Fianna Fáil MEP, Billy Kelleher has said that Mick Barry TD’s comments about the EU peacekeeping mission in Mali are a disgrace, and he should apologise to the Irish soldiers serving with distinction in that country.
“In the Dáil today, Deputy Barry once again showed his true colours. Like many others on the hard left, Mick Barry is blinded by his ideology and sees everything through the prism of his jaded form of politics.
“Accusations from Deputy Barry that EU Peacekeepers, bolstered by members of Óglaigh na hÉireann are engaged in activities to protect mineral rights and access to resources really are disgraceful.
“I’m really disappointed that Deputy Barry has attempted to impugn the good work of Irish military personnel serving on the EU peacekeeping mission in Mali.
“He should apologise to the soldiers and to their families at home in Ireland,” concluded Kelleher.