Democratic Representation in Europe must be retained by northern citizens – Anderson

Sinn Féin MEP for the north Martina Anderson has said today that it is crucial that northern citizens retain democratic representation in the EU. The MEP from Derry said that this could be achieved by the creation of a constituency for the north which would have two seats.

She was speaking as Sinn Féin published its submission to the Constituency Commission dealing with the upcoming European elections and the number of Irish seats increasing in the face of Brexit.

Ms Anderson said:

“Sinn Féin believe that it is vital that the citizens of the north continue to be represented in the European Parliament.

“To this end, we are proposing that the Constituency Comission consider the creation of an additional constituency, one for the north. It would have two MEPs, the two that Ireland are set to receive as Britain leaves the EU.

“We are not asking for voters in the south to sacrifice existing representation, merely help preserve that right for those who did not vote for Brexit but are now forced to accept the ramifications of others’ shortsightedness.

“Furthermore, this submission is merely a first step in a process. We are willing to work with the Commission to tease out the idea of representation for the north, but we are here today to stand for EU citizens in the north and their rights which some would see stripped away.

“Let us not forget that the north did not vote for Brexit. They see the value of EU membership and of being closer to Ireland and the EU than left at the tender mercies of Westminster alone.

“British and Irish citizens from the north of Ireland deserve representation in the European Parliament and this is what we are proposing today.”

Note: Please see the submission attached