Improved supports for businesses & better infrastructure in Dublin are key priorities for FG candidate Regina Doherty

Supporting Irish businesses to get better funding and access to the EU Single Market and ensuring infrastructural projects are delivered more efficiently are among the key priorities for Fine Gael’s Dublin MEP candidate Senator Regina Doherty.

Senator Doherty outlined her priorities for Dublin in Europe if elected as an MEP at an event today (Sunday) which was attended by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe and Minister of State with responsibility for European Affairs, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

Senator Doherty said: “Fine Gael has always been a proud pro-European party and I want to ensure that the interests of our great capital city are served well within the European Parliament.

“Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the local businesses responsible for the lion’s share of jobs in Europe and are vital for the vibrancy of our economy.

“While foreign direct investment is important, Dublin’s SMEs need a voice in Europe. I’ll work to champion SMEs in Dublin and Europe and will combat additional red tape and higher costs for businesses. If elected as an MEP, I will also ensure that SMEs are not left behind in Europe’s transition to a zero-carbon economy and society.

“I will also work with colleagues across the continent to extend the Single Market’s benefits to consumers to ensure they get better value and protection.

“When it comes to infrastructure, while various Government administered schemes are supporting projects in Dublin, I believe that the capital needs greater attention. With targeted investment and better planning, we can revitalise and re-energise communities across the capital.

“As an MEP for Dublin, I will fight for EU resources for key infrastructure projects including the Dublin Metrolink project.

Senator Doherty said she would work towards the successful implementation of the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact which will ensure a firmer and fairer migration system.

“As the gateway to Ireland, Dublin is home to diverse communities. Working in many different sectors, from healthcare to education to IT, migrants enrich Dublin’s society, and several sectors would not be able to function without their input and knowledge.

“Global conflict, however, including the Russian war in Ukraine, and other immense challenges, such as Climate Action, have resulted in an unprecedented movement of people. Ireland alone cannot tackle this which is why the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact is vital,” Senator Doherty concluded.

Minister Paschal Donohoe said: “Having known Regina as a colleague and friend for many years, I know she is a person of enormous ability and determination and would excel at representing Ireland’s interests on the European stage.

“As Social Protection Minister, particularly during the turbulent period of the Covid pandemic, Regina worked hard to deliver solutions aimed at bringing about positive change to people’s lives, and she brings the same focus to her role representing the people of Dublin Fingal.

“I know she will continue the incredible work of our Fine Gael MEPs and I would urge people to give Regina their number 1 vote on June 7^th.”

Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: “There has never been a more important time than now to have a public representative of Regina Doherty’s strength and experience to represent the people of Dublin in Europe.

“With the many challenges the EU are facing, especially on security, defence, climate, energy, and migration, Regina Doherty has the qualities that will best reflect Ireland’s position with our European partners. Regina is sensible, thoughtful, reflective, and decisive.

“Ireland’s participation in Europe is so important and Regina will ensure Ireland’s voice is heard so strongly in the European Parliament.”