Gilmore backs Maginness for Europe

Tuesday 2 June 2009

Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore TD has called on the people of the North to back progressive politics that can deliver ideas and solutions by voting for SDLP European Election candidate Alban Maginness on Thursday.

He said: "Alban Maginness is an exceptional candidate who throughout his career has dedicated himself to working tirelessly for the people of the North.

"A vote for Alban Maginness is a vote for peaceful, progressive politics and will help deliver a strong and influential voice for the North in the European Parliament that has been lacking since the days of John Hume.

"As sister parties and members of the Party of European Socialists I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Alban Maginness and the SDLP.

"Together we can bring about the change this country so desperately needs and in Alban Maginness, the people of the North have a candidate of principles, ideas and solutions."

Mr Maginness said: "I am immensely grateful for the kind words of endorsement from Mr Gilmore as much as I am proud of the links between our two parties.

"The SDLP, like the Labour Party are part of an international movement as members of the Party of European Socialists.

"In the European Parliament, we will be in a real position to bring about real change and influence our pathway to economic recovery.

"People often ask on the doors if Europe matters to them.

"If people are concerned about jobs, education and the environment then Europe most definitely matters to them.

"Only the SDLP can offer a positively pro-European manifesto with the power to bring about effective representation and positive change that the North has so badly missed over the past five years."

ENDS