Fine Gael links to Viktor Orban’s right-wing party heavily criticised
FINE Gael’s links to the hard-right party of Viktor Orban in Hungary have been heavily criticised by a potential rival candidate in the forthcoming European Parliament elections.
Wexford councillor Malcolm Byrne, who is seeking a nomination for Fianna Fáil in the South constituency, said many people would be horrified that Fine Gael was in the same political grouping as Mr Orban.
“These European elections will be a debate on the values and direction of Europe and we need to stand up for democracy, the rule of law and citizens’ rights,
especially against populist extremists,” Mr Byrne told the Irish Independent.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has previously defended meeting Mr Orban, saying that people should “not be afraid to raise issues where you don’t agree”.