Sinn Féin could have ‘neutralised’ DUP’s Brexit veto by taking seats – Bruton
Marking centenary of 1918 general election ex-taoiseach says abstention has ‘substantial downsides’
John Bruton: ‘I think the DUP veto wouldn’t apply, essentially (if they took their seats),’ he said. Photograph: Tom Honan/The Irish Times.
Sinn Féin could have “neutralised” the Democratic Unionist Party’s crucial veto on the outcome of Brexit by taking their seats at Westminster, former taoiseach John Bruton has said.
History shows that abstention from parliament by Irish politicians has “substantial downsides”, he said in a speech in Dublin to mark the centenary of the pivotal 1918 general election, which led to the first Dáil and Irish independence.