MEPs’ tribute to Bairbre de Brún’s work on climate change and Palestine

Bairbre topped the poll in the 2009 European elections

THE MEPs in the European United Left/Nordic Green Left group (GUE/NGL) in the European Parliament have paid tribute to Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún who last week resigned for personal reasons. She topped the poll in the 2009 European elections.

GUE/NGL has 34 members from 12 European member states and 17 political parties, including Sinn Féin and the Socialist Party.

GUE/NGL leader Gabriele ‘Gabi’ Zimmer said:

“Bairbre has made a massive contribution to the work of the GUE/NGL group during her terms in the European Parliament.

“Best known for her work on the Environment Committee and especially for her tireless work on the issue of climate change as a representative of the Parliament at successive UN climate summits, she will be missed as a remarkable negotiator, as a friend and colleague.”

Gabi added:

“Bairbre has also been active on the Regional Development and Petitions Committees and as a member of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council. All of her MEP colleagues and friends look forward to continuing to benefit from her expertise on these issues in the future.”

In Ireland, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD said:

“Bairbre has taken this decision for personal reasons and I would ask that the media and others respect her privacy in this matter.

“I have worked closely with Bairbre for over 30 years in the leadership of Sinn Féin. She has served diligently and effectively in a variety of roles including head of our International Department, a Good Friday Agreement negotiator, an MLA for west Belfast, a Minister in the Executive and latterly as MEP for the Six Counties.

“While Bairbre has resigned from her current position in the European Parliament, she remains a senior figure within Sinn Féin.

 “The party will now begin the task of selecting a new MEP at a convention.

“I thank Bairbre for her work over many years and for her friendship and look forward to working with her in the future. Republicans everywhere, I am sure, will join me in extending best wishes.”