Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly has said it would be "extremely short-sighted" and "irresponsible" of Fianna Fáil to vote against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, claiming it would create upheaval and make it difficult for Michael McGrath to get an important commissionership.
The MEP for Ireland South said that voting against Ms von der Leyen would help the far right secure a major victory in "the most crucial vote probably we will have over the next five years."
Speaking on RTÉ's This Week, he added that Fianna Fáil were taking one issue and not looking at Ms von der Leyen's "great work in the last five years."
Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews confirmed he will be voting against the candidacy of Ms von der Leyen as European Commission president.
The announcement comes ahead of a crucial vote as Ms von Der Leyen looks to cement enough votes for a second term as head of the commission.
"We did reflect, and we gave the time, and we were patient listening to both President von der Leyen herself, but also representatives of the Government to hear the counterbalancing arguments," Mr Andrews said.
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However, Ms von der Leyen's nomination still needs approval from the European Parliament - widely seen as a trickier proposition than her endorsement by EU leaders.
The Dublin MEP said they are not obliged to accept the nomination of the European Council.
"The argument that is being put is really saying we can't vote against any candidate because it might jeopardise the allocation of portfolios.
"I think the issue of Gaza is a far more important issue," the Dublin MEP added.
Also speaking on This Week, he said this morning another 100 civilians have been "slaughtered by the IDF in Gaza."
"We have to take seriously that President von der Leyen has given comfort to Netanyahu consistently since October 7th, and we condemn everything that Hamas has done, but we have to take this into account."
