Ferris: FF and FG Have Questions to Answer on Shell
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Natural Resources Martin Ferris TD, has
called
on Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to make a public statement in relation
to
any donations they may have received from Shell or Enterprise Energy
Ireland
since 1992. Deputy Ferris said that a public declaration from both
parties
would help to address the perception that those involved in the
Corrib
project have what former Statoil Ireland Director Mike Cunningham
described
as an “unhealthy relationship” with the political establishment.
Deputy
Ferris said: “While it is public knowledge that Enterprise Energy,
since
taken over by Shell, hosted Fianna Fáil fund-raising events at the
Galway
Races, there is a wider need to know whether, and to what extent,
both
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have been supported by companies involved in
the
Corrib project. That is why I am calling on them to state publicly if
this
was the case, particularly in the period prior to the legislation
requiring
that disclosure of donations came into effect.
Deputy Ferris also
dismissed the latest attempt by the Government and Shell
to portray
themselves as willing to compromise on the issue of the Mayo
pipeline.
“Shell
have stated that they will not carry out any work off-shore until
further
discussion takes place. The fact is that sea conditions will soon
make
it impossible for Shell to work offshore over the Autumn and Winter.
Besides
that, such is the level of support for the imprisoned men and their
demand
that the gas be processed offshore that Shell will encounter strong
resistance
to any attempt to carry out work, whether on land or at sea”.
ENDS