John Manley.Irish News (Belfast). Saturday, June 4, 2016

n PLEASE STAY: Martin McGuinness says Britain’s withdrawal from the EU would be a setback for human rights and workers’ benefits Picture: Hugh Russell
Sinn Féin has nailed its colours firmly to the pro-EU mast by urging its supporters to vote ‘remain’ on June 23.

Launching the party’s ‘Putting Ireland First – Vote Remain’ campaign in Belfast yesterday, deputy first minister Martin McGuinness said a so-called Brexit would be bad for Irish businesses and farmers, as well as a setback for human rights and workers’ rights.

Sinn Féin characterises its approach to the EU as one of “critical engagement”.

“The European Union is far from perfect but the only way to address that and change it is from within,” Mr McGuinness said.

The Foyle MLA said many aspects of society in the north had received support from Brussels, including the community groups, businesses and the farming sector.

“We cannot allow the narrow interests of a section of the Tory party, which was not elected by the people of the north, to take us out of Europe and set our political agenda,” he said.

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson said a Brexit would be “disastrous for Ireland north and south”.

“We in the north, would be shackled to a Britain with a hostile, hawkish Tory government, wedded to the failed policies of austerity – a peripheral region of a peripheral state on the periphery of Europe,” she said.

“We critically engage with the EU, supporting what is right and good for Ireland while challenge shortcomings wherever we find them.”