Jim Nicholson MEP pictured with Unite Shop Steward, Rodney Stewart from the Japan Tobacco International plant in Ballymena before handing in an amendment to the EU President`s office which has the potential to save jobs in Ballymena.
Jim Nicholson, Ulster Unionist MEP, has condemned the EU's decision not to allow a vote that could save 200-300 local jobs as "disastrous."
Ahead of a final decision on the Tobacco Products Directive next week, Jim has been working tirelessly to secure a vote on an amendment that has the potential to secure the future of jobs in Ballymena.
Despite reaching quorum for signatures in the European Parliament, Mr Nicholson`s amendment has been deemed inadmissible by the Parliament's President, Martin Schultz - a decision Mr Nicholson has labelled "baffling" and "profoundly undemocratic."
Mr Nicholson said:
"I met with representatives of President Schultz's office to personally hand over the amendment signed by MEPs from 13 Member States and across the political spectrum. Nearly 50 MEPs want to put this amendment to a vote.
"For no obvious reason, the scandalous disregard for democratic decision-making in the halls of the EU has unfortunately shown itself once again. It is not only baffling and profoundly undemocratic - it is potentially disastrous for local jobs. It was only four short months ago that democratically elected representatives endorsed a 20 gram minimum pack size for roll-your-own tobacco.
"However, the greater tragedy is not the undermining of basic democratic principles, but the possibility that local high-skilled, high-quality jobs in Ballymena have been needlessly put at risk.
"Given that jobs in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland have been put in jeopardy, I am amazed by how totally disengaged the British and Irish governments have been regarding the impact this will have locally.
"I am disappointed but not surprised that Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson did not protect these jobs in negotiations between the Parliament, Council and Commission when she had the chance.
"I will continue to do all I can to maintain local jobs, however it seems the EU juggernaut, aided and abetted by Sinn Fein, will not even allow a democratic vote on the matter."