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

Doolan Youth lead debate on EU

Published: 19 November, 2005

Sinn Féin Dublin Spokesperson on European Affairs Councillor Daithí Doolan has welcomed, "the opportunity for young people to meet and debate the future of the European Union at today's Dublin conference."

Speaking at today's Youth Conference on Europe in Dublin Castle, Cllr. Doolan said:

"Today's conference is organised by the National Forum on the Future of Europe. The future of the European Union is very dependent on the young people of Ireland. Young people in France & Holland played a very important role in the recent defeat of the proposed EU Constitution in these countries. Today's conference is an important event as it allows young people to debate, discuss and promote a new vision of the EU. The current EU must be radically reformed to include young people, their needs and hopes for the future.

"For too long the EU has removed itself from the reality of young people across Europe, it is time for re-engagement and that re-engagement starts today. While there is a responsibility on young people to engage there is also a serious need for Brussels bureaucrats to reach out of their ivory towers and listen to the youth of Europe. These same bureaucrats got their message in France and Holland, it is now time to act on that message.

I firmly believe that young people here in Ireland do not want to see a militarised, fortress Europe but rather Europe based on principles of justice, peace and equality."

In conclusion Cllr. Doolan called on the government, "at the highest level to take note of what is send here today, otherwise they too will get the same message as their counterparts did in France & Holland."

Cllr. Doolan is the Chair of the Dublin City Council's Strategic Policy Committee on economic Development, Planning & European Affairs.