Maginness – A Change in Europe in 2009 Can Put Change in Your Pocket

Thursday 1 January 2009

SDLP European Election candidate Alban Maginness MLA has said the party will be working hard in 2009 to achieve a change in the North’s European Parliament representation in order to put change back in the pockets of the hard-pressed and vulnerable.

The North Belfast Assembly member said the North's three sitting MEPs were guilty of a collective failure in effective representation.

He said: "As political leaders we must strive to create a better Ireland and better Europe for all our people in terms of providing investment, economic growth, health, education and infrastructure.

"In these difficult times these are the issues that people on the ground across the North want their politicians to deal with.

"The SDLP are committed to fulfilling these goals and more.

"However, in Europe the North's representatives have been nothing short of a collective failure.

"As the only pro-European party the SDLP can make real representation on behalf of everyone.

"In the current economic climate it is more important than ever to make our voice in Europe heard.

"We only have to look at the example of Iceland who are now clamouring to be let into the European political system to see the benefits of being in the European Union.

"Without European backing Ireland would be facing a similar future to bankrupt Iceland.

"In 2009, the SDLP will rise with energy and enthusiasm to meet the needs of all the people of the North.

The challenges are clear; the need for change is striking. The SDLP is the only party in a position to provide the meaningful change that we all deserve.

"And rather than short-changing the people of the North as the three current MEPs have done, the SDLP will be working harder than ever to put change back into the pockets of those who need it most."

ENDS

Further information:
Alban Maginness: 07890 878955
Or SDLP Press Office 028 9052 1364