Clare TD Michael McNamara has announced that he will be contesting the upcoming June European elections in the Ireland South constituency as an Independent candidate, claiming that the government is “intent on ceding” key areas of national sovereignty to the EU.
“When the Irish people voted for greater integration of the European Union, they voted to opt out of justice and immigration measures for reasons as valid now as then,” the farmer and barrister said in a statement.
“This government is intent on ceding these key areas of national sovereignty to Brussels. That’s why, more than ever, we will need representation in Europe asking the difficult questions.
“Over the past few years, many people have felt unrepresented in the making of decisions that affect their lives. I have questioned the Government and tried to make them explain the decisions they make, and I will be asking people for their support to do the same in Europe where more and more of the decisions that affect us in Ireland are made.”
The Independent candidate cited agriculture and renewable energy as key issues for him should he be elected.
“I am committed to protecting family farms, which uphold the highest environmental and welfare standards, from greedy multinational retailers and conglomerates, as well as calling for the introduction of price transparency in the food chain at a European level, which our government has resisted domestically,” explained McNamara.
“Funding will need to be put in place before farm families on marginal land, who are already under pressure, are required or asked to curtail agricultural activity.”
Regarding migration, he added: “While immigration reform is being carried out, the European Union must use its position in the world to address the root causes of mass migration.”
“I will be a strong advocate for Ireland’s offshore wind energy sector, with its vast potential held back by government inertia, as has our biomethane sector.”
“Supporting Shannon and regional airports to reach their full potential continues to be a priority,” the TD said, adding that he would use his position as MEP “to advocate for funding as part of the European Green Deal to increase Ireland’s housing stock through the conversion and renovation of upper floors over commercial units on the streets of every town and city in Ireland South into residential accommodation.”
He also said he would work to ensure those on hospital waiting lists can obtain treatment in other European states.
The TD joins a number of other candidates who have already announced their candidacy for the Ireland South constituency, including incumbent Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly and Fine Gael party candidate John Mullins. They are running on a platform of “creating a new rural contract, putting renewable energy as one of Ireland’s largest exports and ensuring that Ireland has a new strong experienced negotiator for our interests.”
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil is running incumbent MEP Billy Kelleher, whom party leader Micheál Martin says believes that “Ireland must stand with the EU against euroscepticism and anti-democratic forces” and who “has a strong track record of delivering for his constituents.” He will be joined by Fianna Fáil candidate and former RTÉ presenter Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, who is seeking “increased regional development,” and “a just transition for Ireland, as we strive to reach our carbon targets in the years ahead”, as well as “internet safety for all”, particularly for young people.
Sinn Féin have selected Senator Paul Gavan and Carlow-Kilkenny TD Kathleen Funchion to contest the election in the constituency, with Gavan saying that his goal is to “advance workers’ rights, protect our environment,” and to be “a voice for social justice both at home and throughout the world.”
Other candidates include Susan Doyle of the Social Democrats, Cian Prendiville of People Before Profit, Patrick Murphy of Aontú, Cork City Councillor Lorna Bogue of the Green Left Party, Derek Blighe of Ireland First, and Independents such as Graham de Barra and Mary Fitzgibbon.