremy Corbyn’s Brexit speech in Coventry yesterday outlined general support for a customs union.

If Labour was to team up with the Lib Dems, SNP and Tory Remainer rebels, it could defeat the Government and make a major intervention over the course of Brexit.

Sinn Féin, not for the first time during the course of Brexit debate, made clear that it is not about to change course, however. “This is not even a topic of discussion within the party,” a spokesman told the Times.

The leader of the Irish Labour Party, unrelated to the British version, also supported the call for Sinn Féin to represent Ireland’s interests in Parliament.

“The confirmation that the British Labour Party will support amendments tabled by Tory Brexit dissenters mandating the UK government to negotiate a customs union with the EU is a potential game changer for Ireland.” said Brendan Howlin.

Defend the interests of Ireland

“There is now a real possibility that the Brexit government could be defeated on this issue. The outcome of the historic vote could hinge on votes of currently absent Sinn Fein MPs.

“It is now time for Sinn Fein to step up to the plate and defend the interests of the island of Ireland.”

Sinn Féin first won a seat at Westminster before Irish independence in a by-election in 1917, and went on to win 73 in the 1918 general election. However, its representatives set up an alternative parliament in Ireland, a predecessor to the post-independence Dáil – and when Northern Ireland was created, its representatives there continued to snub London.

Before that, however, the Irish Parliamentary Party held the balance of power in 1885, securing a promise of devolution from William Gladstone for their support.