An Taoiseach launches Fine Gael’s campaign for the European Elections 2014

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, will today (Monday) be joined by the Minister for the Environment and Fine Gael’s Director of Elections, Phil Hogan TD, and the Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, to launch Fine Gael’s campaign for the European Elections 2014.

In conjunction with the launch of the campaign the Fine Gael European Elections Manifesto 2014 was published, outlining the objectives of the party in Europe; to drive recovery through Jobs, Stability and Growth. 

Fine Gael is running six candidates across the three constituencies; Minister of State, Brian Hayes TD is running in the Dublin constituency; in Ireland South the Party is running Senator Deirdre Clune, Simon Harris TD and Seán Kelly MEP; and in Midlands North West, sitting MEPs Mairead McGuinness and Jim Higgins are running to retain their seats.

The Taoiseach is embarking on a nationwide tour as part of Fine Gael’s campaign for the Local and European Elections, when he will traverse the country to meet with as many voters as possible between now and polling day on May 23^rd.

Speaking at today’s launch, An Taoiseach said: ‘T hese European elections are the most important for Ireland since we joined the EEC over 40 years ago. On May 23^rd, Ireland will choose the women and men to fill 11 of the 751 seats in the Parliament. That’s a Parliament which will have unprecedented powers, with co-decision powers in almost every important decision’.

“So it is more vital than ever that we send the very best people to represent Ireland in Europe. A vote for the Fine Gael candidates is not only a vote for top quality representation; it is also a vote for MEPs who will have real clout. The Fine Gael MEPs will be part of the largest group in the Parliament, the European People’s Party, where they will have direct influence where it really matters.

“Fine Gael wants Europe to prioritise the issues that make a real difference to people’s daily lives. That’s why our national focus on stability, growth and jobs is one that should be replicated by Europe.   Europe supported Ireland during the crisis. Now I want Europe to support Ireland’s recovery.

“In Ireland, we have come through a tough period during which people made difficult and painful sacrifices to rescue our economy from collapse. While our economy remains fragile, there are clear signs now that these sacrifices are making a real difference. The Irish economy is growing again. While we still have too many people out of work, over 1,000 new jobs are being created every week.

“One concrete way of ensuring that we can build on this progress is to elect strong MEPs who will be strong voices for Ireland in the new European Parliament.”

Minister Paschal Donohoe said: ‘It’s now more important than ever that we send strong, committed and experienced politicians to Europe. That’s why Fine Gael is putting forward a team of six dedicated individuals who want to represent Ireland’s best interests in Europe’.

“As the only directly-elected EU body, the European Parliament is accountable to you, the voter, and it is essential that we have a strong team of serious politicians who can ensure Irish concerns are heard in Brussels. Since the last European Elections in 2009, Europe and its citizens have been through some very challenging times. Fine Gael’s MEPs played a vital role in shaping the reforms and policies that safeguarded the euro and will help to prevent the economic crash from happening again.

“At a time when the recovery is beginning to gather pace here at home, Ireland must maintain a strong relationship with Europe. As a small, open economy, our future growth is heavily dependent on what happens in Europe. Fine Gael MEPs will continue to advance the progress being made on job creation and tackling youth unemployment so we can bring more jobs, stability and growth to every community in Ireland.”

ENDS