Sinn Féin are characteristically incoherent on Nature Restoration vote – Doherty

Sinn Fein’s typical incoherence is on display once again with the party’s ambiguous stance on Nature Restoration, according to Senator and Fine Gael MEP Candidate Regina Doherty.

Senator Doherty, Fine Gael’s MEP candidate for Dublin, said: “The EU’S Nature Restoration legislation, which sets new targets for the restoration of 20% of Europe’s land and sea by 2030, passed by a margin of 54 votes in the European Parliament today.

“All five of our Fine Gael MEPs broke ranks with their colleagues in the European People’s Party to vote in favour of the Nature Restoration Law, because it was the right thing to do.

“The European Environment Agency points to a staggering 80% of protected habitats across the EU being endangered. The time for action on nature restoration is now. Today’s vote was the final hurdle of an objective that will place the onus on member states to plan how they will implement the new targets set out in the draft text.

“There is confidence now that the legislation achieves a balance between necessary action to improve biodiversity, and Ireland’s food security.

“The unanimity of the Fine Gael MEPs in voting for the Nature Restoration Law, and against most of the EPP Group, speaks volumes. The same cannot be said for Sinn Féin.

“Sinn Féin’s only MEP, Chris MacManus (Midlands-Northwest), welcomed progress on the Nature Restoration Law last June, following a revised text that he said “reflected the wishes of farming communities”[1]. Today, however, he voted against the legislation; against restoring nature[2].

“We’re used to Sinn Féin flip-flopping on climate action, so it shouldn’t come as no surprise that – despite the party’s MEP voting against the Nature Restoration Law – their MEP candidate for Dublin, Lynn Boylan, tweeted in support of its ratification by the European Parliament[3].

“Where do they stand? How can we trust them to do the right thing?

“For a party that believes it can lead the next government, Sinn Féin’s ambiguity on a range of important matters needs to be addressed. I am calling on the party to clarify their formal position on today’s vote, which is expected to be ratified by the Council in March.

“I’m proud of the integrity of our Fine Gael MEPs, particularly in contrast with Sinn Féin’s characteristic incoherence on climate action”, Senator Doherty concluded.

[1] “New restoration law text strikes a balance for nature and farmers” – Chris MacManus MEP – Sinn Féin (sinnfein.ie)

[2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/PV-9-2024-02-27-RCV_EN.pdf#page69

[3] https://x.com/lnbdublin/status/1762442102456164559?s=46