Seán Kelly’s cheerleading on CETA is damaging for Ireland

Liadh Ní Riada has expressed her disappointment that the only Irish representative on the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee (INTA) has no interest in standing up for Ireland’s rights or sovereignty.

The Ireland South MEP was speaking after Fine Gael representative, Sean Kelly, released a statement commending himself for voting in favour of the controversial CETA trade deal today.

“Not only am I disappointed that this dangerous and regressive deal is now one step closer to becoming a reality but I am baffled that Sean Kelly appears to be cheer leading it,” she said.

“CETA will have huge implications for Irish workers, businesses, consumers and farmers. It is bad for democracy and will undermine the Irish judicial system.

“It threatens regulations that protect our environment, food production and access to affordable medicines as well as encouraging privatisation wherever possible, including in our healthcare, energy, water and transport sectors.

“This is a corporate deal that will allow companies to sue national governments if they introduce laws that damage their profits, it is utter madness and an assault on Irish sovereignty.

“Given the regime change in the US CETA is also being used by American companies, 80% of which have branches in Canada, to introduce TTIP, another dodgy corporate deal, by the back door.

“I would encourage everybody to educate themselves on this deal and to find out what it really means for them. Fine Gael are now so confident they can bring it into Ireland that they have switched from doing it by stealth to trumpeting their every vote in its favour.

“Sinn Féin representatives both at home and in Europe will continue to fight this deal but we need people to mobilise behind us to stop it in its tracks.

“Cheer leading for CETA might get Sean Kelly a pat on the head from the corporate lobbyists in Brussels but it will do him no favours with the Irish people.”