SINN FÉIN HAS come under stinging criticism from government ministers and MEPs after the party voted against funding for the EU’s €90 billion support package for Ukraine.

Junior minister for foreign affairs Thomas Byrne called it “reprehensible”, while Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews declared it an example of Sinn Féin going “full mé féin” while people in Kyiv suffer from Russian barrage during the cold weather.

Sinn Féin defended itself against the criticism, with its MEP Kathleen Funchion adamant that the funding package approved today is “not a peace initiative” and instead “prioritises military escalation” over diplomacy.

The package was approved by the parliament despite the opposition.

🇮🇪🇺🇦 Sinn Féin go full mé féin, as people in Kyiv freeze. https://t.co/fDyk1QHefE

— Barry Andrews MEP (@BarryAndrewsMEP) February 11, 2026

“Sinn Féin will not allow Ireland’s neutrality to be hollowed out, nor our resources to be used to finance a war,” Funchion said.

“We have supported and continue to support assistance to Ukraine for civilian, humanitarian and non-military purposes.”

The Ireland South MEP said that the party is committed to providing civilian, humanitarian and non-military support.

“The majority of this funding is intended for weapons and military expenditure. This loan would escalate the conflict without a credible diplomatic process or pathway to lasting peace,” Funchion added.

In response to today’s vote, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Byrne said on social media that it’s a decision that “will please Putin, while in Ukraine, our fellow Europeans defend themselves from Putin’s terror”.

Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty claimed today’s decision follows a “clear pattern” of votes against support for Ukraine over the last two years.

Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty claimed today’s decision follows a “clear pattern” of votes against support for Ukraine over the last two years.

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Doherty said the vote exposes a deep strain of Euroscepticism within Sinn Féin and a failure to understand what is driving Ireland’s cost of living pressures.

“Sinn Féin love the optics. They turn up to protests and talk about solidarity. But when the vote actually matters, they turn their backs on Ukraine. That is hypocrisy.”

She said the position makes a mockery of Sinn Féin’s constant focus on energy bills.

“Russia’s war has driven up energy prices across Europe. You cannot vote against supporting Ukraine and then pretend to care about what families are paying every month. It simply does not add up.”

When the party voted against a motion on the funding package in the Dáil last month, Tánaiste Simon Harris said he was “horrified”.

The Fine Gael leader further argued that parties “can’t just support Ukraine with words”, but with money as well.