THERE are signs of a split emerging at the highest levels of Sinn Fein after Martin McGuinness declined to rule out the possibility of the party’s four MPs taking their seats at Westminster to cast potentially crucial votes against Brexit.
The Deputy First Minister told a Press conference at Stormont: “Who knows where all of this is going to end up?
“There is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that all of us face immense challenges that lie ahead.
“But one thing is for sure and that is I have no faith in the British Parliament supporting the democratically expressed wishes of the people of the North to remain in Europe.”
That went against Sinn Fein spokesman Michael McMonagle who was quoted by London’s Times newspaper as indicating that the republican party would not change its long-held position under any circumstances.
“Our policy is quite clear and it’s one that we have maintained at every election,” he added.
“We will not lift abstentionism, and it’s a policy that has been strongly supported by the electorate.”
Sinn Fein has a policy of not taking up any seats at Westminster.
The party contests the relevant elections, but does not sit in Parliament.
Mr McGuinness’s announcement came after party leader Gerry Adams told RTE that Sinn Fein would not take seats to exploit the opportunity to vote against leaving the European Union.
“No, and you knew the answer to that before you asked me,” the Sinn Fein president said after he was asked if the party was planning to change its position over sitting in Westminster.
Mr McGuinness’s refusal to rule out the move came after the High Court ruled that MPs must approve plans to trigger Article 50 and instigate Brexit.
British Prime Minister Theresa May wants to trigger Article 50 by next March.
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