Doolan outlines Ireland's leadership role in a changing EU
Published: 25 May, 2006
Sinn Féin's Dublin Spokesperson on European Affairs, Councillor Daithí Doolan, has outlined, "the challenges and changing role for Ireland in today's European Union."
Speaking at today's National Forum on the Future of Europe debate with Catherine Day, Secretary General of the European Commission, Cllr. Doolan said:
"Many challenges lie ahead for the European Union and within that union there are clear and real challenges for Ireland. Europe is at a cross roads, and the question is who will lead them in the right direction. The recent defeats for the European Constitution has thrown the status quo into disarray. The period of reflection is coming to a halt and still the Brussels bureaucrats flounder while attempting to to show the way forward. The political elite are still reeling from the defeats they received in France & Holland.
This is a time for honest consultation and principled leadership. Europe, and indeed the wider world, is looking for honest, principled leadership. The challenge is can Ireland provide that leadership. But unfortunately what the public get is attacks on civil rights, torture planes landing in Shannon, the sale of our natural resources, EU Battlegroups and hunger for millions of our fellow Europeans. I firmly believe, and my party firmly believe, that another Europe is possible. We in Sinn Fein have our eyes firmly set of the goal a Ireland of equals in a Europe of equals, where the enormous wealth generated by ordinary people is used to strengthen our public services, our research and development is focused on improving our quality of live and tackling ill health."
In conclusion Cllr. Doolan urged the Secretary General, "to take the message of back to Brussels, that with the right leadership and correct political will a Europe based on justice, equality and peace would well be realised in our lifetime."
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