CLARE TD Michael McNamara has announced he will be contesting the European election in the Ireland South constituency as an Independent candidate.
“When the Irish people voted for greater integration of the European Union, they voted to opt out of justice / immigration measures for reasons as valid now as then. This government is intent on ceding these key areas of national sovereignty to Brussels. That’s why, more than ever, we will need representation in Europe asking the difficult questions,” he said.
“Over the past few years, many people have felt unrepresented in the making of decisions that affect their lives. I have questioned the Government and tried to make them explain the decisions they make, and I will be asking people for their support to do the same in Europe where more and more of the decisions that affect us in Ireland are made,” he added.
The Independent candidate cited agriculture and renewable energy as key issues for him should he be elected.
“I am committed to protecting family farms, which uphold the highest environmental and welfare standards, from greedy multinational retailers and conglomerates, as well as calling for the introduction of price transparency in the food chain at a European level, which our government has resisted domestically. Funding will need to be put in place before farm families on marginal land, who are already under pressure, are required or asked to curtail agricultural activity.
On immigration, the Scariff man said, “While immigration reform is being carried out, the European Union must use its position in the world to address the root causes of mass migration.”
He said he would advvocate for Ireland’s offshore wind energey sector, and that its ” vast potential has been held back by government inertia, as has our biomethane sector.”
Mr McNamara also said that supporting Shannon and other regional airports to reach their full potential would be a priority. He said that he would look for funding as part of the European Green Deal to increase Ireland’s housing stock through the conversion and renovation of upper floors over commercial units throughout Ireland South into residential accommodation. He also said he would work to ensure those on hospital waiting lists can obtain treatment in other European states.
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.