Oath of allegiance rule may be relaxed
Sinn Fein MEPs may soon get offices in Westminster in spite of their refusal to sit in the British House of Commons.
At the moment, they are denied access to offices and other privileges because of their refusal to swear an oath of allegiance to the Queen.
It is understood the British government will shortly put forward a proposal to change the rule barring Sinn Fein from getting offices and other services at Westminster.
Sinn Fein says that it is entitled to office space in the House of Commons, even though it has refused to take up its seats. The speaker, Michael Martin, is on record saying MPs will only be granted
offices if they swear an oath of allegiance to Queen Elizabeth.
It is thought reform proposals will be presented to the British MPs before the Christmas recess.
The Conservative Party has accused the British Government of giving Sinn Fein a propaganda victory as well as public money.
