National Forum on Europe must become a 32 county Forum
Published: 19 October, 2006
Speaking at today's meeting of the National Forum on Europe, Sinn Fein's Dublin spokesperson on European Affairs Cllr. Daithi Doolan congratulated the Forum for it's work on this it's 5th anniversary.
Speaking in Dublin Castle today, Cllr Doolan said:
"Today's forum is discussing Civic Participation in the EU, and more than ever before there is both a need and a desire for a greater level of public debate about Ireland's relationship with the European Union. Sinn Féin believes that the National Forum on Europe can play an important part of this debate. It should become a truly national 32 county Forum with representatives from parties across the whole island, as all parties should engage with Europe on an all Ireland basis. The National Forum must provide a space for communities from across the 32 counties as well becoming more grassroots, engaging with people in the most direct manner possible; and it must become more plural, honestly representing the wide range of views that exist across the whole of Ireland today. If the Forum takes this approach, its contribution in the next 5 years will be even more significant that its contribution to date."
Cllr. Doolan explained,
"that Sinn Féin had a vision for an EU that respected the democratic rights of the people of each Member State. We believe that the enlarged EU must adopt a new set of priorities including the elimination of poverty within its borders and the reform and strengthening of the United Nations to advance justice and peace in the wider world. We are actively working to achieve an Ireland of equals in a Europe of equals. We oppose current attempts to turn the EU into a superstate or a military and economic superpower because we value Irish sovereignty and Irish neutrality".
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