Pearse Doherty travelling to Greece on invite of Syriza

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD is travelling to Greece tomorrow on the invite of the Syriza Government as the Greek people make a historic decision on an austerity package linked to a Troika bailout programme.

Speaking as he prepared to travel Deputy Doherty said:

“Sinn Féin stands in solidarity with the people of Greece and firmly against austerity. The actions of the Troika in relation to Greece in recent months have been akin to those of the schoolboy bully.

“Unfortunately, our own government and Michael Noonan in particular has not only stood with the bullyboys but actually put the boot in himself when the opportunity arose.

“I am happy to be travelling to Greece this week as the Greek people make a historic decision this austerity bailout package.

“Two rounds of severe austerity linked to previous bailout deals have not worked for Greece and it is clear that debt relief is needed.

“While other European leaders are trying to paint this as an in out referendum the truth is that this is a choice voting accepting a bailout package that will further damage the Greek economy or on the other hand strengthening the hand of the Greek government in further negotiations.

“That is a decision for the people of Greece to make but if I had a vote it would certainly be a strong no.”

ENDS