Mark Durkan seeks Fine Gael nomination in European elections

Renowned politician Mark Durkan has announced he wishes to be a Fine Gael candidate in the Dublin constituency for the European elections in May.

Mr Durkan, former SDLP leader, said: “The Taoiseach has followed through on a public promise he made last year which was that Irish citizens in the North would not be left behind, including in our ongoing standing as EU citizens, and this is one way of following through with that.

“If elected, there is a chance of an experienced northern voice being there in the European Parliament, someone who was intimately involved in negotiating the Good Friday Agreement, implementing it, understanding exactly how the politics of Westminster have played out in Brexit and elsewhere.

“When the European parliament is dealing with the next stage of Brexit, I would bring insight and integrity in relation to the Agreement and the interests of people in the North.

“I think it’s a very bold move by Fine Gael to recognise this, but I also hope that if I’m elected I won’t only be representing those concerns from the North but also giving representation to the rights and the needs of people in Dublin too.

“This is an election of national importance, this election is an opportunity for voters to make the 24^th of May a green jersey day by having a very strong turn out to emphasise that we value the EU in a very important and fundamental way.

“John Hume always told us to fight European elections on European issues and that is what I hope to do.

“I will pledge to work with colleagues in other parties and beyond party interests in the context of Brexit and the challenges it brings.”

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “I have invited Mark Durkan to join our party and to put his name forward to stand in the European elections for the Dublin constituency. I am pleased to say he has accepted the invitation. We are living in extraordinary times.

“We need in the European Parliament people of ability, experience and vision. We need people who can speak and work for the people of the whole island, for Ireland, not just their constituency.

“Mark has experience of three parliaments. He was an MP at Westminster, he served in the Northern Ireland assembly, and he worked alongside John Hume in the European Parliament. Like John he knows the European Union is the foundation on which peace was built in Northern Ireland and a new relationship forged between the UK and Ireland. As an MEP for Dublin, I believe he will offer leadership for our city in the first place, for the country in the second, and also be a voice for Northern Ireland. Not green or orange, but for all the people, ensuring that after Brexit no one is left behind.

“The final decision on who will run for Fine Gael is not mine to make. It will be made by the members of Fine Gael this Wednesday at our Dublin Convention. Two able people are putting their names forward. One is Mark Durkan. The other is someone who is defined by her courage, integrity, and ability and has played a transformative role in Irish politics and society. As Chair of the Council for the Status of Women, as a Minister, as Tánaiste, as instigator for the referendums on children’s rights and marriage equality, Frances Fitzgerald has been a trailblazer and has helped transform Ireland into the modern country it is today. I hope both are nominated by our members on Wednesday and receive a mandate from the electorate on May 24th.”

Fine Gael’s Director of Elections, Minister Regina Doherty TD emphasised: “In Fine Gael, we are determined to send the strongest possible team to Europe to represent Ireland and get the best possible results for this country. Frances Fitzgerald has had a long and distinguished career at the top levels of Irish politics as well as an impressive track record as an advocate for women. Indeed, for women who have considered entering into politics, Frances was a trailblazer whose example encouraged many of us to follow in her footsteps. Her experience, passion and ability to forge effective alliances, will make her a great addition to our team in Brussels. 

“Mark Durkan is a fantastic addition to this team. In a post-Brexit Europe, our priority will be safeguarding the integrity of the Good Friday Agreement and managing the all-Island challenges presented by the changed landscape.

“Mark, who was centrally involved in the Good Friday negotiations and subsequently a deputy First Minister in the Northern Assembly, will bring just the right blend of insights, experience and judgement to help us do that. Fine Gael is committed to putting forward voices which can speak on behalf of all of Ireland.

“Last year, we supported Ian Marshall, the former president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, for the Seanad where he now sits. Today, in a similar vein, we are delighted to put Mark forward to allow the concerns and views of the island of Ireland to be reflected in Brussels.

“In Fine Gael, we take our role in Europe very seriously. A serious approach has paid off for us over the last few difficult years and is shown in the full support and understanding afforded to Ireland by our European colleagues during the last two years of Brexit negotiations. That is why, when we select candidates for Europe, we are determined to put forward the strongest possible team – the best candidates to reflect all of this Island and who can represent all of us effectively.”