Letter: Are Sinn Fein pair real MPs?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Are Sinn Fein pair real MPs?
Sir: Dr Oliver Rafferty (letter, 16 May) makes a bizarre claim that the Speaker's decision to refuse Commons facilities to Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness amounts to a repudiation by the British ruling classes of the results of the testing by Adams and McGuinness of their claims at the ballot box and the setting aside of the democratic choices of Northern Ireland nationalists. Their decision to refuse to take their seats amounts to a deliberate disenfranchisement of all their respective constituents.
They are not in any real sense Members of Parliament until they accept the rules of joining that parliament, namely swearing the oath of allegiance. They were elected "to serve" as Members of Parliament: if they will not serve, how can they be entitled to any related facilities?
Those who voted for Adams and McGuinness may be happy for them not to take their seats, but should not the disenfranchised voters of these two constituencies have the right to representation in Parliament? If the winner of an election refuses to take his seat, why aren't the voters entitled to a by-election?
MICHAEL VARCOE-COCKS
London W6
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments