Prodi remarks on two-speed Europe confirm need for new direction

Sinn Féin Six-County EU candidate Bairbre de Brún MLA says comments by EU Commissioner Romano Prodi and by German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder about a two-speed Europe reinforce Sinn Féin's argument that the EU is heading in that direction and that smaller countries will lose out.

"Protestations at comments from Romano Prodi and Gerhard Schröder ring very hollow. Sinn Féin has, over a number of referenda on the future of the Union, voiced our concerns at the negative development of a two-speed Europe where bigger nations will increasingly dictate the pace of progress across a broad range of issues. During recent debates and referenda in the 26 Counties, Bertie Ahern and his Government were constantly dismissing our party for scaremongering.

"However, it is clear from these latest comments from two of the most powerful and influential people in the European Union that Sinn Féin's analysis of the situation was correct.

"No amount of spin can disguise the fact that the EU is becoming increasingly centralised, with power concentrated in the hands of a few big states while smaller countries like Ireland are left with little or no influence or control over their own destinies. It is vital that persuaders for a new direction within the EU come to the forefront as we face this critical period in the development of the EU."