Speaking as the results of the French and Greek elections come in Sinn Féin Foreign Affairs spokesperson Padraig Mac Lochlainn said that “the people of France and Greece have said No to austerity and by a clear majority supported parties arguing against austerity and in favour of investment in jobs and growth.”
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said: “Election results in Greece and France tonight have dealt a body blow to the policies of austerity and to the Austerity Treaty. In France an anti Treaty President has won the election. In Greece those arguing against austerity have roundly defeated pro-austerity parties.
“The significance of these elections for Ireland is clear. Just as France and Greece have rejected austerity so too should the people of this state.
“While Fine Gael and Labour continue to support the failed policies of Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy, the electorates of France and Greece have said enough is enough. People have had enough of austerity and want a new approach.
“Political leaders across Europe must take notice. They cannot continue with the failed policies of austerity. They must listen to the democratically expressed wishes of people in France and Greece.
“On May 31st the electorate in this state must follow the lead of people in France and Greece in opposing austerity. Voting against the Austerity Treaty will strengthen the hand of the growing European wide movement against austerity and strengthen the demand for investment in jobs and growth.”
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