McCann aligns himself with Tory right wingers - McCartney

“Both Eamonn McCann and his People Before Profit colleague Gerry Carroll effectively aligned themselves with the Tory little Englanders when they refused to support a motion in the Assembly in support of special EU status for the north of Ireland causing the motion to be defeated by one vote,” said Mr. McCartney.

“They have effectively aligned themselves on the same pro-Brexit side as Theresa May, Boris Johnston and Nigel Farage.

“Students and young people, victims groups, community groups and Irish language organisations have already raised concerns about the potential impact of Brexit.”

Mr. McCartney said leaving the E.U. could irreparably damage Derry and the North West’s economy.

“The Foyle constituency voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU. Our community is solidly in favour of remaining in the EU.

“The loss of EU support and investment into the North West will mean less jobs, will hit the local economy hard and the quality of life for everyone will be negatively impacted.

“We are already seeing higher living costs and increased hardship and we are only in the early stages of the aftermath of this decision.

“The spectre of a hard border, a return to border checkpoints and immigration controls is now right back on the agenda of the British Tory Government.”

In the past, Mr. McCann made no secret of his desire for the U.K. to leave the E.U. and Mr. McCartney accused him of siding with British Prime Minister Theresa May.

“People who have come to the North from countries across the world and made it their home and contribute positively to our community face an uncertain future with the terrible prospect of being forced to leave when Brexit is implemented. These are people who work hard and, most notably, save lives every day in our local hospitals.

“Eamonn McCann’s failure to support the motion is a vote for Theresa May and her band of Brexiteers and the inevitable appalling consequences.

“The majority of people here voted to remain in the EU and that vote must be respected,” he concluded.