Dublin South East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Doolan challenges Taoiseach on future of Europe

Published: 27 September, 2005

Sinn Féin's Dublin Spokesperson on European Affairs & Dublin South East Representative, Councillor Daithí Doolan, has today challenged the Taoiseach, "to listen to people's genuine concerns about the current direction of the EU and act on them."

Speaking at The Future of Europe conference in Croke Park, Cllr. Doolan said:

"This conference, attended by An Taoiseach, gives us the opportunity to debate the issues and challenges facing us in Europe. The Taoiseach needs to stop lecturing us on how to be, so called, good Europeans and he needs to listen to those of us who have a different view to his own.

"Sinn Fein has a clear vision on the future of the EU. Our vision is a Europe that is inclusive, accountable, democratic and a promoter of peace and justice in the world. We need to build a Europe where people's needs are it's central driving force and not simply profit. 150,000 children in Ireland live in poverty, that is inexcusable in today's EU, we must use the EU as a force to eradicate poverty. This view, I believe, is held by a vast majority in today's European's but ignored by the EU super structures.

"Recent events in Holland and France have clearly indicated that the political elite across Europe are firmly out of touch and are now scrambling to piece the jig-saw back together. Ordinary people including trade unions, immigrant groups and community groups need to be part of that picture. To exclude any voice or view is unacceptable and clearly wrong. Today's conference must send out a loud and clear message, we want an Ireland of equals in a Europe of equals."

In conclusion Cllr. Doolan, called on An Taoiseach, "to stop scrambling and start listening to people who continue to be excluded from the EU debate."