FF launches Europe Manifesto with calls for Reform and Creativity at EU Level

Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin TD has launched the party’s European Election manifesto, “A Europe for us all”, calling for genuine reform of the banking system to include a Europe-wide system of salary caps and a more creative approach to help regions suffering from economic downturns.

Deputy Martin was joined at the launch by Pat The Cope Gallagher MEP, Senator Thomas Byrne, Cllr Mary Fitzpatrick, and Kieran Hartley.

He commented, “Europe has demonstrated in its response to the crisis that it requires real reform. Many of the institutions proved themselves unfit for purpose when trouble came and it is vitally important that the new parliament is made up of people who understand the crisis and will push for the reforms that are needed.

“In recent years we have also seen how urgent the need is for greater creativity at a European level in terms of the EU’s vision for the future and its approach to helping generate growth in regions suffering from economic downturns.

“Indeed, this election is by far the most important in the parliament’s history. The range of issues to come before the parliament in the next five years will touch on nearly every aspect of the future of Europe. If there is to be any movement on issues which are vital for Ireland, then leadership will have to come from the parliament because the Commission and Council are showing no interest. I am pleased therefore that in launching our manifesto this morning I am launching a document with real and meaningful proposals for change.

“I am also pleased that Fianna Fáil is putting forward such a high quality slate of candidates with a combination of proven experience and new energy.

“The approach of Fianna Fáil is that we reject the idea that on EU issues you can either quietly agree to everything or you attack everything. We absolutely believe that a strong, successful EU is in Ireland’s interests – and we believe that the only way to achieve this is to be active in the critical debates. In Pat The Cope Gallagher, Brian Crowley, Mary Fitzpatrick, Thomas Byrne and Kieran Hartley, we are offering voters candidates that have the ability and experience to make Ireland’s voice heard in those debates.”

Fianna Fáil European Election Manifesto