Hayes to Seek Nomination to Stand for European Parliament in Dublin

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South West and Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the OPW, Brian Hayes, has today (Wednesday) announced that he is putting his name forward as a candidate for nomination to run in the Dublin constituency in the upcoming European Parliament elections.

Speaking at Leinster House this morning, Minister Hayes said: ‘I wish to announce my decision to seek a nomination as a Fine Gael candidate for Dublin in the upcoming European Parliament elections. Last night, I informed my local constituency organisation in Dublin South West of my intentions. My decision to run for the European Parliament has come after a period of consultation with my family, with senior figures in the Fine Gael Party and with people whose opinions I value’.

“I have decided to run for the European parliament for a variety of reasons.

“As a senior member of the Fine Gael Party in Dublin, I feel a responsibility to ensure that Fine Gael retains the seat so ably held by Gay Mitchell MEP for 10 years. The elections on May 23rd will, in part, be a vote on the performance of this Government since it took office in 2011. This is the first national mid-term election that Fine Gael has faced in Government in nearly 30 years. Under the leadership of Enda Kenny, Fine Gael has become a winning electoral machine. Every member of Fine Gael wants us to do well in every electoral contest. The upcoming European election campaign is no different.

“This Government rescued this country from almost total collapse and it has put it on the road to recovery. Europe is fundamental to the next stage in that recovery. That’s where I believe I can make a difference in the EU Parliament, given my experience in recent years. During my time in government, I have been involved in negotiations with the European Parliament, the European Commission, the European Central Bank (ECB) and with European finance ministers.

“I have played a close, supportive role to the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD. I intend to use the experience and the contacts I have made to useful effect in the European Parliament. We need to have people in the European Parliament who are fluent on the issues that affect this country, as we move from rescue to recovery.

“Fine Gael has a proud record of nominating candidates for the European Parliament in Dublin who take Europe seriously; Mary Banotti and Gay Mitchell to name just two. With a smaller Irish delegation in the next Parliament, it has never been more important that we send strong politicians to represent this country in Europe.

“If elected to the European Parliament, I will take particular interest in the new banking union, tackling youth unemployment, developing non-bank lending and helping business start-ups and SME growth. I will be a strong advocate for the interests of Ireland, Britain and the European Union being best served by Britain remaining as a full and active member of the EU.

“I have always been a strong supporter of the European Union. The European Union has been a powerful organisation for good; good for Ireland and good for Europe. I want to be an Irish voice shaping the future evolution of the European Union through one of its key institution, the European Parliament. I believe my experience will help me make a worthwhile contribution if elected.

“Dublin is one of the great European cities. As a country we need Dublin to continue to be the economic powerhouse of the country. I want to be a strong voice for Dublin in the European Parliament.”