Tánaiste Micheál Martin has sung the praises of the European Union during his speech at the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis today, saying that membership of the bloc has helped Ireland to achieve “real sovereignty.”
Speaking just two months ahead of the upcoming European elections in June, the Fianna Fáil leader told party members that “deep and positive engagement with Europe” was “absolutely fundamental for Ireland’s future.”
“Today there is a terrible war on [Europe’s] border, and the basic values of democracy which we value so much are being undermined,” he said, referencing the war in Ukraine, adding: “But there can be no doubt where Ireland must stand.”
The Tánaiste went on to claim that the EU is “one of the greatest sources of peace and economic progress in history.”
“It helped us to achieve real sovereignty,” he said.
“It is a guarantor of our place in the world, and our ability to provide jobs for our people.
“For these and many other reasons, Fianna Fáil believes that Ireland must stand with the European Union.”
The Fianna Fáil leader further called for a “reformed and more effective” EU, saying that this is why the upcoming European elections are “so important.”
“For too long Ireland’s voice in the European Parliament has been weakened by MEPs who endlessly attack Europe and deliver nothing,” he said.
“To enable our country navigate these challenging times, we have to start by electing new, positive voices to the European Parliament – MEPs who will represent Ireland’s interests and values through building alliances.
“We need more MEPs like Billy Kelleher and Barry Andrews.”
He also said that Ireland would need to cooperate with other European countries to handle the “global migration crisis” by signing up to the European Migration Pact.
“We need shared action to reduce numbers and speed up procedures,” he said.
“That’s why we support the European Asylum & Migration Pact – an agreement to deliver a firm but fair response to this profound challenge.”
The Tánaiste then said that Ireland would be helping to “rebuild” Ukraine in the wake of that country’s war with Russia.
“Over two years ago Valdimir Putin unleashed a new phase in Russia’s relentless war against Ukraine,” he said.
“Let’s never forget what is at stake here – Putin is trying to crush the desire of a nation to have a free, peaceful, democratic, and European future.
“Our support for the people of Ukraine must be resolute.
“We must help them to get through this war, and to then rebuild as a future member of the European Union.
“The values which we bring to Europe must motivate our wider concern for peace and human rights in the world.
“Humanitarian work and support for strong international rules must remain central to our work.”
Martin has long been a staunch defender of the European Union’s track record, previously describing it as “the most successful international organisation in world history.”
Speaking in the Dáíl on May 11th 2017 to EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, Martin said: “Let there be no doubt about where Ireland stands: we want nothing to do with a backward-looking idea of sovereignty. We remain absolutely committed to the ideals of the European Union…
“While the extremes of right and left join together to attack it, they have no credible response to the fact that every member state has secured a significant rise in living standards and a Continent once defined by conflict is today defined by co-operation. The Union is flawed, but its successes are undeniable.”