Independent MEP Kathy Sinnott and Independent unionist MEP Jim Allister may face disciplinary proceedings following their participation in protests against the Lisbon Treaty during a session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg last month. Mary Fitzgerald, Foreign Affairs Correspondent, reports.
Dozens of MEPs disrupted a ceremony marking the signing of the EU charter of fundamental rights on December 12th, using the occasion to call for more referendums on the treaty. Ireland is the only country to hold a referendum. The other member states will ratify the treaty through their parliaments.
Some protesters held banners and placards emblazoned with the word "referendum" while others chanted and heckled as Portuguese prime minister José Socrates delivered a speech before signing the charter which will be attached to the Lisbon Treaty.
European Parliament president Hans-Gert Pöttering has since written to more than a dozen of the protesting MEPs - including Ms Sinnott and Mr Allister - warning of disciplinary action. They have been summoned to individual meetings with Mr Pöttering next week before he makes a decision.
Disciplinary proceedings could involve a formal reprimand, the withdrawal of MEPs' daily subsistence allowance for several days or temporary suspension.
Ms Sinnott said she has written to Mr Pöttering explaining that she did not join the heckling. "He has made a mistake. Mine was a silent protest. I didn't make noise so if he punishes me, it will be very unjust."
Mr Allister said he stood up and held a small poster during the protest. Asked if he had taken part in the heckling, he replied: "I certainly gave voice to my belief that there should be a referendum. I made my views known and I make no apology for that."
If the matter leads to disciplinary action, Mr Allister said he would exhaust whatever appeal processes are available.
He accused Mr Pöttering of acting like "a steamroller" over those opposed to the Lisbon Treaty.